Youth Support Specialist - Archdale

1. Job Summary:

The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for assisting and providing support for youth and/or families to services and programs which satisfy specific identified needs. The incumbent demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with youth and/or families while performing all aspects of their designated program.

1. Essential Functions:

• Verify the participant's eligible status and assist in completing the HMIS referral intake.
• Assist in providing connections to resources in the community and to help identify direct social services, resources, and community connections based on the residents needs.
• Facilitate connections for participants looking to improve independent living skills and goals including but not limited too: academic support, cultural specific learning, leadership and employment programming.
• Facilitate connection to medical services if the need is immediate with culturally appropriate and accessible health care providers.
• Assist participants to read mail, understand bills, and the details of these such as school information, bills, invitations, junk mail.
• Connect participants with appropriate social groups, activities and programs that will help with ongoing support during/after services are completed including recreation opportunities, mentor programs, community education classes, etc.
• Provide information about community events, recreational activities, social activities that connect them to their community.
• Assist with applications such county paperwork, renewal housing applications, reading mail pertaining to housing communications, or emergency assistance support; childcare, transportation, applications, response to notices, and advocating for community resources.
• Follow-up with participants to ensure effective outcomes of assistance provided.
• Progress data entered in HMIS/Apricot as needed.
• May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.
• Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

1. Relationships:

This position reports to the Youth Support Program Manager who reports to the Program Director. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff.

1. Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in related field (such as Human Services, Social Work, Corrections or Youth Development) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working in youth development to preferably include case management, working with diverse, low income and at risk youth or related human service experience.
• Demonstrated professionalism in the areas of time management, communication and initiative
• Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.
• Must be able to work in an independent and self directed manner
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employment
• Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.

Preferred

• Multilingual

1. Work Conditions:

• Ability to perform a variety of physical activities with program participants which may include but are not limited to walking, standing for long periods of time, running, throwing and lifting up to 50lbs.
• Ability to travel locally to attend meetings.

1. Additional Notes:

This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Branch Executive, Program Executive or YMCA representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge

The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association's mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.

The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.