Youth Support Specialist - Independent Living Program

Job Type
Full-time
Description
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Founded: 1981
Mission: To strive for equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision.
Values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, & Advocacy
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Youth Support Specialist (YSS)-ILP
Employment Classification: Hourly, Non-exempt
Reports to: ILP Supervisor
Department: Programs
Program Summary: The Independent Living Program provides support services, individualized case management, workshops, and special events to help youth ages 16-21 prepare for emancipation.
Position Summary: YSS provides one-on-one engagement, assessment, instruction, guidance, and support to youth. This position requires a flexible schedule.
Requirements
Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Complete initial and on-going assessment of youth for eligibility and needs in order to set goals and action plans.
• Regularly meet with youth to support progress toward goals and action plans.
• Independently make significant case plan decisions regarding assigned youth.
• Provide crisis intervention and link youth to appropriate crisis services.
• Provide a strong, positive, and highly professional presence amongst partners and in the community.
• Participate in partner collaboration meetings and be able to evaluate processes and discuss challenges assigned youth may be experiencing.
• Maintain contact with stakeholders such as social workers, etc.
• Update and maintain web-based database to track notes, goal progress, etc.
• Provide outstanding customer service.
• Participate in all other organization meetings and trainings.

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Sociology, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or related field required.
• One-year experience in the human services field, higher education, working with homeless transitional age youth, current and former foster youth, counseling, or relevant experience.
• Possess basic understanding of developmental learning theory and adolescent and child abuse issues.
• Ideal candidate will have an understanding of systemic issues which impact transitional age youth such as issues with social services, law enforcement, criminal and civil legal systems.
• Ability to work sensitively with traumatized youth using a trauma informed, survivor centered and harm reduction approach.
• Ability to navigate vicarious trauma when working with transitional age youth.
• Makes sound and timely decisions under pressure. Recognizes what is most suitable in particular situations. Effectively makes decisions in non-standard situations. Exhibits independence, decisiveness, and responsibility.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications; Outlook, Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
• Possess a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.

Essential Qualities:

• Demonstrates operating principles of communication and teamwork.
• Displays the essential attitudes by approaching projects, activities and other job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Displays ethical decision-making ability and confidentiality.
• Models' leadership and professionalism with youth.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and maintain organization.
• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation's mission, vision, and values.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws
Salary Description
$24.04 - $26.04 per hour