Outreach and Engagement Support Worker

JOB TITLE: Outreach and Engagement Support Worker

REPORTS TO: Access and Engagement Program Supervisor


SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday (7:00am-3:30pm)

LOCATION: Venice, CA


STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement for use


DRIVER POSITION: Yes [f yes, please reference driving policy]

SALARY RANGE: $22.00/hr


ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.


SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of over 100 employees.


SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.


ABOUT THE ROLE:

As a member of the Outreach team team, the Outreach and Engagement Support Worker will work at SPY's Access Center location in Venice to provide services for SPY members experiencing homelessness as well as attend outreach sessions with the Outreach team. The Outreach and Engagement Support Worker will help coordinate outreach related programming, activities and events. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of direct service to at-risk populations and trauma-informed care. Specific knowledge or experience related to transitional aged youth experiencing homelessness is a plus.


WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Organize and coordinate engagement activities (document day, off-site outings, etc.)
• Complete and submit all required forms, case records, statistical reports and documentation to the Director of Empowerment Programs within designated timelines.
• Keep detailed notes and track data in SPY database and HMIS
• Participate in meetings with collaborative agencies and other community meetings as directed.
• Develop close working relationships with local service providers, outreach workers, case managers, and collaborative agencies.
• The Outreach & Engagement Support Worker will be the first point of contact for all new youth. Meet with all new clients that visit drop-in center daily.
• Ensure the grounds and facility are safe and secure for youth, staff, and volunteers.
• Utilize a harm-reduction, trauma-informed, housing first model when working with youth.
• Support drop-in and other on-site programming as needed
• De-escalate conflict and provide crisis intervention support
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Requirements

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or any related field is preferred .
• 1-2 years of experience providing direct services to at-risk youth including counseling and advocacy is preferred.
• Must possess advanced computer skills including word-processing, database operations, spreadsheets and other software systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Docs
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to deal with conflict and crisis using mediation and de-escalation techniques
• Knowledge of Social Service resources for youth experiencing homelessness or at-risk of experiencing homelessness
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities and sexual orientations in a multicultural environment
• Must have valid CA Driver's License and proof of insurance

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to View email address on click.appcast.io. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are limited.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.


NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee's introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. It is the supervisor's responsibility to orient the employee and to communicate the expectations of the supervisor and SPY, as well as to evaluate whether the employee has the necessary level of skill, job knowledge, motivation, and attitude to become a regular member of the SPY staff. New employees are also encouraged to seek guidance and assistance during this period. Employees who fail to demonstrate the expected commitment, performance and attitude may be terminated at any time during the introductory period. However, completion of the introductory period does not change or alter the "at-will" employment status. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.


EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.


Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.


Please include references in your application.