Youth Engagement Specialist

Bend, OR $50,000 – $55,000 Annually Additional Job Requirements Maintain current driver’s license, good driving record, and vehicle insurance Maintain First Aid/CPR certification Transport youth in personal vehicle as required for mentoring activities (we reimburse for mileage) Must pass a pre‑employment drug screen and background check Working Hours This is a full‑time, exempt position. Work hours are generally 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday–Friday; flexibility is essential. Due to the nature of our role, the work hours are somewhat nontraditional and include late afternoon and evening work. During the school year, the general work week is Tuesday through Saturday, with Sunday and Monday as days off. During the summer, and for spring and winter breaks, there is an option to work a standard Monday‑through‑Friday work week. Core Job Accountabilities Develop and sustain a long‑term, caring, trusting and accepting relationship with youth across their assigned youth and mentors. Step in to provide consistent service to youth during vacation, extended leave or when Friends transition out of the organization. Spend time each week with youth and mentors in the community or at the Friends Ranch. Build awareness of each Roadmap Goal Plan or Transition Plan for each youth across their assigned group. Set realistic expectations and goals based on each youth’s strengths, talents, abilities and needs when serving as an interim mentor. Work with the Program Director and Education Program Specialist to create youth‑centered activities that support youth spark, goals and build a sense of belonging. Teach and model life skills and healthy habits to contribute both to basic development and learning, and to contribute to building positive self‑esteem across all youth. Provide enrichment resources and activities which include opportunities for cultural awareness, diversity, and community service for youth across the organization. Contribute to youth acquiring behavioral management skills, tolerance, respect for others, courtesy and compassion. Develop positive relationships with families, teachers and others involved in a youth’s life. Reinforce basic academic skills and learning. Model and promote good problem‑solving and decision‑making skills. Contribute to the vision, planning and implementation of group activities with the Program Team. Share resources available through the organization, effectively utilizing program resources to meet the needs of each youth. Maintain spending within budgetary guidelines. Attend and actively participate in Admin team meetings. Provide information and support to Development team and related activities as needed. Fulfill other responsibilities as required. Essential Skills And Abilities Ability to relate to youth and to develop and sustain trusting, supportive relationships with them. Strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work with youth in varied capacities and settings to help them learn and grow. Ability to cultivate trusting relationships with caregivers, teachers, and community members. Ability to develop working knowledge of community, systems, and resources of the Central Oregon region. Ability to maintain confidentiality and communicate appropriately within the workplace. Ability to work independently in diverse environments with limited supervision. Ability to manage several concurrent issues and solve problems effectively exercising appropriate discretion and judgment. Ability to set goals and develop plans to meet those goals to ensure the development of youth. Ability to complete administrative tasks accurately and on time. Ability to be physically mobile and meet vehicle driving demands safely while exercising good judgment. Strong written and verbal communication skills; organizational and time‑management skills. Basic computer and keyboarding skills, proficiency with e-mail systems, familiarity with MS Office. Ability to exercise good judgment independently, in various situations and environments, and under varying levels of stress. Understanding, awareness and demonstrated commitment to equity and a willingness to learn more. Ability to maintain boundaries and life balance while still completing work expectations and accountabilities to ensure sustainability and longevity for the youth we serve. Education And Experience Required Associate’s degree and one year of experience working or volunteering with youth, or three years of direct experience in lieu of degree. Lived experience will be considered. Experience with youth who have experienced trauma is preferred. Program Planning experience preferred. Bilingual/cultural candidates preferred. Candidates with knowledge of systems that youth encounter preferred. Friends of the Children - Central Oregon is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friend of the Children - Central Oregon provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children - Central Oregon hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled. #J-18808-Ljbffr Friends of the Children - Philadelphia