Program Assistant - Bilingual Preferred

Job Description

Job Description

San Diego Youth Services seeks a Program Assistant in the Community Assessment Team program to be based in San Diego. This is a full-time & non-exempt position reporting to the Program Manager.

San Diego Youth Services: Who we are

San Diego Youth Services has helped improve the lives of more than 834,000 homeless, runaway and vulnerable youth since its beginning in 1970. We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing to more than 16,000 youth every year at 100+ community and school locations. Through prevention, early intervention and treatment, we also help youth before they need higher levels of care or become homeless.

We aim to:

1. Meet the basic needs of youth. Hunger, poverty and youth homelessness are on the rise for many youth and their families today. We help meet these basic needs for youth. What could be more vital than food and shelter? We provide safe places to live and long-term solutions through shelter, foster homes, community centers and housing.
2. Create positive connection. We help youth focus on positive life changes and healthy relationships as part of providing needed resources and services. San Diego Youth Services has long provided foster homes and adoption support services for families considering adopting a youth in the foster care system.
3. Help youth develop life skills. In addition to a range of safe and stable housing options, we offer support to help youth develop the independent living skills necessary to become self-sufficient and keep off the streets.
4. Promote overall health and well-being. Early intervention and care for the whole child are critical. We provide a broad continuum of services to help youth overcome trauma and challenges that put them at risk, including case management, counseling, mental health treatment and educational support and resources.

SDYS has a staff of approximately 200 employees and 90 volunteers working across San Diego County and an annual budget of approximately $24 million. 

You can learn more about us at

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION:

Accountable to Spring Valley & East Communities Campus (SVECC) Program Managers to provide comprehensive trauma-informed services as related to the day-to-day operations of the Community Assessment Team (CAT) program. Responsible for assisting with the general administrative duties including, but not limited to, preparing check requests, data entry, word processing, file and form maintenance, and assistance with data collection and tracking per contract requirements. The goal of the CAT program is to prevent East County youth ages 6-18 from entering or continuing in the juvenile justice system by providing prevention and intervention services for identified at-risk youth and their families. The CAT Program provides services in the home, on school campuses and in the community. Program Assistant is responsible for screening possible intakes, providing intake assessments, crisis management, facilitating appropriate referrals, as well as, community outreach. In addition, responsible for providing prevention and intervention facilitated groups on a variety of topics, including: alcohol and other drug use, teen pregnancy prevention, self-esteem, positive choices, and anger management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. The development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated treatment approach for youth with co-occurring psychiatric and substance disorders and quality trauma informed youth programs that adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of San Diego Youth Services as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality.
2. Participate in appropriate agency-wide committees as applicable.
3. Attend and actively participate in all required agency and contract trainings and meetings
4. Welcome and support volunteers in the organization and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable.
5. Assist in updating policies and procedures for all above named programs.
6. Maintain data collection and contract compliance of records as required.
7. Maintain timely distribution of all incoming and internal mail for the above name programs.
8. Maintain and order all program office supplies.
9. Develop forms to standardized operations, replenish all forms as needed and proofread forms, and correspondence.
10. Operate and maintain office equipment—i.e. computer, copy/fax machine, and coordinate office equipment.
11. Responsible for filing, copying, scanning and faxing as needed.
12. Organize timesheets and mileage for the above named programs.
13. Create flyers for trainings, special events, and activities for the above name programs.
14. Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency policies, applicable regulations and law, including HIPAA.
15. Work collaboratively and cooperatively with staff and volunteers within the program, the center, the agency, and the community.
16. Identify eligible families and children residing or receiving schooling within the East Region through outreach to community-based organizations, government agencies, schools, street outreach including other outreach methods as identified during the program period.
17. Maintain warm, welcoming office grounds and facilities.
18. Assist in planning, coordination, development, monitoring, and evaluation of services for youth and family.
19. Provide initial screening, assessment, short-term crisis intervention services and referrals.
20. Maintain current knowledge of resources and treatment providers within the community to support youth and family needs especially regarding substance abuse treatment programs.
21. Provide public insurance eligibility screening referrals for families who are uninsured and may be eligible for coverage.
22. Facilitate trauma informed and strength-based groups on a variety of topics including substance abuse prevention and tobacco use prevention and/or cessation in various settings, such as community-based organizations, schools, and law enforcement facilities.
23. Maintain program’s space and vehicle cleanliness and safety. Report and coordinate any necessary facility or equipment repairs with Program Manager as needed. With other staff, participate in the maintenance of the day-to-day cleanliness and order of the physical facility and grounds.
24. Other duties as assigned.
25. Perform other Duties as assigned or required

SDYS EXPECTATIONS: 

• Adhere to and uphold the rigorous standards of SDYS as mandated by its mission, purpose, guiding principles and standards of quality. 
• Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards of service partner protected health information and other applicable information and material in accordance to agency and center policies, and applicable regulations and laws including HIPAA. 
• Welcome and support SDYS volunteers and assist them in accomplishing their services whenever applicable. 
• Effectively communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. 
• Recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers. 
• Maintain warm, welcoming and safe work environments.
• Possess flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bilingual (Spanish/English) is preferred. Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or closely related social-service field. Experience with office support and crisis hotline strongly preferred.

Familiar with the Juvenile Justice/Probation and social services systems preferred. Some home-based services experience and knowledge of East County resources is a plus. Ability to de-escalate and respond to crises appropriately. Must be willing to develop or possess working knowledge of trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis treatment; experience working in trauma-informed and dual diagnosis programs preferred. Strong professional oral and written communications skills is a must, as well as, ability to work with minimum supervision and frequent interruptions, while maintaining a professional demeanor at all times. Able to work with multi-disciplinary team in a very diverse setting that serves people of all backgrounds, culture and sexual orientation. Must be computer literate in Microsoft Outlook, Word and Access. Ability to obtain and maintain certification in CPR and First Aid. Must be available to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.

Must have reliable vehicle, relevant auto insurance, a clean driving record, and willing to drive (mileage reimbursement available). Employment offer will be subject to clearances, which include fingerprinting, background checks, TB and drug testing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The ability to bend at the waist, kneel, or crouch to assist youth. 
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, to exchange accurate information and make presentations. 
• The ability to lift and carry 20 pounds-lifting books, materials, and equipment to execute lessons and presentations.
• Able to observe details at a close range and interpret the information (such as reading), prepare, and review a variety of documents related to activities of the youth and to be able to monitor youth activities. 
• Sitting or standing (stationary position) for extended periods of time.
• Traversing extended lengths to move around campuses. 
• Potential exposure to physical injury from aggressive behavior.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. 

Hourly Wage Range: $22-$24

FULL-TIME STAFF BENEFITS: 

• PTO: 18 days PTO + 2 floating holidays + 12.5 paid holidays (32.5 paid days off)
• 403b with 2% employer match 
• Medical, dental, vision, pet insurance
• Mileage reimbursement 
• $2,000 annual bonus for staff who are fully bilingual in Spanish
• $1,500 annual bonus for staff with proficiency in Spanish

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on SDYS website.

SDYS offers a comprehensive benefits package to full time employees that includes generous PTO, personal holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, parental leave and a 403(b)-retirement plan with matching contribution. SDYS is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

All are welcome at San Diego Youth Services.

As an organization working to meet the basic needs of youth, create positive connections, help youth develop life skills, and promote overall health and well-being, SDYS believes its practices and actions must reflect the highest level of commitment to access, equity, and social justice.

The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent that our members invest in their work represents not only part of the SDYS’ culture, but the SDYS’ reputation and achievements as well. SDYS remains open to feedback from all communities it touches and knows that input from those with direct experience of issues will make the SDYS more effective in achieving its goals.

SDYS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, all new employees must verify their eligibility to work in the United States. 

SDYS is proud to be a kindness certified company.