Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth Engagement Specialist

Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region. Through the holistic integration of its Pillars of Opportunity, Sasha Bruce is able to provide safe homes, life skills, and workforce development to meet the unique needs of homeless youth. For more than 45 years, Sasha Bruce has implemented innovative interventions aimed at ending youth homelessness in the DC region. Today, the programs in DC and Prince George's County, MD, reach over 6,500 runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected youth, and their families.

In addition to competitive pay, we offer health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, vacation, sick and maternity/paternity leave, as well as a 403(B) plan.

Chloe Program

Chloe house is a Pre and Post- Transitional Care Facility for adolescent girls referred by the DC Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Our mission is to provide a supportive environment while fostering relationships with our community partners to ensure successful and positive outcomes for our residents. At Chloe House, we provide counseling, life skills training as well as educational and medical support. Some of the programs that our residents participate in include Sasha Bruce's Family Strengthening Program and the PASS program, where we offer family counseling and educate youth on relationships, personal development, and self-expression. Chloe House also promotes reunification efforts and provides access to other essential resources while the youth are in temporary care. Overall, our goal as a facility is to provide residents with holistic care to help them take the necessary steps to rehabilitate.

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) is responsible for the coordination of the daily activities of the Chloe House. The YES creates a safe and caring environment for high-risk youth in the residence that are in crisis. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, and responsive environment for youth. The YES is responsible for monitoring the safety and conduct of house residents, engaging in positive interactions with youth and other staff and providing clinical and crisis intervention as needed. This position is part-time Friday through Sunday 10 PM to 8 AM EST.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries, and crisis intervention and counseling services to youth in residence. Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills
• With direction from Program Manager, help plan for, direct, and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with treatment or permanency goals
• Answer and record all phone calls and visitors, maintain supervision of the house, enforce house rules and ensure house safety. Work collaboratively with other SBY staff, programs, families, collateral agencies, to help youth develop or follow-through on individual service plan goals
• Engage with youth in a variety of activities from breakfast through bedtime, supporting them in achieving daily goals, and engaging them in productive dialogue, building life skills, and problem solving
• Facilitate life skills groups on topics of interest to teens relative to positive social and emotional development.
• Makes regular house check inspections inside the building and in the area immediately outside and checks individual rooms routinely.
• Maintain necessary records, including but not limited to, legible, comprehensive and accurate reports of house activities in the house log, daily point logs, etc.
• At times, prepare and cook meals for up to 15 youth
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the house including coordinating and managing residents' daily chores. At times, perform light janitorial duties such as sweep, mop, taking-out trash. Advise Program Manager of building maintenance needs.
• Carry out emergency fire evacuation and emergency procedures in case of an illness or accident.
• Assist with shift-coverage when schedule gaps present due to staff shortage including a willingness to work occasional weekend or evening/early shifts.
• Participate in required annual training required by licensing agency or by Program Manager or Clinical Director.
• Participate in regular supervision and staff meetings as assigned by Program Manager.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualification

A high school diploma or GED required with at least 2 to 3 years' relevant experience in Human Services or related field, preferably working with adolescents/young adults.

• Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills
• Must have the ability to gain and sustain various background and clearance checks as required.
• Must have and maintain a current driver's license.
• Possess basic computer skills and great customer service skills.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be detailed orientated and able to multi-task.
• Ability to work extra hours, attend meetings/training, when needed.

Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 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. Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. is also committed to comply with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.