Resource Center Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

In every job at Rod’s House, our mission and vision are embedded deeply into the responsibilities. A job at Rod’s House is about more than completing tasks; rather, it is about prioritizing building positive and lasting relationships with the young people who are victims of crime, other staff, volunteers, and our community. 

Our Mission: Rod's House builds authentic connections with young people, encourages them in feeling respected and secure in who they are, empowers them to reach their full potential, and positively connects them to the community. 

Our Vision: Rod's House envisions an END to youth homelessness in the Yakima Valley. To break the cycle of homelessness we engage volunteers, donors, and the community to ensure young people's basic human needs are met and that they have a safe, stable home; permanent, positive connections; meaningful education and employment opportunities; behavioral and physical health care; and supports that reinforce their individual abilities.

Position Information

Title: Resource Center Specialist

FLSA Status: Hourly, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Location: Resource Center

Reports to: Resource Center Program Manager

Overview (what unique role does this position play within Rod’s House?)

The Resource Center Specialist is an integral part of the work that we do on a daily basis at the Resource Center. The Resource Center Specialist helps support a wide-spectrum of needs for youth and young adults experiencing homelessness. The Resource Center Specialist needs to be passionate about working with young people, model positive behavior each day, flexible in an often rapidly changing environment, and client-focused in all interactions with young people. The Resource Center Specialist is a team player and also a leader.

Duties and Responsibilities

Organization of Services

• Plan and implement the layout of the clothing room and keep track of minimum on-hand requirements;

• Recruit and schedule community meal partners;

• Meal prep prior to opening on days that meal partners aren’t scheduled;

• Assist young people in completing intakes;

• Stock outdoor pantry on a daily basis;

• Support Resource Center Program Manager with other duties, as assigned.

Window Services

• Greet young people at the window;

• Hand out hygiene, clothing, food, and other supports as requested.

Entry and Exit Screening

• Identify individuals before entrance into the Resource Center;

• Conduct COVID-19 screenings and temperature checks on all people entering the Resource Center;

• Perform weapon checks on all people entering the Resource Center;

• Interact with donors, volunteers, and other stakeholders that positively represents Rod’s House;

• Communicate to young people the importance of accurately utilizing check-in/check-out system;

• Ensure the front door of the Resource Center is locked upon entry or exit.

Drop-In Services

• Serve as a consistent presence in drop-in space during open hours;

• Prep and serve meals to young people;

• Ensure young people are adhering to guidelines for the Resource Center;

• Help young people access permission-based services such as case management, behavioral health, showers, and laundry;

• Perform general housekeeping duties for downstairs and upstairs public spaces including, but not limited to, cleaning, vacuuming, mopping, dusting, organizing.

General

• Build authentic relationships with young people accessing the Resource Center;

• Provide general assistance and support as directed;

• Give tours to stakeholders, as needed;

• Maintain a positive, non-judgmental, trauma-informed approach;

• Actively seek opportunities to be inclusive and equitable. 

Complete all duties as assigned and other duties as required.

Required or Preferred Education and/or Experience

• At least 1 year of experience working directly with youth (ages 13-17) and young adults (ages 18-24), particularly youth and young adults experiencing homelessness (required);

• High school diploma or equivalent (required) / Bachelor’s degree (preferred