Youth Specialist

Youth SpecialistThe Youth Specialist is responsible for direct care, including the provision of supervision, crisis intervention and appropriate modeling, for at-risk youth in either of Ozone House's residential programs. Attendance at monthly staff meetings and participation in the on-call coverage rotation are additional expectations of the role.Educational Requirements:High school diploma (required)Associate's degree (preferred)Experience Requirements:2+ years' experience working with at-risk youth (homeless, runaway, history of trauma, abuse, mental health, etc.)Demonstrated ability effectively engage youth with diverse backgroundsExperience managing crisis situationsKnowledge of Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care practices (preferred)Knowledge & Skills:Knowledge of office management practices, including record-keeping and administrative supportFamiliarity with planning and executing events, including logistics, budgeting, and promotionFamiliarity with document preparation, editing, and filing systemsFamiliarity with non-profit regulations, compliance, and reporting requirementsAwareness of the issues and challenges faced by homeless or at risk youthProficient in communication strategies for internal and external audiencesAwareness, appreciation and ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, understanding the impact of culture on individuals and communitiesReports To:DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICESEssential Job Functions:Complete scheduled shifts ensuring safety and providing modeling, resource information, crisis intervention and/ or other assistance as appropriateProvide direct client supervision and observation while on shift maintaining their daily needs and activities as well as always knowing client whereabouts on and offsite during recreational activities. Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive programming spaceMonitor and enforce applicable program rules and policies. Ensure program integrityDemonstrate appropriate modeling behavior/ communication and maintain a professional relationship with the client(s)Utilize strengths-based and restorative approaches to promote positive youth developmentFacilitate individual and group life skills training and workshops, on topics such as health & hygiene, conflict resolution, nutrition, anger management, self-esteem, communication, personal boundaries, employment search & maintenance, budgeting and food preparationAssist youth to prepare healthy mealsPass medication as assigned and follow medication administration policy and procedureComplete and log bed checks from 11:00 pm through 7:00 amRead recent client logs, updates and other program documentationMaintain on-going documentation including logs, life skills notes, incident reports and other related documentationIn an emergency or for matters requiring immediate consultation, contact the on-call staffPromptly inform Case Managers, Prevention Coordinators and Therapists of important issues involving their client(s)Assist with household cleaning and maintenance (emptying trash, recycling, dishes, laundry, organizing the office, etc.)Transport clients as assigned. Maintain a good driving record and insuranceProvide advance notice to supervisor and find replacement if unable to work a scheduled shiftAlways remain on duty until relieved by another staff. While on shift, stay on Ozone House property unless prior approval from a supervisor has been givenAbide by all Ozone House, Inc. policies and proceduresNon-shift Duties:Attend weekly supervisory meetings with the Director of Residential Services or Residential Coordinator.Attend scheduled Residential Team meetings and Peer SupervisionAttend mandatory trainings to enhance skills and meet licensing requirements (50 hours in the first year of employment and at least 25 hours each year thereafter)Answer and respond to after-hours Crisis Line Calls. Complete associated documentation. Contact on-call when the situation necessitatesPerform other job duties as assignedSupplemental Functions:Participate in grant writing and other fundraising effortsBe familiar with and use the NASW Code of Ethics and Ozone House policies and procedures to guide practice and decision makingMaintains individual credentials and participation in education and training as necessary to maintain current competency in skill areas necessary to perform job dutiesMaintains working knowledge of software applications used in performance of daily dutiesRepresent Ozone House at community events and conduct oneself in an ethical, mature, and professional manner with honesty and integrity, welcoming clients, coworkers and other stakeholders with dignity and respectWork Environment, Physical Demands and Travel:This job operates in a professional office environment. The physical demands of the position include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; driving or riding in a motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; and lifting up to twenty-five (25) pounds unassisted. This role routinely uses standard office equipment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, so long as it creates no undue hardship to the agency. Must have reliable transportation to be able to travel and maintain the rigors of a busy schedule.Position Classification, Type & Expected Hours of Work:Full-time Youth Specialists work five shifts (including at least one weekend (defined as Friday, Saturday, or Sunday shift) and are expected to report to work regardless of census. Part-time Youth Specialists can work up to 29 hour per week. (Working more than 29 hours per week requires prior approval from a supervisor.) Shift assignments may vary depending on the needs of the agency. Shift schedules are as follows: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, and 11:00 pm – 7:00 am. All youth specialists are required to work some holiday shifts regardless of full or part-time status.