Youth Specialist I – Revised

Revised 11-27-24

TITLE:  Youth Specialist I – Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter

On-Site, In Person Direct Services, and Remote Phone Services

Bilingual Preferred

2 OPENINGS – 1 Part time and 1 Intermittent

Part Time:  (Day Shift) Monday – Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Intermittent:  Saturday – Sunday – 10:00am to 3:00 pm AND Monday – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

HOURLY RATE: $17.00+ $1 Bilingual after certification, + $1/hr premium for afterhours work between 10pm-6am

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Youth Crisis & Homeless Services department helps prevent and address youth homelessness by providing a continuum of supportive services with access to emergency and permanent housing. This position is part of the Basic Center Program/Youth Shelter Team and reports to the Youth Shelter Program Manager The Youth Specialist I is responsible for assisting with day-to-day overnight operations of the shelter through a broad array of holistic, culturally, and linguistically responsive supports which includes the direct care of youth, providing crisis intervention and field response services to youth, families and agencies calling the 24-hour crisis line during assigned shift. The Youth Specialist I provides awake supervision during shifts of the facility, grounds, and residents. Position is required to carry out the care philosophies and approaches as they pertain to day-to-day overnight operations of shelter care and Community Care Licensing. Fulltime staff get one hour of overtime for being on call and then if called out they get paid for the amount of time they spent responding out and providing the crisis response.  This position reports to multiple Interface locations including confidential shelters and the Camarillo Office.

OVERVIEW:

1. Ensure the confidentiality of all Interface Shelter locations, pursuant to Safe House standard requirements, is upheld and maintained at all times for the safety and confidentiality of our clients, programs, and facilities.
2. Provide direct supervision and support to shelter residents, including assistance with activities related to daily living (hygiene, nourishment, social skills, education, recreation, and transportation if needed during overnight shift).
3. Conduct facility walk-thru during shift and perform light housekeeping and maintenance as needed. Report to manager any repairs required.
4. Ensure facility cleanliness and organization, both internal and external, as required by Community Care Licensing Standards including all health and safety requirements.
5. Comply with all California laws and Community Care Licensing standards and reporting responsibilities.
6. Complete shelter intake process and ensure site is open and prepared for youth entry.
7. Conduct and participate in intake interviews to determine program eligibility.
8. Lead and supervise in the meal planning to include making of meals for and with program participants.
9. Accurately and thoroughly document youth behavior, incidents, medications, and other program requirements.
10. Maintain updated communication overnight log and resident records in compliance with licensing standards within the designated agency system.
11. Uphold ethical boundaries and follow all program procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of clients.
12. Provide crisis intervention and appropriate referrals to residents, families, and crisis-line phone calls.
13. Assess youth and family needs during crisis and determine need for temporary emergency shelter, provide emergency field response as needed.
14. Conduct room check / bed checks.
15. Complete all required training, attend staff and agency meetings
16. Participate in scheduled staff meetings, supervision, and in-service trainings as required.
17. Adhere to state laws and agency procedures regarding mandated reporting and confidentiality.
18. Engage with youth and partners in a culturally sensitivity, attuned, and responsive manner.
19. Follow specific program requirements by adhering to activities calendar, food menu, and individual case plan daily
20. Other duties as assigned or necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum qualifications include an Associate Degree or equivalent work/volunteer/lived experience working with youth and families in a with crisis intervention capacity, or in a residential facility. Bilingual fluency is preferred; English/Spanish written and oral communication skills. Ability to interact effectively with and collaboratively with youth, mental health professionals, social workers, and law enforcement. Must be able to handle emergency/crisis situations, as well as possess strong skills in decision making, case management, conflict resolution, leadership, and excellent time management skills. Must possess the ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Requires flexibility with schedule as crisis situations may necessitate staff to respond outside of normal schedule. Ability to work night shift/weekend shifts as needed due to shelter coverage. Must be sensitive and competent to serve clients from diverse cultures. Must have completed or be available to complete the required 60-hour human trafficking and domestic violence trainings within 3 months of hire. Must maintain the confidentiality of the shelter locations as well as information pertaining to clients receiving services.

Must comply with all Community Care Licensing Standards which includes proof of current (within 1 year) negative TB test, or willingness to obtain one. Ability to obtain a physical to perform work duties. Valid First Aid and CPR certification or willingness/ability to be certified. Successful background and criminal clearance required and maintained, including but not limited to California Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Child Abuse Index and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).  Proof of a valid California Driver’s License, reliable transportation, proof of automobile insurance (listed as covered), pass and maintain driving approval as required by our insurer.