Youth Engagement Specialist Outside In 11 reviews - Portland, OR 97205 $15 an hour Youth Engagement Specialists facilitate the day-to-day services offered in the Day Services Program and are responsible for both individual and group work with culturally diverse youth. They support a range of skill building activities: ID assistance, benefits acquisition, food planning and preparation, healthy recreation, empowerment and self-exploration, time management and budgeting, pre-employment skill building, etc. Youth Engagement Specialists are also responsible for utilizing a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach and responding to crises. They serve as the contact person for a caseload of 15-25 youth on the waiting list for case management, assisting youth with application support for the on-site housing program, and connecting them with case management, employment, education, and recovery-oriented supports to be successful in their Individual Service Plans. Youth Engagement Specialists are also responsible for helping youth learn and practice healthy communication skills. They work with their team to address issues of racial equity among participants. The long-term goal of the Day Services Program is to help youth build the skills and access the resources needed to exit street life. Responsibilities Build positive relationships with youth through role modeling and mentoring. Help new or returning youth navigate the screening and assessment process. Educate youth about the Homeless Youth Continuum and how to access available services and resources. Engage youth in Outside In program offerings. Provide individualized support to youth. Serve as Contact Person for youth accessing the Day Services Program. Work with youth to develop and follow through on their Initial Goal Plans and meet program expectations. Respond to youth crises as needed. Assist with group activities. Coordinate with agency and community resources to remove barriers and enhance youth opportunities for success. Assure material and operational support of the Day Services Program. This can include assisting with maintaining cleanliness of program areas and assisting with food program support as needed. Establish and facilitate effective communication with staff. This includes serving as a conduit of information for teammates and between program staff and supervisors. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all services and interventions in the electronic data tracking system. Commitment to continual learning and quality performance. Participate in discussions, events, workshops, and trainings offered by Outside In to foster cultural awareness. Meet youth worker core competencies. Maintain professional boundaries and performance at all times. Qualifications Three years of relevant experience and competency working with adolescents and young adults. Knowledge of homeless resources. Experience with case management activities. Experience or familiarity with Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, and Positive Youth Development approaches. Excellent organizational skills and follow-though. Strong communication skills. BA/BS in related field preferred . Basic computer skills. Maintain professional boundaries and performance at all times. Skills and knowledge in crisis intervention, mental health issues and alcohol and drug concerns, skills development, service coordination, and homelessness desired . Role model for culturally diverse youth preferred. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred . At Outside In , were guided by a belief in each individuals potential for change and growth. Since 1968, we have been successfully empowering homeless youth and other marginalized communities to become healthy and self-sufficient. With a stable leadership team and a collaborative approach to community partnerships, we value hope, integrity and compassion. We believe our people are our greatest asset and we value their competence. Oregon Business Magazine ranked us as One of the 100 Best Nonprofits to work for in Oregon seven times. At Outside In, your time and talent truly make a difference. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to workforce diversity. Multicultural and intersecting diversities are highly valued. Please apply online here : http://www.outsidein.org/index.php/employment/ 4 hours ago - save job - original job