Full-Time Youth Engagement Specialist

Sasha-Bruce-Youthwork; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. in Washington, DC is seeking a Full-Time Youth Engagement Specialist to support adolescents and young adults experiencing homelessness through case management, outreach, crisis intervention, and life skills education.

You will collaborate with Drop-In Center staff to coordinate services, provide daily living assistance, and engage youth with trauma-informed, harm-reduction approaches while promoting positive youth development and ongoing trainings.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in social services or related field; BSW preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in social services or relevant life experience.
• Willing to work some weekends and evenings; flexible schedule.
• Ability to pass FBI background and other clearances.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate drop-in center activities and provide concrete client support (food, showers, hygiene).
• Coordinate services with staff and partner programs for clients.
• Conduct intake and orientation for individuals seeking assistance.
• Provide crisis intervention and trauma-informed services.
• Engage youth using positive development and harm-reduction principles.
• Deliver life skills education and recreational activities.
• Assist with data entry and maintain case records; attend trainings.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Harm reduction philosophy

Positive youth development

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Strong communication

Multitasking

Education

Associates degree in social services or related field

BSW or similar degree preferred

Tools

Computer & database systems

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Full-Time Youth Engagement Specialist

Full Time Washington, DC, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1798

Salary Range: $20.00 To $20.00 Hourly

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

The SBY Youth Engagement Specialists provide comprehensive services to adolescents and young adults impacted by homelessness and involved in street activities (gangs, violence, drug use/sale and survival sex). Services provided by the youth engagement specialists include, assistance in case management tasks, outreach, crisis intervention, daily living services (food, shower, respite), triage counseling, recreational activities, support groups and life skills education classes and activities. The youth engagement specialist coordinates with the Drop-In Center director, case manager and other supporting programs and local agencies to provide short and long term care necessary to meet the wide range of needs related to homeless and disconnected youth.

Essential Job Functions

• Facilitate daily activities in the Drop-In Center and provide concrete support to clients, including preparation and/or service of food, access to shower and laundry facilities, etc.
• Work in collaboration with other SBY Drop In Center staff to coordinate supportive services for assigned clients
• Intake and orientation for individuals seeking assistance
• Crisis intervention
• Engagement of youth into program structure, using a trauma-informed, harm reduction philosophy and the principles of positive youth development
• Provide wellness and recreational engagement activities, as assigned
• Facilitate life skills education activities and classes, as assigned
• Perform reparative interventions as part of a harm reduction approach
• Facilitate access to daily living needs (food, clothes, hygiene supplies, space to rest)
• Providing advocacy and information to homeless youth in accessing resources
• Mediation of client conflicts
• Street outreach to homeless and street involved young people, as assigned
• Escort youth to appropriate services and provide transportation as part of case plan, as assigned
• Maintain routine administrative responsibilities to include data entry, the preparation of correspondence, maintaining files, mail, email, and telephone.
• Participate in staff trainings, staff meetings and staff group process workshops.
• Participate in weekly supervision and case conferencing

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• minimum of Associates degree in social services or a related field is desirable; BSW or similar degree is preferred
• minimum of 2 year experience working in a social services setting, OR
• Personal experience with street survival activities (homelessness, gangs, drug economy, sex industry) with three years separation from involvement in these activities. Deep understanding of the relationship between personal experience and professional standards.
• Understanding of harm reduction philosophy , trauma-informed provision of services and positive youth development strategies;
• Genuine interest in working with disenfranchised youth and young adults;
• Flexible schedule - position will require some weekend and evening hours;
• Bilingual skills (English and Spanish) are a plus;
• Experience working with LGBTQ youth is a plus;
• Strong communication and organization skills;
• Dynamic energy, able to multi-task and negotiate multiple demands on attention;
• Ability to translate positive youth development techniques into practice;
• Ability to deal with a multicultural and diverse setting;
• Basic understanding of computer and data base systems for managing case records;
• Ability to complete FBI Background check, Police Clearance, Child Protection Clearance, and Driving Clearance

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.