YAC - Youth Development Specialist

Covenant House Missouri; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate Youth Development Specialist to engage and support at-risk youth aged 14 to 24. In this fulfilling role, you will provide essential care, mentorship, and life skills training, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for young people facing challenges. Collaborating with a dedicated team, you will empower youth towards stability and independence through transformative programs. If you are passionate about making a positive impact and have the skills to connect with youth, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in their lives.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required; some college or experience preferred.
• Driver's license is necessary for this role.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care, supervision, and programming for youth.
• Develop and conduct life skills and group activities.
• Maintain a secure and well-maintained facility.

Skills

Youth Engagement

Mentoring

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Flexibility

Time Management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Some College or 2 Years Experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Assessment Tools

Database Systems

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

Covenant House Missouri (CHMO) welcomes youth who are runaway, trafficked, at-risk, or experiencing homelessness with unconditional love, absolute respect and a place to call home. Beyond shelter and basic needs, we deliver transformative solutions to help young people ages 14 to 24 build productive, independent and sustainable lives.

In accordance with the CHMO mission and guiding principles, the Youth Assessment Center Youth Development Specialist is responsible for providing youth engagement, youth safety, youth mentoring, and transportation services. Providing goal-oriented support, direct care, supervision of the youth, developing and leading youth activities. The YAC Youth Development Specialist is part of an overall team including the case manager, program manager, and other support services, who work to engage, empower, and encourage youth toward stability.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for establishing and maintaining good relationships with appropriate boundaries with youth.
2. Assess and meet youth's immediate basic needs such as food, clothing, medical attention, etc.
3. Manage the day-to-day workflow while providing direct care, supervision, and programming for youth, in accordance with CHMO policies and procedures.
4. Transport and accompany youth home, to appointments, and partnering agencies in company vehicles.
5. Responsible for developing, organizing, and conducting life skills and group activities to prevent and resolve problems related to human relationships and self-care.
6. Ensure that the facility is secure and well-maintained at all times.
7. Report all maintenance concerns to the onsite manager in a timely fashion.
8. Maintain an environment in which the needs of the youth are addressed in a manner that is comfortable, motivating, and consistent with CHMO service philosophies.
9. Conduct life skills training and safety-related drills for the youth.
10. Responsible for proper administration of medication and first aid per CHMO policies and guidelines.
11. Provide agency presentations in the community to schools, service providers, and other community-based groups and organizations.
12. Represent the agency at community-based fairs and events.
13. Assist with the day-to-day operations, upkeep, and stocking of the pantry.
14. Lead, plan, and/or participate in group activities and meetings for youth as assigned.
15. Record and maintain records, required paperwork, and documentation according to agency policy and procedures.
16. Assist the onsite manager in planning appropriate community-based and leisure activities for youth.
17. Participate in all required training and staff meetings, completing at least 40 hours of training annually.
18. Support CHMO service philosophies - Housing First, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Strength-Based Approach, and Positive Youth Development - including acting in accordance with all organizational and legal protocols, policies, and procedures.
19. Participate in the organization Quality Improvement Program through incident reporting and identifying opportunities for improvement.
20. Ensure confidentiality of youth personal information.
21. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

Education & Experience:

Minimum requirements:

1. High School diploma, or General Education Diploma (GED); some college or two years' experience preferred.
2. Driver's license.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve shared goals, showing diplomacy and flexibility when there are conflicting opinions; supporting other people's performance to achieve the best possible results.
2. The ability to take control of a situation.
3. The ability to relate to, and feel comfortable with youth and people at all levels and to be able to make and maintain good working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public.
4. The ability to write concisely and convey meaning in a manner appropriate to different readers.
5. The ability to respond to, anticipate, and positively manage change, as it relates to the youth.
6. Flexible team player who thrives in environments requiring ability to effectively prioritize and juggle multiple concurrent tasks.
7. The ability to relate to coworkers and mitigate conflict with coworkers.
8. The ability to implement tasks within an allotted timeframe.
9. Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
10. The ability to follow policies, regulations, and laws pertaining to the delivery of human services.
11. Knowledge of mental health, trauma, substance abuse, homelessness, etc.
12. Proficient in Microsoft Office, assessment tools, database systems, and Windows environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to perform a range of physical motions including, but not limited to:

1. Lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs.
2. Moderate concentration.
3. Frequent interruptions.
4. Moderate noise level.
5. Moderate sitting, standing, and eye strain; light walking, bending, and lifting.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://covenanthousemo.applicantpro.com/jobs/3628339-765734.html