Youth Engagement Specialist

Valley Youth House; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401k with match

Disability Insurance

FSA Accounts

Wellness Programs

Referral Program

Job summary

Valley Youth House is seeking a Youth Engagement Specialist to support day-to-day operations at the Youth Designated Access Point, provide gateway services, and coordinate youth housing and referrals. You will document progress in HMIS and maintain professional boundaries across sites.

The role emphasizes a harm-reduction approach, joint collaboration with community partners, and consistent scheduling of assessments and hotline coverage to empower youth and families.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of working with youth and young adults.
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate agency vehicles.
• Never convicted of any prohibited criminal or child abuse offense.
• Sound judgment and knowledge of youth development.
• Organized with ability to manage multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operations of the Youth Designated Access Point including drop in days, shelter placements, rotating hotline coverage and assessment schedules.
• Provide gateway services and case management support using a harm-reduction approach.
• Conduct housing assessments for the Youth Designated Access Point and follow up to coordinate youth housing services.
• Provide youth referrals and linkages to community-based services; track follow-up and progress.
• Complete required tracking and program documentation in a timely manner, including HMIS entry.
• Maintain professionalism and appropriate boundaries in all settings where services occur.

Skills

Driver's license

Operate agency vehicles

Sound judgment

Organizational skills

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a Trauma Informed / Healing centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development and cultural awareness into all aspects of our agency. We want our clients and staff to feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and be empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.

Essential Functions for the Youth Engagement Specialist

• To Support the day-to-day operations of the Youth Designated Access Point including drop in days, shelter placements, rotating hotline coverage and assessment schedules.
• To provide gateway services and case management support using a harm-reduction approach.
• To conduct housing assessments for the Youth Designated Access Point and follow up support to coordinate youth housing services
• To provide youth referrals and linkages to community-based services. This includes tracking follow up and status of referrals and youth progress with services.
• To complete required tracking and program documentation in a timely manner. This includes entry into local HMIS.
• To maintain professionalism and appropriate boundaries and conduct in all settings where services may occur including, but not limited to agency the day-to-day operations of the Youth Designated Access Point including drop in days, shelter placements, rotating hotline coverage and assessment schedules.
• To provide gateway services and case management support using a harm-reduction approach.
• To conduct housing assessments for the Youth Designated Access Point and follow up support to coordinate youth housing services
• To provide youth referrals and linkages to community-based services. This includes tracking follow up and status of referrals and youth progress with services.
• To complete required tracking and program documentation in a timely manner. This includes entry into local HMIS.
• To maintain professionalism and appropriate boundaries and conduct in all settings where services may occur including, but not limited to agency vehicles, community locations, and office spaces.

Minimum Qualifications for the Case Manager

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• 1 - 2 years of working with youth and young adults
• Have and maintain a valid driver's license and ability to operate agency vehicles.
• To never have been convicted of any prohibited criminal or child abuse offense.
• Possess sound judgment and knowledge of youth and young adult's development.
• Organized and highly adept at managing multiple tasks and assignments

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing X Occasionally
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. X Occasionally
• Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. X Occasionally

*If eligible: Medical, Vision Dental, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k Benefits and employer match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition assistance, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.