Youth Specialist

Ozone House; Ypsilanti (MI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Ypsilanti is seeking a Youth Specialist to provide care and supervision for at-risk youth in residential programs. The role requires at least 2 years of experience working with similar populations and a high school diploma. Responsibilities include facilitating life skills workshops and ensuring safety during shifts. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication and crisis management skills. Full-time positions require weekend shifts and participation in on-call coverage.

Qualifications

• 2+ years' experience working with at-risk youth.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively engage youth.
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development and Trauma Informed Care practices preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supervision and support to youth in residential programs.
• Facilitate life skills training and workshops.
• Monitor client activities and ensure safety.

Skills

Engagement with diverse backgrounds

Crisis management

Communication strategies

Knowledge of youth development practices

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

OUR COMMITMENT

POSITION SUMMARY

2+ years' experience working with at-risk youth (homeless, runaway, history of trauma, abuse, mental health, etc.) The Youth Specialist is responsible for direct care, including the provision of supervision, crisis intervention and appropriate modeling, for at-risk youth in either of Ozone House’s residential programs. Attendance at monthly staff meetings and participation in the on-call coverage rotation are additional expectations of the role.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma (required)

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 2+ years' experience working with at-risk youth (homeless, runaway, history of trauma, abuse, mental health, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability effectively engage youth with diverse backgrounds
• Experience managing crisis situations
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care practices (preferred)

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Knowledge of office management practices, including record‑keeping and administrative support
• Familiarity with planning and executing events, including logistics, budgeting, and promotion
• Familiarity with document preparation, editing, and filing systems
• Familiarity with non‑profit regulations, compliance, and reporting requirements
• Awareness of the issues and challenges faced by homeless or at‑risk youth
• Proficient in communication strategies for internal and external audiences
• Awareness, appreciation and ability to work with individuals from different cultural backgrounds, understanding the impact of culture on individuals and communities

REPORTS TO

• DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Shift Coverage Duties

• Complete scheduled shifts ensuring safety and providing modeling, resource information, crisis intervention and/ or other assistance as appropriate
• Provide direct client supervision and observation while on shift maintaining their daily needs and activities as well as always knowing client whereabouts on and offsite during recreational activities. Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive programming space
• Monitor and enforce applicable program rules and policies. Ensure program integrity
• Demonstrate appropriate modeling behavior/ communication and maintain a professional relationship with the client(s)
• Utilize strengths‑based and restorative approaches to promote positive youth development
• Facilitate individual and group life skills training and workshops, on topics such as health & hygiene, conflict resolution, nutrition, anger management, self‑esteem, communication, personal boundaries, employment search & maintenance, budgeting and food preparation
• Assist youth to prepare healthy meals
• Pass medication as assigned and follow medication administration policy and procedure
• Complete and log bed checks from 11:00 pm through 7:00 am
• Read recent client logs, updates and other program documentation
• Maintain on‑going documentation including logs, life skills notes, incident reports and other related documentation
• In an emergency or for matters requiring immediate consultation, contact the on‑call staff
• Promptly inform Case Managers, Prevention Coordinators and Therapists of important issues involving their client(s)
• Assist with household cleaning and maintenance (emptying trash, recycling, dishes, laundry, organizing the office, etc.)
• Transport clients as assigned. Maintain a good driving record and insurance
• Provide advance notice to supervisor and find replacement if unable to work a scheduled shift
• Always remain on duty until relieved by another staff. While on shift, stay on Ozone House property unless prior approval from a supervisor has been given
• Abide by all Ozone House, Inc. policies and procedures

Non‑shift Duties

• Attend weekly supervisory meetings with the Director of Residential Services or Residential Coordinator.
• Attend scheduled Residential Team meetings and Peer Supervision
• Attend mandatory trainings to enhance skills and meet licensing requirements (50 hours in the first year of employment and at least 25 hours each year thereafter)
• Answer and respond to after‑hours Crisis Line Calls. Complete associated documentation. Contact on‑call when the situation necessitates
• Perform other job duties as assigned

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in grant writing and other fundraising efforts
• Be familiar with and use the NASW Code of Ethics and Ozone House policies and procedures to guide practice and decision making
• Maintains individual credentials and participation in education and training as necessary to maintain current competency in skill areas necessary to perform job duties
• Maintains working knowledge of software applications used in performance of daily duties
• Represent Ozone House at community events and conduct oneself in an ethical, mature, and professional manner with honesty and integrity, welcoming clients, coworkers and other stakeholders with dignity and respect

WORK ENVIRONMENT, PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TRAVEL

This job operates in a professional office environment. The physical demands of the position include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; driving or riding in a motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking, bending, reaching, and stretching; and lifting up to twenty‑five (25) pounds unassisted. This role routinely uses standard office equipment with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, so long as it creates no undue hardship to the agency. Must have reliable transportation to be able to travel and maintain the rigors of a busy schedule.

POSITION CLASSIFICATION, TYPE & EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Full‑time Youth Specialists work five shifts (including at least one weekend (defined as Friday, Saturday, or Sunday shift) and are expected to report to work regardless of census. Part‑time Youth Specialists can work up to 29 hour per week. (Working more than 29 hours per week requires prior approval from a supervisor.) Shift assignments may vary depending on the needs of the agency. Shift schedules are as follows: 7:00 am – 3:00 pm, 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, and 11:00 pm – 7:00 am. All youth specialists are required to work some holiday shifts regardless of full or part‑time status.