Youth Worker

New Beginnings, Inc.; Lewiston (ME); On-site; USD 19,286 - 30,307; Full time

Job summary

New Beginnings, Inc. is seeking a Youth Worker to staff the Drop-In Center and conduct street outreach for street youth in Lewiston/Auburn. The role involves crisis intervention, information/referral services, and helping youths develop skills and independence.

The position requires fostering a respectful environment, coordinating with Outreach Case Managers, and supporting volunteers and interns as part of a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in a related field.
• Experience working with youth, preferably in a non-residential setting.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Basic counseling and crisis intervention skills.
• Knowledge of community resources.

Responsibilities

• Staff the Drop-In Center during its scheduled hours and maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere.
• Conduct intakes, assess eligibility, and orient new youth to the Drop-In Center and Outreach services.
• Provide information and referrals to Outreach Case Managers for case management.
• Perform street outreach in Lewiston and Auburn to locate youth and establish a consistent presence.
• Oversee volunteers and interns; assist with reports and center upkeep.
• Represent New Beginnings Outreach Program at community events and participate in staff meetings.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Basic counseling and crisis interven|?

Education

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred

Experience working with youth (non-residential)

Driver's license required

Job description

Position Title: Youth Worker

Program: Street Outreach Program

Reports To: Drop-In Center Coordinator

Classification: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

Staffs the Drop-In Center for street youth. Plans and conducts recreational, cultural, social, and youth development activities in conjunction with youth. Manages the physical location, including daily upkeep. Provides crisis intervention, information and referral, and basic needs for adolescents who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless. Performs street outreach services to locate youth who are disconnected from traditional services. Maintains an atmosphere of trust, respect and equality with youth in all service provision.

Essential Job Functions

Youth Work

• Conduct intakes, assess for eligibility, and orients new youth to the Drop-In Center and to Outreach services.
• Establish supportive relationships with homeless/street youth and provide opportunities for the development of skills and interests.
• Provide information and referrals for services, including referrals to Outreach Case Managers for case management.

Drop-In Center

• Staff the Drop-In Center during its regularly scheduled hours and maintain a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all. Assesses and handles crisis situations.
• Develop and assist in facilitating group activities.
• Maintain all required recordkeeping in the Drop-In Center
• Assist with the routine upkeep of the center, including shopping, cooking, cleaning and maintaining needed supplies
• Monitors safety of the facility. and notifies supervisor of problems.
• Monitor the care of infants and toddlers by their guardians in the Drop-In Center.

Street Outreach

• Provide street outreach (on foot and in our van) in areas of Lewiston and Auburn where street youth congregate and establish a consistent presence for their access to services.
• Record number of contacts and amount of materials distributed during Street Outreach.

Other

• Complete any other reports or information as assigned.
• May represent New Beginnings Outreach Program at community events
• Participates in staff meetings, trainings, and other meetings as required by supervisor.
• Assists with overseeing the work of volunteers and interns.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Program Coordinators and/or Department Director.

Specifications and Qualifications

Education and Training

Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred, preferably in a related field. Experience working with youth, preferably in a non-residential setting. Valid driver's license required.

Specialized Skills

Basic counseling and crisis intervention skills. Knowledge of community resources.

Cognitive Requirements

Good problem-solving skills; literacy and writing skills on at least a high school level.

Physical Requirements

Ability to participate in street outreach activities (walking several miles at a time); ability to climb stairs, carry supplies; strength and dexterity to do basic household chores including cooking, lifting, cleaning and vacuuming.

Work Environment

Much time spent in drop-in and staffing the drop-in floor. Some time spent in community environment.