Engagement Specialist - Adolescent Shelter - Day / Swing

$49,275 - $60,070/Yr

Youthcare - Seattle, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Seattle, WA

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Engagement Specialist at YouthCare plays a crucial role in the daily management of the Adolescent Shelter, which serves young people aged 12-17 experiencing homelessness. This position is designed to create a safe and supportive environment for vulnerable youth, helping them transition towards self-sufficiency. The Engagement Specialist will work under the supervision of the Program Manager or Supervisor, ensuring that the shelter operates smoothly and meets the needs of its residents. The role requires a commitment to building trust and rapport with young people, many of whom have faced significant challenges, including housing instability and exploitation. In this position, the Engagement Specialist will engage, support, and coach young people using healing-centered engagement practices and a strength-based approach. Responsibilities include providing on-site supervision, crisis intervention, and maintaining professional boundaries while fostering a nurturing environment. The specialist will also be responsible for completing necessary paperwork, maintaining accurate case records, and adhering to agency policies and procedures. Collaboration with site staff, partners, and volunteers is essential to create a dynamic and constructive atmosphere for the youth. The Engagement Specialist will develop and deliver programming aimed at fostering life and social skills, ensuring that young people are equipped with the tools they need for long-term stability. This includes coordinating basic needs, facilitating educational and recreational activities, and providing transportation for outings. The position requires flexibility in scheduling, as shifts may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. Overall, the Engagement Specialist is a vital part of YouthCare's mission to empower young people and help them achieve their potential.

Responsibilities

• Build trust and rapport with young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability.
• Engage, support, coach, and develop young people using healing-centered engagement practices and a strength-based approach.
• Provide on-site supervision while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention and services to young people.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data collection, including intake, enrollment, and case notes as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, shift notes, logbooks, and other types of documentation.
• Execute Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) tasks and accreditation standards and adhere to all agency policies and procedures.
• Comply with the agency's mandated reporting requirement and report suspected abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation of minors.
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all site staff, partners, and volunteers to create a nurturing environment for young people.
• Support with coordination of basic needs, including meals and referrals to systems of support.
• Develop and deliver group and individual programming to foster life and social skill development.
• Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, and staff from other agencies in support of youth.
• Communicate client needs and behaviors to the appropriate staff and refer young people to necessary services.
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including disinfecting surfaces and performing light janitorial work.
• Participate in regular supervision, client consultations, and staff meetings.
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment.
• Maintain annual completion of 24 hours of in-service training.

Requirements

• 6 months of experience successfully working with vulnerable young people or young people in a crisis, during outreach efforts or in a residential setting.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs, and reports.
• Ability to establish new partnerships and foster positive relationships with existing partners.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain safety.
• Ability to develop and lead programming/classes/activities.
• Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
• Commitment to YouthCare's initiative to build cultural proficiency across the agency.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's Degree or four years of successful experience with young people in a crisis or outreach setting.
• Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group dynamics, residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred.
• Bilingual

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs