Engagement Specialist (Overnight) - Orion Center

Engagement Specialist (Overnight) – Orion Center

This is a bargaining unit position represented by the OPEIU. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.

WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full-time regular and non-exempt. The work schedule is Monday through Wednesday (3:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.) and Thursday through Friday (12.5-hour overnight shifts) from 7:45 p.m. – 8:15 a.m.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Shelter Services Manager, the Engagement Specialist is responsible for the supervision of 20 shelter guests (ages 18-24) and the nightly management of the program site. In conjunction with other shelter staff, the Engagement Specialist’s task is to create a safe and supportive environment for shelter guests. This role must be comfortable establishing appropriate boundaries, enforcing shelter rules, providing crisis intervention, and attending meetings. Must also have the ability to establish rapport with young people experiencing homelessness who may struggle with chemical dependence or behavioral and emotional challenges.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build trust and rapport with young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, young people who have experienced sexual exploitation and/or young people who are at risk.  
• 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. Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation, problem-solving and mediation skills. Be willing to intervene in times of crisis using these skills.  
• Complete necessary paperwork and data collection, including intake, enrollment, case notes as needed. Additionally complete incident reports within the required timeframe on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary functioning of the site.  
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, progress notes, logbooks, and other types of documentation and enter data into YouthCare’s CaseWorthy client management system according to agency standards.  
• 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 within the required timeframe.   
• Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all site staff, partners, and volunteers to create a nurturing, dynamic, and constructive environment for young people.
• Support with coordination of basic needs, inclusion of meals, referrals to systems of support, clothing, etc.  
• Develop and deliver group and individual programming to foster life and social skill development. Programming provides an opportunity for youth and young adults to engage, increase knowledge and skills, and moves young people toward the agency’s four core outcomes - housing stability, financial independence, community support, and wellness.  
• Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professionals, crisis services personnel, and staff from other agencies in support of youth.   
• Communicate client needs and behaviors to the appropriate staff, and refer young people to appropriate and necessary services, as needed.
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including disinfecting surfaces and following cleaning protocols. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming/sweeping/mopping; taking out trash; and similar tasks, as outlined by site need and agency protocols. Compile maintenance requests and submit to program leadership/maintenance staff as needed  
• Participate in regular supervision, client consultations, and staff and agency meetings. Attend and fully participate in meetings, professional development opportunities, and designated training sessions as required.  
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.). 
• Maintain a flexible work schedule (Filling shifts on some weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in an on-call basis for the program and agency, as required by individual program needs.
• Reliably attend and participate in training and development as needed for your role and the needs of our Agency as a whole such as program requirements, DEI&J, supervision, and others as identified. 
• Contribute to our DEI&J culture by creating at least one SMART Goal related to DEI&J within your control to deliver.

ENGAGEMENT CENTER SERVICES RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Encourage young people’s movement from emergency services to case management, and education and employment programming. 
• Staff regular drop-in, stabilization, and engagement shifts reliably, safely, and therapeutically. 
• Multi-task in a fast-paced and hectic environment. 
• Develop relationships with other community agencies to facilitate contacts and services for young people, as needed. 

This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to meet the needs of our clients, and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific responsibilities listed in this description.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS –

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:   

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience and credentials must comply with program contractual requirements, including but not limited to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) background clearance process and must be at least 21 years of age. DCYF Clearance must be maintained for entirety of employment when working with under-18 clients.
• 1 or more years of relevant work experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, relevant work experience, and/or lived experience (4+ years) 
• Ability to stay awake and attentive during shift.
• Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs and reports. 
• 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 staff and young peoples’ safety. 
• Ability to develop and lead programming/classes/activities. 
• Ability to assume responsibilities or duties within the agency not specifically delineated in this job description for short periods of time or on an infrequent basis. 

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience working with young people experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, and systemic oppression. 
• Experience within workforce development systems, education and/or employment. 
• Intermediate computer software skills including Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word, and Excel 
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Development, Psychology, or related field 
• Bilingual

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Must be able to provide I-9 supporting documentation for employment.
• Ability to provide a negative TB Test (results must be within one year of hire date).
• Employees who drive YouthCare vehicles as a requirement for their position must be at least 21 years old, possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License, meet minimum safe driver criteria established by the agency and our insurance company which includes completion of driving certification courses. Drivers under the age of 25 must have been licensed for at least 3 years and those operating vehicles with a capacity of 15 or more passengers must be at least 25 years old.
• Ability to obtain a current Food Handler’s Card
• Successful completion of pre-service training courses as required by contracting agencies. Training such as CPR & First Aid (Adult/Child), Bloodborne Pathogens, and Behavior Management. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Commitment to YouthCare’s initiative to build cultural proficiency across the agency. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.

PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Ability to perform a range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; running for brief periods of time; and go up and down stairs.