Youth Support Specialist

Job Summary: The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for assisting and providing support for youth and/or families to services and programs which satisfy specific identified needs. The incumbent demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with youth and/or families while performing all aspects of their designated program. This position works with young people who have exited the foster care system, ages 14 up to their 23rd birthday. The role primarily serves Hennepin, Anoka, Carver, and Scott counties. The program assists youth develop a goal plan that promotes self-sufficiency and independence: support with education, employment, money management, community resources, safe and stable housing, pro-social activities, etc. Staff supports youth in pursuing their education goals, housing specific resources, tools and programs in the community, and opportunities such as Youth Leadership Council. Essential Functions: Perform all case management functions and responsibilities in a youth focused, culturally competent manner. This includes but is not limited to needs assessment, case planning and management, documentation, etc.Identify, make referrals to, and coordinate necessary and appropriate community resource programs.Establish and maintain working relationships with peers, community and court appointed partners, educators, youth support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals.Develop and maintain supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with youth.May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.Perform required administrative duties for the program according to deadlines and timelines.Facilitate group curriculums and prosocial activities.Demonstrate professionalism in the areas of time management, youth work, and communication. Return all emails and phone messages, that warrant a response, within 24 hours, unless out of office.Communicate and interpret YFS programs, objectives, policies, and operating procedures to all department staff, volunteers, and Y members as needed.Complete trainings and/or certifications required of program.Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.Attend all required meetings including internal YMCA meetings and external community-based meetings.Be a good steward of the resources available. This includes understanding allowable purchases based on program/contract, diligently tracking all items given to youth, reporting on purchases, and submitting expense reports in a timely manner.Provide transportation to youth when needed. Relationships: This position reports to the Program Director who reports to the Program Executive. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff. Qualifications: Required Bachelors Degree in related field (such as Human Services, Social Work, Corrections or Youth Development) or equivalent experience.Minimum of 2 years of experience working in youth development to preferably include case management, working with diverse, low income and at risk youth or related human service experience.Demonstrated professionalism in the areas of time management, communicationAbility to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.Must be able to work in an independent and self directed mannerExperience working with diverse populationsBasic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employmentAbility to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable. Preferred MultilingualPrior fundraising experience Work Conditions: Ability to perform a variety of physical activities with program participants which may include but are not limited to walking, standing for long periods of time, running, throwing and lifting up to 50lbs.Ability to travel locally to attend meetings. Additional Notes: This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Branch Executive, Program Executive or YMCA representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.