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. The purpose of this onsite housing program is to offer services to residents to enhance their ability to maintain independent living. Supportive services provided by Youth Support Specialists address the unique needs of each individual program participant. Essential Functions: Work with referrals from Hennepin County Coordinated Entry System to confirm eligibility for programming at Archdale and/or St. Barnabas apartments.Support Coordinated Entry referrals through the tenancy application process with Aeon Management for housing at St. Barnabas or Archdale apartments.Work with program participants in development of a client centered and trauma informed goal plan.Facilitate connection to medical services if the need is immediate with culturally appropriate and accessible health care providers.Assist participants to read mail, understand bills, and the details of these such as school information, bills, invitations, junk mail.Assist program participants with completing and understanding county paperwork, housing renewal applications, or emergency assistance support; childcare, transportation, applications, response to notices, and advocating for community resources.Assist program participants in strengthening/learning independent living skills. Some examples include cleaning, laundry, cooking, communicating with property management, and being neighborly.Facilitate community connections for participants including, as appropriate, academic support, sports, arts, cultural, leadership and employment programming.Follow-up with participants to ensure effective outcomes of assistance provided.Progress data entered into HMIS as needed.May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed. Relationships: This position reports to the Program Manager who reports to the Program Director. 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 Multilingual 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.