Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice.
Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system.
The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.
Position Specifics
Hiring Salary: $20.00 base hourly + $2.00 shift differential for evenings, weekends, or overnight shifts. An additional $2.00 location differential for shifts worked at our Passageways program.
Job Type: Full-Time – Non-Exempt
Location: Southwest Suburbs, MN
Hours/Days: Overnights – Sun-Wed 10pm-8am
Application Deadline: January 3, 2023
BASIC FUNCTION
The Youth Specialists are responsible for the 24-7 safety, supervision, and security of the youth and building at The Link’s Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter and Housing Program for commercially sexually exploited youth. This position provides program supervision and is responsible for supporting youth and promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere. The position is also responsible for assisting in the holistic case-management support of youth and for developing, supporting and implementing youth programming that is culturally-competent and grounded in positive youth development, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
High level supervision of youth and facility at the Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing Program to ensure safety and security for all youth, staff, and community
Consistently and fairly enforce shelter and supportive housing policies
Develop and facilitate social, educational, and recreational activities that are grounded in youth development and trauma-informed care
Interact with police and child welfare for youth who are dropped off to ensure as smooth a transition as possible
Develop nurturing relationships and maintain healthy professional boundaries
Conduct full intake with youth entering shelter
Assist with case management and coordination of services
Operates phone, security, and front desk systems to create a safe, secure program at all times
Provide clear and daily communication with Program Manager and other team members to ensure holistic, consistent supports and services are in place
Light cleaning and office maintenance
Group facilitation
Complete progress/case notes and maintain participant records
Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed
Provide transportation as necessary or assigned
Create and maintain a community and culture that is warm, welcoming and supportive of all youth 24-7
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
Support the overall growth of the agency
Maintain positive and healthy relationship with co-workers and other related parties
Assist where needed as a team player
Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
Participate in special projects as necessary
Attend all meetings and trainings as required
Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
All other duties as assigned
Requirements
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality and data privacy
Knowledge of advocacy toward girls and women’s rights, gender-based violence, and/or the commercial sexual exploitation of minors
Creative and able to engage a diverse range of needs and learning styles
High level of attention to detail
Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
Ability to work independently
Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
Set schedule; shifts vary; first, second and third shift availability
Preferred knowledge of best practices; trauma informed care, strengths-based approach, harm reduction, positive youth development, etc.
Current driver’s license, reliable vehicle (with current insurance at the levels required by the Link) and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check
Consistent, regular attendance is required
QUALIFICATIONS
Four years of working with high-risk and vulnerable youth or an AA or BA degree in a related field
Experience providing comprehensive and holistic supportive services to young people
Training in youth development, harm reduction, and/or trauma informed care
Knowledge of issues related to minor sex trafficking and gender-based violence, comprehensive programming, child welfare, and court systems
Proven experience providing 1:1 and group supports and/or programming within a shelter or other youth setting
Knowledge of supportive housing program and services
Must be able to be insured via The Link’s transportation/vehicle policy and able to drive Link vehicle
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity
The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
Work environment for this position includes offices, common and residential space with a low to high noise level
BENEFITS
The Link offers benefits to eligible employees such as medical, dental (The Link covers 100% of the premiums), vision, a generous 401k with employer match, over 2 weeks of PTO in your first year, birthday PTO, two days of volunteer PTO, 11 paid holidays/holiday pay, and more!
OTHER
The Link is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Link complies with laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants and employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay, based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, covered veteran status, public assistance status, membership in a local commission, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or other applicable protected classes.
NOTE: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Salary Description
$20.00
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