Engagement Specialists (ON-CALL) - Casa - Bilingual (Spanish & English)

WORK SCHEDULE:   This position is On-Call specifically for Adolescent Housing Services (Under-18), part-time, and non-exempt.  Work schedules will vary and may include days, weekends, swing, grave, and holidays depending on program need.  Shifts Coverage Needed: (Day shift hours are from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Swing shifts are 3:00pm to 11pm or 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Grave shift hours are 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. or 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.). On-Calls typically work mostly weekends, holidays, and emergency shift openings but schedules may vary due to emergent needs of program.  On-Calls receive $1.75 per hour pay differential in lieu of benefits. 

All applicants who work in our Casa de los Amigos program will receive an additional $2.00 per hour language differential.

AT YOUTHCARE:  YouthCare envisions a community where no young person experiences homelessness, all young people have the opportunity to thrive, and the systems that oppress them are dismantled. YouthCare serves young people of many racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs, and we seek a workforce that reflects that diversity.

ABOUT YOUTHCARE: YouthCare works to end youth homelessness and to ensure that young people are valued for who they are and empowered to achieve their potential. Founded in 1974, YouthCare was one of the first programs to serve runaway and homeless youth on the West Coast. The goal was to help young people find safety today and build a future for tomorrow. Over four decades, we’ve defined best practices and developed programs that are a national standard for excellence. Using a youth-centered approach, we ensure that young people experiencing homelessness ages 12-24 have the hope, skills, and confidence to gain long-term stability.

COVID vaccinations are mandated at YouthCare. Employees will be required to submit proof of vaccination or have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation at time of On-Boarding. Please note: Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

NON-MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEES ARE REPRESENTED BY THE OFFICE AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES’ INTERNATIONAL UNION (OPEIU) Local 8.

ABOUT ADOLESCENT HOUSING SERVICES:  YouthCare’s Adolescent Housing Services is composed of two short-term shelters - HOPE Center and Adolescent Shelter, a shelter for unaccompanied minors Casa De Los Amigos, and long-term transitional living program Pathways. This department serves adolescents aged 12 to 17, is licensed by Washington State Department of Licensing Resources, and follow the Washington Administrative Codes (WAC 110-145-XXXX).

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Manager and/or Program Supervisor at each program location, the On-Call Youth Counselor for Adolescent Housing Services is responsible for the daily management of the program site. All Housing programs are open 24/7 and per agency licensing requirements, program must maintain safe staff and client ratio to provide services to our clients. Youth Counselor's task is to create a safe and caring environment for high risk youth in residence who are preparing to transition to become more self-sufficient. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive, and responsible environment for change.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide on-site supervision, while maintaining professional boundaries in providing crisis intervention to residents. Must be able to apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation and problem-solving skills.
• Provide transportation with agency vehicles and or support for appointments (medical, counseling, etc.) as needed.  
• Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office, personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.).
• Maintains a flexible work schedule (filling shifts on weekends, early and/or late hours) and must be willing to be cross-trained in providing support with shift coverage in On-Call basis for the program and the agency, as required by individual program and agency needs.
• With direction from Manager or Supervisor, help plan for, direct and/or provide support for recreational, educational, and therapeutic activities that are in alignment with service plans and permanency goals.
• Instruct and assist youth in self-care skills/tasks, including personal care and preparing food for meals and snacks in accordance with posted menus. May be required to assist in packing client belongings and cleaning and sanitizing of exited bedrooms.
• Depending on program needs, at designated times, prepare and cook meals for up to 20 clients.
• Attend and fully participate in training sessions as required by program contracts (a minimum of 24 hours is required per year for Pathways, Hope Center, and Adolescent Shelter. A minimum of 40 hours per year is required for Casa).
• Respond to program leadership for shift openings. Must provide monthly availability for at least three shifts per month. 
• Read and Complete daily progress notes, emails, logbook, and any other tracking documentation of provided client services.
• Comply with mandated reporting requirements as outlined in the WACs.
• Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including the restrooms, laundry room, the community room, and adjoining deck. Perform light janitorial work, including vacuuming carpets; taking out trash; sweeping/mopping floors; and similar tasks. Compile maintenance requests and submit to Program Manager or Program Supervisor as needed.
• May need to dispense medication, and complete related documentation. May need to perform weekly medical reconciliation and update med binder forms and complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.
• Complete incident reports on any facility damage, medical emergencies or any significant incident which occurs in program or with client care.

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 –

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• 1 year of experience successfully working with at-risk-youth or young adults in a crisis, during outreach efforts or in residential setting.
• High School Diploma or GED.
• Experience and credentials must comply with program contract requirements including but not limited to the Washington State Department of Children, Youth & Families (DCYF) background check and must be at least 21 years of age.  DCYF background checks is required for all employees working in Under-18 Housing programs.
• Fluency in Spanish (both written and verbal).

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group dynamics, residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred. Bilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

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).
• DCYF Clearance must be maintained for entirety of employment when working with under-18 clients.
• Ability to obtain a current Food Handler’s Card
• Successful completion of pre-service trainings as required by contracting agencies.  Trainings such as CPR & First Aid (Adult/Child), Bloodborne Pathogens, and Behavior Management.  
• Employees who drive YouthCare vehicles as a requirement for their position, must be at least 21 years of 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 Defensive Driving and 15-passenger Van trainings.  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.
• Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word
• Initiative, creativity, reliability, flexibility, thoroughness
• Strong oral and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar and punctuation
• High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures and restricted and/or confidential information.
• Ability to deal therapeutically with behavioral and emotional problems presented by youth and understanding of emotionally, physically and sexually abused youth.
• Ability to coordinate overall program functioning.
• Ability to answer program phone, complete intakes/exits, and communicate with guardians, supervisors, and community resources. Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs and reports.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
• Ability and willingness to stay awake and alert during overnight shifts.
• Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain staff and youth safety.
• May be required 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.
• 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 REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform 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.

BENEFITS: Tax-deferred 401(k) retirement participation is available to eligible On-Call employees after successful completion of the 90-day Introductory Period. On-Call employees also earn Sick and Safe Leave in compliance with the City of Seattle Ordinance.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: YouthCare is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs and YouthCare is committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, regardless of actual or perceived sex; race; color; religious creed; national origin; ancestry; age; marital status; pregnancy; nursing parent status; physical, mental or sensory disability; medical condition; genetic information; sexual orientation; gender (including gender identity or expression); military or veteran status; or any other basis protected by federal, state and/or local laws. People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

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