Youth Specialist – C.O.R.E (Part-time)

Description

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 Range: $20.24-$23.00/hour based on qualifications 
• Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Location: Apple Valley, MN
• Hours/Days: Mon-Fri, 2:00-5:00pm 

BASIC FUNCTION

The Link’s CORE Program includes Drop In, Hotel Shelter, Future Independence Pathways, Mobile Case Management and Coordinated Entry Assessments. The basic function of the Youth Specialist position is to support and staff the Drop In program that is open Monday-Friday, 2:00pm- 5:00pm with occasional extended hours due to events & weather. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Creates safe and supportive relationships with residents 
• Uses Trauma Informed Care model in interactions with residents 
• Confidently utilizes conflict resolution and crisis management skills
• Ensures residents are following the rules of the Drop in Center
• Ensures building security and answers the door for youth 
• Maintains guest log and sign in forms
• Performs general office duties 
• Maintains cleanliness of the CORE space, supply closets and common areas 
• Sort and organize donations as well as stocking the drop in space 
• Reports to the Program Manager and Case Managers in regard to residents’ concerns and successes

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 
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Preferred knowledge of best practices; trauma informed care, strengths-based approach, harm reduction, positive youth development, etc.
• Consistent, regular attendance is a must

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with homeless or at-risk populations
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment criminal background screening

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 a generous 401k with employer match, paid time off (pro-rated), birthday PTO, two days of volunteer PTO, 11 paid holidays/holiday pay, and more!

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY 

As outlined in our Compensation Philosophy . The Link believes strongly in pay equity and transparency, and wages that lead our field for similar roles.  To that end, The Link will ensure all new hires are offered the highest wage they are eligible to receive within the position's hiring range based on their years of relevant professional experience, lived experience, and relevant degrees and licensures.  The Link has a “no negotiation policy,” which means candidates should not have to negotiate their way to a fair wage for their skills and experience and will automatically be given the highest wage they are eligible for based on their qualifications. 

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.