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.

2. Essential Functions

• Meeting s with youth who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness at schools or site based weekly. This is a highly mobile position. We conduct outreach in the (suburban) areas of Anoka, Ramsey and Hennepin.
  
• Demonstrate
  professionalism i
  n the areas of time management, youth work, and
  communication.
  Return all emails and phone messages within 24 hours that warrant a response, unless out of office.
  Return all text messages and phone calls within the workday.
  
• Complete intakes for all youth who need resources or
  referr
  als including but not limited to shelter, coordinated entry, and prevention.
  
• Understand and operate our Youth Resource Line on any given day from 8am-8pm. This requires the a
  bility to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.
  
• Perform required admini
  strative duties for the program according to deadlines and timelines. The ability to case note and update Outlook Calendar daily is a MUST.
• 
  Attend all required meetings assigned by manager including those pertaining to Homeless Outreach and Coordinated Entry.
  
• Communicate and interpret YFS programs, objectives, policies, and operating procedures to all department staff, volunteers, and Y members as needed in the community during outreach, at meetings, or tabling events.

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.

Required

• Bachelor’s 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, communication
• Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.
• Must be able to work in an independent and self directed manner
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)
• Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employment
• Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.

Preferred

• Multilingual
• Prior fundraising experience

• 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.
  

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 association’s 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.