Youth Support Specialist

Description

Summary: Seeking two dedicated and passionate individuals to join our outreach team in supporting youth and young adults in both school and street settings. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for building connections with youth through street and school outreach, collaborating with school social workers, and distributing essential resources such as gift cards, food, transportation assistance, and access to critical documents like permits, driver's licenses, and birth certificates. Excellent benefits package with this flexible fulltime, weekday role starting at $21/hr. is ideal for those seeking careers in social services.

YMCA Outreach Teams support youth and families facing homelessness, eviction, unemployment, and systemic challenges by connecting them to life-saving resources and comprehensive services.

You will meet at the Emma B Howe (NE) and then leave in the YMCA outreach van daily. This position requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements.

The salary for this position starts at $21.00 hourly. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

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.

Essential Functions:

Verify the family and/or participant's eligible status and assist in completing the FWI.

Assist in providing connections to resources in the community and to the Resettlement Network to help identify direct social services, resources, and community connections based on the FWI.

Help with connection to Resettlement Network partners and refer participants to Family Assisters locally, provide information about local schools and immediate assistance such as with reading school papers and notices, after-school homework help as needed.

Facilitate connections for school-aged youth including after-school activities such as academic support, sports, arts, cultural, leadership and employment programming.

Facilitate connection to medical services if the need is immediate with culturally appropriate and accessible health care providers as well as to a Resettlement Network partner connection.

Assist families to read mail, understand bills, and the details of these such as school information, bills, invitations, junk mail.

Assist with applications for local opportunities for youth and families such as youth programs sign-up, scholarship application, summer camp, etc.

Connect refugee families with appropriate social groups, activities and programs that will help with ongoing support after RSS services are completed including recreation opportunities, mentor programs, community education classes, etc.

Provide information about community events, recreational activities, social activities that connect them to their community.

Assist with applications that fall outside of the Resettlement Network scope such county paperwork, renewal housing applications, reading mail pertaining to housing communications, or emergency assistance support; childcare, transportation, applications, response to notices, and advocating for community resources.

Follow-up with participants to ensure effective outcomes of assistance provided.

Progress data entered MRIS 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 Director who reports to the Program Executive. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff.

Qualifications:

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

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 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.

Requirements

Summary: We are seeking two dedicated and passionate individuals to join our outreach team in supporting youth and young adults in both school and street settings. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for building connections with youth through street and school outreach, collaborating with school social workers, and distributing essential resources such as gift cards, food, transportation assistance, and access to critical documents like permits, driver's licenses, and birth certificates. Excellent benefits package with this fulltime, weekday role starting at $21/hr.

YMCA Outreach Teams support youth and families facing homelessness, eviction, unemployment, and systemic challenges by connecting them to life-saving resources and comprehensive services.

As part of our youth outreach team, you will conduct intake assessments, helping individuals get connected to housing resources and basic life coaching. You will play a key role in providing immediate support to those in need, passing out food and other basic necessities on the streets, and assisting youth with their day-to-day challenges.

You will meet at the Emma B Howe (N.E.) Location, where you will take the outreach van and travel through-out the twin cities metro and surrounding areas to provide outreach services.

This role is ideal for individuals with life experience or backgrounds in human services, social work, or related fields. Flexible scheduling is available to accommodate class schedules. A degree OR equivalent experience is equally valued

Key Responsibilities:

Engage with youth through street and school outreach.

Build relationships with social workers and partner agencies.

Distribute food, gas, and other resources to those in need.

Assist with obtaining vital documents (permits, IDs, birth certificates).

Conduct intake assessments and connect youth with housing resources.

Offer basic life coaching and support with immediate needs.

Essential Functions:

Provide case management services in a youth and family-focused, culturally competent manner, including needs assessments, case planning, and documentation.

Identify and refer to appropriate community resources, ensuring coordination of services.

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with peers, community partners, educators, and families to achieve program goals.

Develop supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with youth and families.

Offer guidance to team members, interns, and volunteers as needed.

Perform administrative duties to support program operations.

Qualifications:

Required:

Bachelor's degree/background in a related field (Human Services, Social Work, Youth Development, etc.) OR equivalent experience is equally applicable

Minimum 2 years of experience in youth development, including case management and working with diverse, low-income, at-risk youth.

Ability to work flexibly, including hours around class schedules.

A passion for helping youth and making a difference in their lives.

Strong time management, communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to problem-solve effectively using available resources.

Ability to work independently and self-direct tasks.

Experience working with diverse populations.

Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel).

Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification within 30 days.

Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities (if applicable).

Ability to pass DQF certification and medical physical.

Preferred:

Multilingual skills.

Prior fundraising experience.

Work Conditions:

Ability to perform physical activities, including walking, standing, running, throwing, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

Ability to travel locally for meetings and activities.

Relationships:

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.

The salary for this position starts at $21 hourly. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.

This position is grant funded and requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements.

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