Youth Support Specialist

Role Summary

Under the guidance of the Case Management Program Manager, the Case Manager is tasked with delivering continuous engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation for youth within their designated case load. Responsibilities encompass youth intakes, assessments, crisis counseling via phone, data collection for clients, documentation, file management, and follow-up care. Additionally, the Case Manager contributes to the overall maintenance of the case management program, which includes regular program shift coverage, milieu management, crisis intervention, reporting maintenance issues, and ensuring the program aligns with Urban Peak's mission. The role involves working with youth aged 12-24 who are part of Urban Peak's programs and facing homelessness. Client acuity varies, with many having distinct goals related to mental health, substance use, education, employment, and housing. This position guarantees that all interactions, interventions, and environments at Urban Peak are trauma-informed, emphasizing the physical and emotional safety of both youth and staff.

Candidate Profile:

• High school diploma or equivalent with at least five (5) years of full-time experience working with high-risk youth, OR a Bachelor's degree in human services or a related field with a minimum of three (3) years of experience, OR a Master's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field with at least two (2) years of experience working with youth.
• Fluency in Spanish is required (additional pay of +$1/hr available).
• Lived experience that reflects the youth served is encouraged but not mandatory.
• Ability to effectively connect and communicate in a culturally responsive manner with a diverse youth population.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles, with the ability to implement these strategies.
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks and adjust priorities based on agency and client needs, even in environments that may involve interpersonal conflict and chaos.
• Proficiency in timely and accurate data collection, with the ability to maintain comprehensive and precise client files (this position will utilize Salesforce).
• Must be computer literate and experienced with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Skilled in mediation and de-escalation, particularly in sensitive situations, making sound decisions while maintaining confidentiality.
• Able to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team and engage with partner agencies.
• Team-oriented with the ability to coordinate with various departments and staff.
• Must be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak's auto liability policy to transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and an approved personal vehicle.
• Must successfully pass both federal and state background checks.
• Must complete pre-employment TB screening.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a case load of up to 30 clients, meeting with assigned youth weekly to establish goals, review progress, and provide support and accountability.
• Offer personal interest and attention to each youth, fostering their unique social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
• Assist clients in navigating Urban Peak programs by facilitating timely applications for Neighborhood and Housing programs.
• Provide guidance to youth based on trauma-informed care principles, positive youth development, and harm reduction.
• Support youth and involved parties in securing safe and stable housing.
• Collaborate with other agencies to meet service delivery needs, staying informed on resources and developments in this specialization.
• Foster a shame-free case management relationship, enabling youth to discuss their substance use, sexuality, gender, religion, mental health, neurodivergence, and other identity aspects without fear of judgment.
• Conduct and/or participate in support circles or restorative conversations as necessary.
• Serve as a positive role model by maintaining consistent communication with youth and attending case management meetings punctually.
• Participate in all required staff meetings and weekly supervision, prepared to provide updates on clients.
• Work with parents, legal guardians, or family members towards reunification when appropriate.
• During weekly program shifts (4-5 hours), holiday shifts, and on-call shifts, focus on providing staff oversight of the shelter milieu area.
• Deliver services to youth through a trauma-informed approach, ensuring their physical and emotional safety.
• Facilitate programming that promotes the development of healthy relationships as needed.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff and volunteers to ensure meals are prepared safely and efficiently.
• Guide youth in maintaining cleanliness in their environment, providing direction and support for daily chores.
• Maintain a welcoming presence and assist youth entering the program through intakes, tours, and bed assignments.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support, including managing verbal and physical altercations and offering phone counseling as needed.
• Accurately document all services (including intakes, assessments, case notes, treatment plans, and individual and bulk services) in Salesforce.
• Enter all client documentation in accordance with programmatic data quality standards.
• Obtain Releases of Information for all communication with external supports on behalf of clients.
• Document significant events and client updates in the Communication Log.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with other staff regarding clients.
• Ensure client confidentiality through secure storage of client information.
• Conduct thorough intakes to establish comfort and trusting relationships.
• During intake, assess the level of need and make recommendations regarding youth's involvement in Urban Peak, establishing plans with youth, ensuring follow-through, and making appropriate referrals.

What We Provide:

• Compensation: $24.02 (additional pay of +$1/hr available).
• Comprehensive Employer-paid Medical and Dental plans - Buy-up options available.
• Tele-health & Dispatch Health included.
• Flexible Spending Account & Dependent Care options.
• Vision | Accident Coverage | Critical Care & Hospital Extended Stay Plans.
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Robust Employee Assistance Program.
• RTD Eco Pass.
• 10 Paid Holidays & Paid Sick Time.
• 120 hours of vacation to start.
• Second Language pay differential.
• Support for lateral growth through training and mentorship.

About Urban Peak:

Founded in 1988, Urban Peak is the sole non-profit organization in Denver that offers a comprehensive range of services for youth aged 15 to 24 who are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Our mission is to meet youth where they are and provide the necessary assistance and support to help them achieve self-sufficiency or access essential services to exit a life on the streets.

Urban Peak delivers various programs and services grounded in trauma-informed care and Positive Youth Development principles, assisting youth in reaching their potential and leading successful lives away from the streets. Our offerings include street outreach, a 40-bed shelter for youth aged 15 to 20, a daytime drop-in center, supportive housing, education and employment services, case management, life skills courses, behavioral health evaluations, meals, and more. The youth we serve come from diverse backgrounds, and we strive to create a safe community for all youth, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, class, educational background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability status.

Urban Peak embraces diversity and considers all qualified candidates interested in the non-profit sector. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, HIV/AIDS status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We encourage all candidates to apply.