Youth Specialist – Passageways

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: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Location: Southwest Suburbs, Minneapolis
• Hours/Days: Overnight, 7 on 7 off

BASIC FUNCTION

The Youth Specialists are responsible for the 24-7 safety, supervision, and security of the youth and building at The Link's Safe Harbor Emergency Shelter and Housing Program for commercially sexually exploited youth. This position provides program supervision and is responsible for supporting youth and promoting a safe, supportive, and nurturing atmosphere. The position is also responsible for assisting in the holistic case-management support of youth and for developing, supporting and implementing youth programming that is culturally competent and grounded in positive youth development, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• High level supervision of youth and facility at the Safe Harbor Shelter and Housing Program to ensure safety and security for all youth, staff, and community
• Consistently and fairly enforce shelter and supportive housing policies
• Develop and facilitate social, educational, and recreational activities that are grounded in youth development and trauma-informed care
• Interact with police and child welfare for youth who are dropped off to ensure as smooth a transition as possible
• Develop nurturing relationships and maintain healthy professional boundaries
• Conduct full intake with youth entering shelter
• Assist with case management and coordination of services
• Operates phone, security, and front desk systems to create a safe, secure program at all times
• Provide clear and daily communication with Program Manager and other team members to ensure holistic, consistent support and services are in place
• Light cleaning and office maintenance
• Group facilitation
• Complete progress/case notes and maintain participant records
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation services as needed
• Provide transportation as necessary or assigned
• Create and maintain a community and culture that is warm, welcoming and supportive of all youth 24-7

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 relationships 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 
• Knowledge of advocacy toward girls and women's rights, gender-based violence, and/or the commercial sexual exploitation of minors
• Creative and able to engage a diverse range of needs and learning styles
• High level of attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Ability to work independently 
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel 
• Set schedule; shifts vary; first, second and third shift availability
• Preferred knowledge of best practices; trauma informed care, strengths-based approach, harm reduction, positive youth development, etc.
• Current driver's license, reliable vehicle (with current insurance at the levels required by the Link) and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check
• Consistent, regular attendance is required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Four years of working with high-risk and vulnerable youth or an AA or BA degree in a related field
• Experience providing comprehensive and holistic supportive services to young people
• Training in youth development, harm reduction, and/or trauma informed care
• Knowledge of issues related to minor sex trafficking and gender-based violence, comprehensive programming, child welfare, and court systems
• Proven experience providing 1:1 and group support and/or programming within a shelter or other youth setting
• Knowledge of supportive housing programs and services
• Must be able to be insured via The Link's transportation/vehicle policy and able to drive Link vehicle

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 medical, dental (The Link covers 100% of the premiums), vision, a generous 401k with employer match, over 2 weeks of PTO in your first year, 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.