Youth Support Specialist: Foster Care Services Stay-C (Personal Services)

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 $18.05 hourly. We take into consideration an individuals 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.

The YMCA Life Coaching program provides former foster youth in Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, Washington, Ramsey, Dakota and Carver counties ages 14-23 with Independent Living Skills and supportive services. The philosophy of the Life Coaching program is to assess each persons needs and create an ILS plan with defined goals and outcomes to meet participant needs. The Life Coach will work 1:1 with referred fosters to become self-sufficient. The Life Coach will assist in removing any barriers to participants achieving their ILS goals. Life Coach will assist in connecting fosters to ILS workshops, offered 3X/month, as well as activities, social opportunities, and celebrations with other program participants. Life Coaches assist youth in developing a goal plan that promotes self-sufficiency and independence: support with education, employment, money management, community resources, safe and stable housing, pro-social activities, education and support on housing specific resources, tools and programs in the community, connection to YMCA and other community resources and opportunities such as youth leadership opportunities. Life Coaches prepare young people for healthy closure and life after care, or if needed, additional services to meet their unique needs (adult services, YMCA Youth Resource Line to assess other needs)

1. 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. This position is a part of our Life Coaching program where they provide former foster youth in Hennepin, Anoka, Scott, and Carver counties ages 14-23 with Independent Living Skills and supportive services. This program is in partnership with DHS and the STAY in the Community grant. Youth served may be of any gender and ethnic background.

2. Essential Functions:

Perform all case management functions and responsibilities in a youth focused, culturally competent, and harm reducing manner. This includes but is not limited to needs assessment, case planning and management, documentation, etc.
Identify, make referrals to, and coordinate necessary and appropriate community resource programs.
Establish and maintain working relationships with peers, community and court appointed partners, educators, youth support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals.
Develop and maintain supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with youth.
May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.
Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

Qualifications:

Required

Bachelors 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 transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.
Ability to pass a drivers road test for YMCA vehicles and trailers.
Upon hire, completion of YMCA provided Motor Vehicle and or Department of Transportation Insurance Training.

Preferred

Multilingual
Prior fundraising experience

3. 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.

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 associations 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.