POSITION SUMMARY
Elevate Youth Services (formerly Washington County Youth Service Bureau) is a private, non-profit organization that has assisted young people and families since 1974. As the only non-profit in Washington County focused solely on the unique and complex needs of adolescents and young adults. Nearly 500 youth turn to our direct service programs each year for support. In addition, we administer two statewide coalitions of youth service providers that touch another 1,000 youth throughout Vermont. Our Mission is to promote safety, competence, and confidence as youth create their path through adolescence and into adulthood.
Elevate Youth Services is seeking two Youth Engagement Specialists for HOP (Housing Opportunity Program) House, a residential transitional housing program based in Plainfield, VT for young people 18-24 who are experiencing housing precarity. Key to this program is the positive relationships our staff develop with residents to help them transition into their communities. Hours for this position are 4:00pm – 9:00pm, with shifts from Sunday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Saturday. A Wednesday shift required for program team meetings and staff meetings.
This position requires on-site, direct one-on-one support for youth placed in short-term emergency shelter apartments while longer-term solutions to allay homelessness are identified and pursued.
Ideal candidates will be passionate about working with youth, self-motivated and will possess excellent relationship-building and administrative skills. They will also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence, welcoming new opportunities to learn and facilitating growth and learning in others.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Maintain an active, engaged and positive presence within the HOP Houses
● Build positive relationships with residents helping them feel welcomed, valued, and engaged with the program
● Facilitate transportation and provide accompaniment to client appointments in the community
● In collaboration with HOP case managers, help youth apply for all appropriate mainstream benefits, and assist youth in developing long-term housing and wellness plans.
● Assist and engage residents in facility maintenance including cleaning, shopping, menu-planning, and food preparation to develop skill building wherever possible
● Facilitate activities that address basic life skills, health and fitness, and the promotion of positive leisure activities to support residents in becoming engaged members of their community
● Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed observation and progress records and complete necessary electronic data entry into agency databases
● Identify natural supports for youth and a plan to access them if necessary.
● Participate in agency staff meetings and trainings
QUALIFICATIONS:
● Minimum High School Diploma; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
● Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
● Experience with, or willingness to learn, strength-based approaches to youth care work
● Ability to maintain personal and professional boundaries
● Ability to work independently and in a team
● Comfortable or willing to learn computer program applications
● A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and reliable transportation required
● Must have the mobility to navigate stairs, to transport residents in the program van and lift up to 25lbs.
DESIRED QUALITIES:
Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic, energetic, positive, team-oriented individuals with a high degree of professionalism. Youth Engagement Specialists are flexible, patient, and compassionate supporters of youth that can balance the successes and challenges program participants experience daily. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, caring, organized, have strong relationship-building skills and will serve as an effective advocate for youth served.
EYS believes in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. We value the unique perspectives and insights that come from lived experience. Qualified candidates with personal experience of homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, or other relevant experiences are strongly encouraged to apply, as we believe this can bring invaluable understanding and empathy to our work.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
HOP House is a dynamic residential environment. The program offers many opportunities for creative program development.
COMPENSATION:
Schedule: This position is offered at 20 hours per week.
Salary: $21/hr
APPLICANTS:
Please submit cover letter, resume and 3 references by clicking the reply button at the top left of this post.
Background check required
Clean driving record and valid license required
Position open until filled
Elevate Youth Services is an EOE
Elevate Youth Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, including those with lived-experience or from underrepresented groups, to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.
