Youth Specialist - HYS-SDS in Kirkland, Washington at Friends of Youth

The Specialist supports Friends of Youth’s mission by providing trauma-informed, strength-based, and youth-centered support to young adults residing in the Bridge Pointe Program. This 24/7 residential program serves young adults (ages 18–24) recently discharged from inpatient behavioral health care. Youth Specialists play a central role in fostering a stable, healing-centered environment that is designed to empower young adults to transition into long-term housing and independence. This position works collaboratively with behavioral health providers, case managers, and peer support employees to provide wraparound care tailored to the individual's needs.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Union Status: Union

Reports To: Program Supervisor

Starting Salary: $25.00

Salary Range: This position is represented by a Union. Annual increases occur each year, with the current cap at 8 years or $32.85.

essential duties

Client Support and Engagement Tasks

1. Create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for young adults through trauma-informed

and culturally responsive care.

2. Provide emotional support, monitor resident wellbeing, and assist young adults in navigating

day-to-day challenges.

3. Support and engage young adults in developing and practicing independent living skills

(e.g., meal preparation, hygiene, budgeting, medication management).

4. Respond to conflicts or crises using de-escalation techniques in alignment with program

protocols. Demonstrates the ability to maintain a calm and professional demeanor.

5. Encourage participation in house meetings, community activities, and life skills workshops.

Administrative Tasks

1. Maintain facility cleanliness and safety through regular walkthroughs and adherence to house

schedules.

2. Ensure client belongings and prescribed medications are stored securely and documented per

policy.

3. Complete routine room checks, secure entry/exit points, and ensure program rules are followed

respectfully.

4. Collaborate with employees across shifts to ensure continuity of care and consistent

communication.

Documentation and Communication Tasks

1. Accurately document shift notes, incident reports, and young adult updates using the agency’s

case management system (e.g., Salesforce).

2. Complete intake, orientation, and discharge tasks in collaboration with case management and

clinical teams.

3. Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing employee development opportunities.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities,

duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and

activities may change at any time with or without notice.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).

2. A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience.

3. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

1. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.

2. Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.

3. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license

(or be able to obtain one by date of employment).

4. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on

Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.

5. Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business

must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.

6. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of

employment: CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.

2. Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by

honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.

3. Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.

4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

5. Able to communicate effectively with a wide range of professionals.

6. Able to manage and organize multiple tasks and competing priorities.

7. Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.

8. Exceptional attention to details when entering client information into

Electronic Medical Record.

9. Demonstrate flexibility in work setting.

10. Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to

successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to

enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of

time. In this position, you must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and be able to

access program locations, including the need to use stairs.

Acknowledgment

This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the only duties,

responsibilities, and qualification for this job. Incumbents may be required to follow any additional

related instructions, acquire related job skills, and perform other related job-related work.