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

The Youth Specialist of Shelter Services works to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for young adults experiencing homelessness. They help to ensure a caring and non-judgmental environment for young adults accessing services.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Reports To: Manager of Shelter Services

essential duties

Direct Service Tasks

1. Provide a safe, caring, and non-judgmental environment for all young adults accessing services.
2. Ensure the rules, policies and procedures of Shelter Services are adhered to.
3. Check all young adults into the center during scheduled times.
4. Conduct searches of each guest’ belongings at check-in time to ensure the removal of any prohibited items.
5. Initiate intake and ensure completion for any young adult who is admitted during the shift.
6. Provide referrals to appropriate resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
7. Check in with guests regarding goal progress and completion.
8. Monitor laundry and shower use.

1. Assist with the prevention of and de-escalation of conflicts that arise between guests, to ensure a safe environment.
2. Report any severe and/or extraordinary changes in a guest’ behavior or situation to a manager.
3. Consistently check and respond in a timely manner to program related emails.
4. Collaborate effectively with team members with the goal of fostering a healthy team environment.
5. Partner with guests to develop life skills workshops and daily activities.

Program Tasks

1. Assist with serving and cleaning up after meals.
2. Ensure doors and other aspects of the facility are appropriately secured at both the beginning and end of each shift.
3. Maintain prescribed medications and checked in items in a secure area.
4. Facilitate walk-through and safety checks in areas internal and external to the facility.
5. Ensure laundry procedures are completed are adhered to during each shift.
6. Complete cleaning responsibilities during each shift.

Administrative Tasks

1. Maintain daily records of guests in Salesforce.
2. Maintain accurate record keeping in guests’ files.
3. Model positive and healthy behaviors.
4. Record and complete guests’ exit that occur during the shift.
5. Ensure copies of necessary file forms are stocked.

1. Ensure all WATCH background checks for new and returning guests are completed during the shift.
2. Assist with file collection and data for monthly and quarterly reviews.
3. Participate in individual supervision, case consultation meetings and team meetings.

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.

We offer:

• Generous time off including 15 vacation days per year, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 social justice leave days per year for full-time employees
• Health insurance package including medical, dental, vision, 24/7 access to telehealth, long term disability and life insurance
• Retirement plan with match
• Transgender Health Benefits

Friends of Youth is committed to equity and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment as an equal opportunity employer. We welcome, honor, and celebrate our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities and cultures. For more information, email hr@friendsofyouth.org.