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

The Youth Specialist – Shelter Services plays a vital role in creating and maintaining a safe, clean, and supportive environment for young adults experiencing homelessness. This position ensures a caring, trauma‑informed, and non‑judgmental environment for individuals accessing shelter services.

• FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt, Hourly
• Union Status: Union‑represented
• Reports To: Manager of Shelter Services
• Rate of Pay: $25.00 per hour
• Salary Range: This position is represented by a union. Annual step increases occur each year, with a current cap at 8 years or $32.85 per hour.

• Tuesday–Saturday, 11:45 PM–8:15 AM
  (Monday night into Tuesday morning through Friday night into Saturday morning)

1. Provide a safe, caring, and non‑judgmental environment for all young adults accessing services.
2. Ensure adherence to all Shelter Services rules, policies, and procedures.
3. Check young adults into the center during scheduled intake times.
4. Conduct searches of guest belongings at check‑in to ensure removal of prohibited items.
5. Initiate and complete intake for any young adult admitted during the shift.
6. Provide referrals to resources including case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services.
7. Check in with guests regarding progress toward individual goals.
8. Monitor laundry and shower usage.
9. Assist in the prevention and de‑escalation of conflicts to maintain a safe environment.
10. Report any severe or extraordinary changes in guest behavior or situations to a manager.
11. Regularly monitor and respond to program‑related emails in a timely manner.
12. Collaborate effectively with team members to foster a healthy team environment.
13. Partner with guests to develop life‑skills workshops and daily activities.

1. Assist with serving meals and cleaning up afterward.
2. Ensure doors and facility access points are properly secured at the beginning and end of each shift.
3. Maintain prescribed medications and checked‑in items in secure storage areas.
4. Conduct walk‑throughs and safety checks inside and outside the facility.
5. Ensure prescribed laundry procedures are followed each shift.
6. Complete assigned cleaning responsibilities during each shift.

1. Maintain accurate daily guest records in Salesforce.
2. Maintain accurate and complete guest files.
3. Model positive and healthy behaviors at all times.
4. Record and complete guest exits occurring during the shift.
5. Ensure necessary forms are stocked and available.
6. Complete WATCH background checks for new and returning guests.
7. Assist with file collection and data for monthly and quarterly reporting.
8. Participate in individual supervision, case consultation, and team meetings.

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities required for the position. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

1. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
2. Minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience providing direct services to young adults.
3. Bilingual in English and Spanish encouraged.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft 365 Power Platform.

1. Must be at least 21 years of age.
2. Must satisfactorily pass a criminal history background check.
3. Must satisfactorily pass a tuberculosis (TB) test.
4. Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver’s license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).
5. Employees or volunteers operating their own or Friends of Youth vehicles must meet the organization’s safe driving standards.
6. Employees using personal vehicles for Friends of Youth business must maintain auto liability insurance that meets organizational requirements.
7. Must complete required health certifications within 30 days of employment, including:
   • Food Handler’s Card
   • CPR
   • First Aid
   • Bloodborne Pathogens

1. Ability to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
2. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, honoring diverse identities and experiences.
3. Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
4. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
5. Strong organizational and time‑management abilities.
6. Ability to maintain strong professional and personal boundaries.
7. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
8. Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with youth and young adults.
9. Knowledge of trauma‑informed care, harm reduction philosophy, and strengths‑based practices.
10. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform essential job functions, with reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Ability to access program locations, including the use of stairs

This job description is not intended to imply that these are the only duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position. Employees may be required to follow additional instructions, acquire new skills, and perform related duties as necessary.