The Bilingual Youth Specialist provides therapeutic support and behavioral intervention to adolescent males in the residential family services division to help manage their daily behaviors. The Bilingual Youth Specialist will assist in safety planning and behavior plans, as well as facilitating groups and implementing the program’s behavior management system. In conjunction with other employees, the Bilingual Youth Specialist will help create a safe and caring environment for vulnerable youth in the milieu who are preparing to transition to become more self- sufficient.

The Bilingual youth Specialist acts as a mentor for the youth, assists program employees in providing stabilization of the youth, teaches social skills, and works with the minor on existing behavioral issues with the Mental Health Clinician. In collaboration with the treatment team including case management, the Bilingual Youth Specialist will support the youth’s progress toward goals and share updates and recommendations with the team to ensure holistic support for the youth’s treatment plan.

Reports To: Program Supervisor

Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday 12:00AM to 8:00AM

essential duties

Program Delivery

1. Mentors’ youth, assists program employees in providing stabilization of the youth, teaches social skills, and works with the minor on existing behavioral issues with the Mental Health Clinician
2. Co-creates the youth’s behavioral plan and treatment plan with the Mental Health Clinician and the program team.
3. Coaches’ skill use in stressful situations, using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, specifically Distress Tolerance Skills and Emotion Regulation Skills.
4. Model pleasant, positive attitude, good disposition, and appropriate humor.
5. Demonstrate self-control in stressful situations.
6. Use preventative as opposed to reactive floor management skills.
7. Support the maintenance of appropriate physical structure and house schedule and safety.
8. Always remain visible and available to residents.
9. Facilitate regularly scheduled groups and call groups as needed to address residential house problems and concerns.
10. Report any known or suspected abuse, exploitation, or neglect of residents in consultation with management to Child Protective Services and/or Division of Children’s Services (DCS).
11. Be familiar with both the agency’s treatment philosophy and program, as well as the individual treatment and goals for each resident.
12. Meet weekly with supervisor bringing concerns, questions and progress of youth goals, milieu updates, and elevating program needs.
13. Attend and participate in weekly staff meetings under the direction of the Program Supervisor.
14. Contribute to discussions, offer input and feedback concerning both residents and co-workers.
15. Attend agency or professional training, seminars, or conferences to increase professional knowledge.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

1. Bilingual in English/Spanish
2. Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in the social service field.
3. One year of experience working with youth.

b. Additional Requirements

1. Must be 21 years or older.
2. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
3. Must satisfactorily pass 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 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.
6. 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.
7. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
8. Proof of the following vaccinations: COVID-19, Influenza, MMR, Varicella and Tdap are required. There are no exemptions.

c. 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. Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
6. Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
7. Able to work independently and as part of a team.
8. Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth.
9. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy. and strengths-based practice.
10. Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.

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

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