Position Title: Community Outreach Youth Counselor
Job Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Who May Apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates. Individuals who identify with marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
WORK SCHEDULE: This position is full time and non-exempt. Work hours will vary and include regular evening hours and Saturdays.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Community Outreach Program Manager, the Community Outreach Youth Counselor provides support, intervention, and referral services to youth who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation, or are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation. The Community Outreach Youth Counselor engages youth from a variety of settings including the James W. Ray Orion Center, streets, schools, and other areas where youth congregate. This position carefully facilitates youth movement from emergency services to case management, housing, education, and employment. It will also involve data collection and monthly reporting on outreach contacts.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
•Engage youth in a variety of settings including James W. Ray Orion Center, the streets, schools, and other areas where youth congregate.
•Promote YouthCare programs to youth and community partners.
•Ability to build trust and rapport with commercially sexually exploited and high-risk youth populations.
•Encourage youth movement from emergency services to case management, education and employment programming.
•Staff regular drop-in and outreach shifts in a safe and therapeutic way.
•Provide de-escalation, crisis intervention and basic counseling services.
•Multi-task in a fast-paced and hectic environment.
•Develop relationships with other community agencies to facilitate contacts and services for youth.
•Refer youth to appropriate and necessary services.
•Supervise day-to-day responsibilities of Peer Outreach Workers.
•Complete necessary paperwork, data collection and monthly grant reporting.
•Confidently cook and serve nutritious meals with other staff for up to 60 people.
•Participate in regular supervision, monthly clinical consultations, and weekly staff meetings.
•Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
PREFERENCES:
•Two or more years of relevant work and/or education experience.
•Experience working with youth who have been involved in commercial sexual exploitation, and homelessness.
•Spanish speaking preferred, but not required.
REQUIREMENTS:
•Comfortable working with homeless, commercially sexually exploited and high-risk youth populations.
•Familiar and comfortable with Harm Reduction philosophy in regard to sexual activity, drug use, and otherpotentially risky behaviors.
•Ability to work as a member of the team that encourages personal and professional growth.
•Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
•Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
•Ability to pass a DSHS Criminal Background Check.
•Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish and maintain staff and youth safety.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
•Ability to perform moderate physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and 10 to 20 pounds frequently.
•Ability to provide street-based outreach services in varying weather conditions.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS -- Within 30 Days of Hire
•Must have current negative TB test
•Food Handler's Card
•CPR / First Aid Certification
•HIV / AIDS Training (minimum 4 hours)
•When driving YouthCare vehicles, you must possess a valid WA State Drivers License and have taken Van Driver Certification Training or an approved Defensive Driving Course.
BENEFITS:
YouthCare provides a competitive benefits package to full time employees including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, short-term disability, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave after successful completion of the Introductory Period.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:
YouthCare shall seek to insure and provide equal opportunity for all persons seeking employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, national origin, disability or any other characteristics as established by law.
People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
An application, resume and cover letter are required for all qualified candidates. Resume and Cover Letters should be mailed to hr@youthcare.org -- No Faxes. Please identify which position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Resume and Cover Letters can also be mailed to YouthCare, 2500 NE 54th Street, Seattle, WA 98105 and must be post-marked prior to job closing date.
- Location: Downtown Seattle
- Compensation: $28,000 - $31,500
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
