Mission: The Link works with youth and young families to overcome the impacts of poverty and social injustice. Our 23 programs provide supportive housing, intensive case management services, and skills development to youth at risk of or experiencing homelessness, sex trafficking and/or involvement in the juvenile justice system. The Link prides itself on its innovative, youth-centered, strengths-based programming for youth and families as well as programs that are co-designed, implemented and overseen by youth.

Position Specifics

• Hiring Salary Range: $20.24-$23.00/hour based on qualifications 
• Job Type: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Location: Apply Valley, MN
• Hours/Days: Mon-Fri, 16 hours a week

BASIC FUNCTION

The Link’s C.O.R.E. Program provides connection to housing and services for young people (18-24) who are experiencing homelessness in the Dakota County area. The goal of this program is to provide services and flexible financial assistance to connect unaccompanied youth with the social services necessary to maintain stability. Services may include, but are not limited to housing search, system navigation and support, school outreach, case management services to improve housing stability, connection to benefits, application assistance, direct financial assistance for rental assistance, increasing academic achievement, obtaining employment, and financial literacy. The Youth Specialist Outreach Worker focuses on building relationships with young people, schools, community partners, and other service providers to increase awareness of and access to Future Independent Pathways Program services. Responsibilities include conducting outreach to local schools and connecting with school liaisons, counselors, and other school-based staff to identify and support youth who may benefit from the program. The Youth Specialist/Outreach Worker also conducts community outreach to increase program awareness, develops and maintains relationships with community organizations and partners, and represents the C.O.R.E. Program at community events, resource fairs, and other outreach opportunities. This may include tabling at various events, sharing program information and resources, engaging directly with youth and community members, and helping to strengthen referral pathways to ensure young people are connected to appropriate housing and supportive services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conduct outreach to local schools to increase awareness of C.O.R.E. Program services and identify youth who may benefit from support. Assist clients in connecting them to housing referrals as they come up.
• Provide program information, resources, and referrals to youth, families, schools, and community partners.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community organizations, service providers, and other partners serving youth.
• Represent The Link and the C.O.R.E. Program at community events, resource fairs, school events, and other outreach opportunities.
• Participate in tabling, program presentations and other community engagement activities to connect with youth and community members and share program information.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of outreach, referrals, services, and youth engagement in accordance with program and organizational requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, training, community partnerships, and other activities that support effective program implementation. 
• Other duties as assigned.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Preserve the integrity of the programs and agency
• Demonstrate commitment to The Link’s mission and vision, and values of equity, diversity and inclusion
• Support the overall growth of the agency
• Maintain positive and healthy relationship with co-workers and other related parties
• Assist where needed as a team player
• Create a safe, respectful, and healthy atmosphere and environment where everyone can grow and learn
• Participate in special projects as necessary
• Attend all meetings and trainings as required
• Maintain positive and professional interactions with clients, co-workers, and all parties involved
• All other duties as assigned 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of child welfare systems, general and other public and federal assistance programs, and other community resources
• High level of attention to detail
• Desire to continuously learn for personal and professional growth
• High level of personal and professional integrity, including ability to protect and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work effectively with and relate to diverse populations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, especially for client advocacy
• Ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to efficiently organize, coordinate, track and complete multiple tasks as well as adjust to changing priorities
• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Ability to be flexible in scheduling
• Clean driving record and ability to pass a criminal and driving background check
• Access to reliable vehicles and ability to maintain good driving record and insurance levels as directed by The Link, to fulfill job duties that require travel into the community.    
• Consistent, regular attendance is a must

QUALIFICATIONS

• Computer application proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Completion and satisfactory results of a pre-employment criminal background, Department of Human Services, and motor vehicle history screening

WORKING CONDITIONS

• The employee is regularly required to talk or hear
• The employee is frequently required to use manual dexterity for use of objects, tools or controls as well as visual acuity
• The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl
• The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• The employee is required to drive a personal vehicle
• Work environment for this position includes offices, common spaces, residential homes and community spaces with a low to moderate noise level

BENEFITS

The Link offers benefits to eligible employees such as a generous 401k with employer match, paid time off (pro-rated), birthday PTO, two days of volunteer PTO, 11 paid holidays/holiday pay, and more!

COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY 

As outlined in our Compensation Philosophy . The Link believes strongly in pay equity and transparency, and wages that lead our field for similar roles.  To that end, The Link will ensure all new hires are offered the highest wage they are eligible to receive within the position's hiring range based on their years of relevant professional experience, lived experience, and relevant degrees and licensures.  The Link has a “no negotiation policy,” which means candidates should not have to negotiate their way to a fair wage for their skills and experience and will automatically be given the highest wage they are eligible for based on their qualifications. 

OTHER

The Link is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The Link complies with laws relating to discrimination against qualified applicants and employees in hiring or in any decision affecting job status or pay, based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, familial status, covered veteran status, public assistance status, membership in a local commission, sexual orientation, age, genetic information, or other applicable protected classes. 

NOTE: Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.