ABOUT THE COMPANY

Founded: 1981

Mission: To strive for equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision. 

Values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, & Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Youth Support Specialist, Orangewood Resource Center

Employment Classification: Full-time; Hourly; Non-Exempt

Reports to: ORC Supervisor

Department: Programs

Program Summary: The Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) is a drop-in center for Transitional-Age Youth (TAY) ages 18-24 to access community resources and short-term case management services to support their transition to self-sufficiency.

Position Summary: Youth Support Specialists (YSS) provide assistance and life skills instruction to all TAY who visit the ORC. YSS will provide basic needs support and assist youth with getting connected to community resources (e.g.: employment, education, housing, etc.) that will assist the youth with achieving their greatest potential.

Major Areas of Responsibility: 

• Administer participant needs assessment to identify areas that require immediate support.
• Meet individually with participants to: 
• Assess basic needs for shelter, food, clothing, physical and mental health. 
• Identify appropriate resources and advocate for services 
• Assist participants in securing identified resources 
• Support participants in accessing longer-term care supports.
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed. 
• Assist youth in developing life skills and positive coping skills.
• Attend all relevant internal and external meetings and events, advocating for TAY and representing the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Maintain transparency and assist participants in making informed decisions. 
•  Provide information and education about risky behaviors and its aftermath to participants, service providers, and other systems that interact with youth.
• Foster an environment that promotes harmony, partnership, alliance, healing, and thriving. 
• Distribute ORC basic needs resources (hygiene items, meals, groceries, school supplies, emergency work clothes, etc.).
• Establish professional, collaborative relationships with all outside community partners who provide their services on site.
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures.
• Assist youth with becoming familiar with and connecting to appropriate community resources. 
• Provide good customer service by responding timely to phone calls, emails, youth or others who walk into the ORC.
• Complete data entry timely into the Apricot database. 

Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements: 

• Minimum educational requirement, AA Degree. Bachelor’s degree completed in Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, or a related field is preferred. 
• Minimum 1-year of relevant work experience. 
• Some experience with crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques
• Demonstrate a moderate understanding of Trauma Informed Care
• Ability and flexibility to work in a high crisis, fast paced environment.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work sensitively with youth impacted by trauma.
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite  
• Basic data entry skills
• Ability to accept and implement feedback. 
• Make sound and timely decisions under pressure.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. 

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements: 

• When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed. 
• Some evening hours are required; may also need weekend hours coverage.
• Position may require use of personal vehicle. 
• Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). 
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Modification to the work schedule may be made based on the needs of the Foundation.

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.