JOB TITLE: Youth Engagement Associate

REPORTS TO: Director of Access & Engagement

SCHEDULE: Saturday-Sunday (8:00am-4:30pm), Monday-Wednesday (11:00am-7:30pm)

LOCATION: Venice, CA, Access Center, On-site

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt

DRIVER POSITION: No [If yes, see driving policy below] 

SALARY RANGE: $22.00/hr

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs. 

SPY is a unique social impact agency that values community collaboration, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of youth. If you have the skills, passion, and collaborative spirit, join our growing team  

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Youth Engagement Associates are a part of a Network with the Department of Mental Health Initiative to function as leaders in designing and advocating for healthy and racially equitable communities. As a Youth Engagement Associate at SPY you will support the goal to improve young people holistically through different services, activities and engagements. Utilizing an equity centered community design you will provide support and services to youth experiencing trauma. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

60% Program Implementation

• Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with members and provide/welcome feedback. 
• Conduct thorough screenings of individuals entering the program to assess their mental health needs
• Serve as the point person for crisis de-escalations, utilizing de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention strategies.
• Coordinate and facilitate safe exits from the property for individuals experiencing crises, ensuring a supportive and respectful process.
• Conduct checks for weapons and unwanted substances in accordance with site safety guidelines.
• Promote and coach peers to engage in their mental health and develop mental health management plans and goals.
• Provide support and guidance to clients as they enter, ensuring their comfort and addressing any immediate concerns.
• Work with staff and community personnel to maintain a safe environment for all program participants.
• Work closely with program staff, including clinicians, case managers, and staff personnel, to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to client support
• Act as a liaison on behalf of community members to follow-up with health management/care plans and providers.
• Promote COVID-19 awareness; provide community education on prevention, transmission and testing; encourage testing and clinical care for symptoms.
• Provide direct service support to young people at the Access Center through clothing, laundry, day to day operations and more. 

25% Psychoeducation and Case Management

• Assist youth in understanding care plans, language, and instructions.
• Facilitate community members’ access to mental health related services, including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services.
• Promote and coach self-love and care by supporting community members to engage in their mental health and develop management plans and goals.

15% Administrative

• Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure.
• Attend internal and external meetings; including the Dept of Mental Health.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related fields is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience in social services or related fields is required. 
• 1+ years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth including counseling and advocacy is preferred.
• 1+ years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth.
• 1+ years of experience working in an Access Center environment is preferred.
• Working knowledge of social, emotional, and cognitive development, trauma informed care and harm reduction service model
• Individuals with mental health lived experience are encouraged to apply
• A commitment to and a passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of SPY
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Cultural responsiveness and humility
• Life and Lived Experience: have learned lessons from circumstances and others and applied to personal development
• Ability to work and communicate respectfully within a context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds
• Experience using technology; social media, database systems, Google Suite 
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: All SPY employees are mandated reporters and are legally required to report any reasonable suspicion of child, elder, or dependent adult abuse or neglect.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. Please submit proof of vaccination to HR@safeplaceforyouth.org. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, please get in touch with HR at the same email address. It's important to note that these accommodations are not guaranteed.

Driver Positions:

Applicants are required to provide a copy of their driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles, along with a copy of their valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Job offers are contingent upon a satisfactory driving record.

For driver positions, driving is an essential job function and cannot be reasonably accommodated, employment may be discontinued.

NOTE: All staff members will be considered introductory employees for the first three months of employment and will not be considered regular employees until the conclusion of this period. SPY reserves the right to extend an employee’s introductory period. In no way does the expiration of this introductory period change the fact that all employees are at-will. Employees continue to have the right to terminate their employment/business relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, and SPY has the same right. The organization, in its sole discretion, may change the job duties, responsibilities and assignments of any position, at any time.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and ample paid time off. We also offer unique perks including professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth. 

EEO STATEMENT:

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law. 

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application