This is a bargaining unit position represented by the OPEIU. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change in accordance with a collective bargaining agreement.
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Engagement Specialist is responsible for the daily
management of the program site. All housing programs are open 24/7 and per agency licensing requirements, programs must
maintain safe staff and client ratio to provide services to our clients. In conjunction with other staff, the Engagement Specialist’s task
is to create a safe and caring environment for vulnerable young people in residence who are preparing to transition to become more
self- sufficient. The position requires an individual who can actively contribute to a positive, stable, responsive, and responsible
environment for change.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build trust and rapport with young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability, young people who have
experienced sexual exploitation and/or young people who are at risk.
- Engage, support, coach, and develop young people using healing-centered engagement practices and a strength-based
approach.
- Provide sight and sound supervision to youth in accordance with state and federal standards.
- Must learn and apply positive behavior modification techniques and model effective de-escalation, problem-solving and
mediation skills. Be willing to intervene in times of crisis using these skills.
- Complete necessary paperwork and data collection, including intake, enrollment, case notes as needed. Additionally
complete Incident reports and/or Significant Incident Reports within the required timeframe on any facility damage, medical
emergencies, client's welfare and/or any incident which occurs out of the ordinary functioning of the site.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records, progress notes, logbooks, and other types of documentation and enter data
into YouthCare’s CaseWorthy client management system according to agency standards.
- Execute Performance and Quality Improvement (PQI) tasks and accreditation standards and adhere to all agency policies
and procedures.
- Comply with Agency and Licensing’s mandated reporting requirement and report suspected abuse, neglect, or sexual
exploitation of minors within the required timeframe.
- Work cooperatively and collaboratively with all site staff, partners, and volunteers to create a nurturing, dynamic, and
constructive environment for young people.
- Support with coordination of basic needs, inclusion of meals, referrals to systems of support, clothing, etc.
- Develop and deliver group and individual programming to foster life and social skill development. Programming provides an
opportunity for youth and young adults to engage, increase knowledge and skills, and moves young people toward the
agency’s four core outcomes - housing stability, financial independence, community support, and wellness.
- Work collaboratively with other YouthCare programs, families, school district professionals, crisis services personnel, and
staff from other agencies in support of youth.
- Communicate client needs and behaviors to the appropriate staff, and refer young people to appropriate and necessary
services, as needed.
Job Description – Engagement Specialist – URM Program – JOB Code: 31-821-01
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- Oversee the safety and cleanliness of the facility, including disinfecting surfaces and following cleaning protocols in the staff
office, restrooms, laundry room, the community room/milieu, school, and client rooms. Perform light janitorial work, including
vacuuming/sweeping/mopping; taking out trash; and similar tasks, as outlined by site need and agency protocols. Compile
maintenance requests and submit to program leadership/maintenance staff as needed.
- Participate in regular supervision, client consultations, and staff and agency meetings. Attend and fully participate in
meetings, professional development opportunities, and designated training sessions as required.
- Obtain and maintain certifications for all required training and certifications (including Food Handler’s License, BBP, CPR /
First Aid, De-escalation, Mental Health First AID).
- Act as a professional representative of YouthCare and maintain a professional working environment (office,
personal workspace, agency vehicle, etc.).
- Must be willing to be cross trained to provide support with shift coverage in other programs. Staff may be reassigned during
their regularly scheduled shift to cover a different program depending on staffing needs. Overtime is not required.
- Reliably attend and participate in training and development as needed for your role and the needs of our Agency as a whole
such as program requirements, DEI&J, supervision and others as identified.
- Contribute to our DEI&J culture by creating at least one SMART Goal related to DEI&J within your control to deliver.
PROGRAM SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ensure all client-related data is accurate and updated in required program documentation systems and/or other
database(s).
- Dispense medication (as needed), and complete related documentation. Perform medical reconciliation and update med
binder forms and complete all required documentation according to individual program procedures and timelines.
- Contact advice nurse and/or take clients for urgent medical care, as needed.
- Maintain an awareness of client whereabouts and line of site supervision, as required. Complete room, bed, and safety
checks at required intervals and complete required documentation.
- At designated times, prepare and cook meals for up to 8 residents and associated staff. Ensure food pantries and fridge are
organized and free of expired foods.
- Complete discharge procedures
- Provide transportation for outings and client appointments; operate the agency vehicle in accordance with the law and in a
safe manner.
- Assist in packing client belongings and cleaning and sanitizing exited bedrooms, and prepping bedrooms for incoming
clients.
- Immediately report to supervisor any incident which threatens child welfare or is a licensing violation.
This job description is not intended to cover every aspect of your job at YouthCare. We are a team that works together to
meet the needs of our clients and every member of the team is expected to pitch in and help even beyond the specific
responsibilities listed in this description.
QUALIFICATIONS –
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 1 year of experience successfully working with children or young adults.
- High School Diploma or GED.
- At least one-year of working with children and adolescents, immigrants and refugees, or other vulnerable populations.
- Understanding of issues affecting recently arrived immigrants.
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s Degree or four years of successful experience with young people in a crisis or refugees/immigrants.
- Course work, experience, or training in child or human development, chemical dependency, mental illness, group
dynamics,residential treatment, or related experience highly preferred.
- Bilingual in Spanish, French, Arabic, Tigrinya, Dari and Pashto.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Must be able to provide I-9 supporting documentation for employment.
- Ability to provide a negative TB Test (results must be within one year of hire date).
- Employees who drive YouthCare vehicles as a requirement for their position must be at least 21 years old, possess a
valid Washington State Driver’s License, meet minimum safe driver criteria established by the agency and our insurance
company which includes completion of driving certification courses. Drivers under the age of 25 must have been licensed
for at least 3 years and those operating vehicles with a capacity of 15 or more passengers must be at least 25 years old.
- Ability to obtain a current Food Handler’s Card
- Successful completion of pre-service training courses as required by contracting agencies. Training such as CPR & First
Aid (Adult/Child), Bloodborne Pathogens, and Behavior Management.
- Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel.
Job Description – Engagement Specialist – URM Program – JOB Code: 31-821-01
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- Ability to adhere to the program’s Code of Conduct for the Prevention of Sexual Abuse, Ethics, and Boundaries.
- Initiative, creativity, reliability, flexibility, thoroughness.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with good quality spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- High integrity when dealing with a broad array of cultures and restricted and/or confidential information.
- Ability to deal therapeutically with behavioral and emotional problems presented by young people and understanding of
emotionally, physically, and sexually abused young people.
- Ability to accurately maintain and produce files, records, logs, and reports.
- Ability to maintain professional boundaries with clients while building trust and respect.
- Ability to verbally and physically respond to an aggressive person in ways that de-escalate, establish, and maintain staff
and young peoples’ safety.
- May be required to assume responsibilities or duties within the agency not specifically delineated in this job description for
short periods of time or on an infrequent basis.
- Commitment to YouthCare’s initiative to build cultural proficiency across the agency. Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles,
behaviors, and cultural and spiritual practices.
PHYSICAL CONSIDERATIONS:
- Ability to perform a range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing,
walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; running for brief periods of time; and go up and
downstairs
