Outreach Specialist (WA)

Full Time
Vancouver, WA 98660
Posted
Job description

SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, times to be determined, with some occasional weekend hours. However, this schedule may be adjusted according to the needs of the program.
WAGE/BENEFITS: Beginning wage is $20.00 per hour. Janus offers an excellent benefits program including medical, dental, life & long-term disability insurance; EAP; 401(k) and paid time off (varied eligibility waiting periods apply). Voluntary optional coverages are also available.
Applications for all positions may be forwarded to appropriate similar positions within Janus Youth Programs. Positions may vary by location, pay structure, union, and supervisory staff.
The Outreach Specialist position provides crisis intervention services, information and referral, and assists youth ages 15-24 in eliminating/overcoming potential barriers to services while fostering resiliency and dignity. The purpose of the Outreach Specialist position is to engage and develop appropriate professional, trusting relationships with youth experiencing homelessness in order to transition them off the streets into safe, stable housing and introduce them to employment or educational opportunities. This position participates in street based outreach and day shelter center activities. Approximately 15% of the position will be spent in meetings, coordinating services and completing office tasks. The remaining 85% of the time will be split providing outreach services in the community and stationary outreach at our day shelter, The Perch, working directly with homeless and street dependent youth.

QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of education, experience and training that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.

  • High School diploma or General Equivalency Degree required. Bachelor’s Degree in a related human services track preferred.
  • Responsible experience (paid or unpaid) working with street youth and youth who are involved in sex work, substance use/abuse, or have a history of mental health issues (multi-diagnosis).
  • Demonstrated skill in working with youth who may be reluctant to engage in services.
  • Professional work experience demonstrating ability to successfully build and maintain rapport and trust with youth.

REQUIRED ABILITIES:

  • Must value working in a multi-cultural/diverse environment.
  • Extensive exercise of judgment within program guidelines.
  • Knowledge of local juvenile/adult justice and local youth/adult social service systems (preferred).
  • Commitment to on-going training.
  • A commitment to the principles of Positive Youth Development.
  • A commitment to a harm reduction model and “meeting youth where they’re at.”
  • Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing and the stages of change preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to problem-solve, exercise independent judgment within program guidelines, and respond to crisis situations.
  • Strong “people skills”, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of staff and people - including neighbors, parents, police, and professional “system” employees.
  • Ability to climb at least two (2) flights of stairs
  • Ability to walk for extended periods and long distances.
  • Ability to accurately read, record and interpret information using computerized and paper systems.
  • Ability to work effectively within a team-dependent environment and a willingness to receive and act upon feedback.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing and to give oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to maintain visual and auditory awareness of youth.
  • Ability to exercise tact, discretion and judgment in working with a variety of people.
  • Genuine concern for young people and ability to treat all people with dignity and respect.
  • Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with others and in handling confidential information.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and present information to a variety of community groups in a public speaking format.
  • Ability to regularly attend and be punctual for scheduled work commitments and meetings, and be in a condition suitable for assuming responsibilities of position.
  • Manual/physical dexterity allowing for performance of routine office functions such as phone use, computer use, faxing, copying, filing, etc., and allowing for walking, kneeling, etc., as needed for outreach functions.
  • Ability to carry outreach bag weighing approximately 15 pounds while performing outreach activities.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Valid driver’s license for state of residency and a driving record permitting coverage under Agency’s driving criteria. All employees who drive for work purposes must have and maintain a valid driver’s license for state of residency, have a driving record that permits coverage under the corporate auto liability policy, and complete the agency’s driving approval process before driving for work. If driving a personal vehicle for work purposes drivers must also have personal auto liability coverage ($100,000/$300,000 levels strongly recommended). Employees are not to drive for work purposes until they have received written authorization to do so.
  • Bloodborne Pathogens training is required on first day of employment and annually thereafter.
  • Must complete Mandatory Abuse Training within the first 30 days of employment and annually thereafter.
  • Provides emergency first-aid, as needed, and must have and maintain standard first-aid/CPR certification.
  • Must pass criminal history background check.
  • TB clearance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • May involve exposure to communicable diseases, including a variety of illnesses and infections such as the common cold, TB, Hepatitis, flu, meningitis, and HIV.
  • May involve exposure to upset, angry, severely traumatized or emotionally disturbed children, adolescents, adults, and families.
  • May involve exposure to severely drug affected people and people with severe persistent mental health issues.
  • May require working and providing services at locations other than program site (i.e., restaurant, café’, clients’ apartments, etc.,) and may, therefore, be exposed to environments not under agency control (i.e., second-hand smoke, varying hygiene practices, etc.).
  • Involves both indoor office environment and outside “street” environment. (85% of time will be spent in direct contact with homeless and street dependent youth on the streets and in drop-in center.) In making contact with homeless and street-dependent youth employees may be subjected to second-hand smoke (although there is freedom to position yourself for avoidance), foul language, etc.
  • Work will involve making contact with homeless and street dependent youth in a wide geographic area in the Clark County area. Generally, the work setting will require the employee to go where youth are residing (camping/squatting) which may involve going under bridges, interstate overpasses, forested areas, abandoned buildings, and other areas to locate youth camps. (Street Outreach will always be accomplished with outreach teams consisting of at least 2 people).
  • May involve time in excess of routine schedule and/or overtime, including evening/overnight and/or weekend hours and/or holidays. The position involves the need to be flexible as occasionally hours will be worked in excess of routine hours due to a crisis situation or community meetings.
  • Street outreach will involve approaching people in the community and telling them about our program.
  • Successful candidates will be comfortable problem solving and communicating clearly with co-workers.
  • Staff will be supported with monthly private supervision and two monthly staff meetings.

This position description is intended to give the reader a general idea of the overall purpose and the main activities and responsibilities that are intrinsic to this position. While this description is intended to be representative, it is not intended to be limiting.
Learn more about Janus Youth Programs at www.janusyouth.org!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan

Schedule:

  • Day shift
  • Overtime

Work Location: On the road

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