Youth Engagement Specialist

Position Summary: 
Elevate Youth Services (formerly Washington County Youth Service Bureau) is a private, non-profit organization that has assisted young people and families since 1974.  As the only non-profit in Washington County focused solely on the unique and complex needs of adolescents and young adults.  Nearly 500 youth turn to our direct service programs each year for support. In addition, we administer two statewide coalitions of youth service providers that touch another 1,000 youth throughout Vermont. Our Mission is to promote safety, competence, and confidence as youth create their path through adolescence and into adulthood.

Elevate Youth Services is seeking Youth Engagement Specialists for all shifts, including nights and weekends, for Return House – a residential housing program based in Barre, VT for young men under the care of the Department for Children and Families.  Key to this program is the positive relationships our staff develop with residents to help them transition back to their communities.  Youth served by the program are males between the ages of 16 through 22 and have a history of DCF involvement that could include homelessness, involvement with the Juvenile Justice system, and behavioral support needs. Return House is a residential facility that provides youth with relationship-based conflict management as an alternative to the use of physical restraints.  Training in our approach and in conflict mediation techniques is provided.

Return House is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with shifts from 7:15 am – 2:45 pm; 2:30 pm – 10:00 pm and an awake overnight shift 9:45 pm to 7:30 am.

The positions are full time and will range from at 37.5 to 40 hours per week. Ideal candidates will be passionate about working with youth, self-motivated and will possess excellent relationship-building and administrative skills.  They will also demonstrate cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence, welcoming new opportunities to learn and facilitating growth and learning in others.

EYS believes in equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to welcoming, respecting and valuing people for who they are as individuals, learning from their differences, embracing their uniqueness, and providing a positive workplace for all. Candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the organization and are seeking an opportunity to meaningfully impact the lives of youth in Vermont are encouraged to apply.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Build positive relationships with residents helping them feel welcomed, valued, and engaged with the program
• Supervise daily activities and offer guidance to residents, including detailed accounting of resident activities, and adherence to program policy and procedures
• Assist and engage residents in facility maintenance including cleaning, shopping, menu-planning, and food preparation to develop skill building wherever possible
• Facilitate activities that address basic life skills, health and fitness, community engagement through volunteerism, and the promotion of positive leisure activities to support residents in becoming productive members of their community
• Reviewing youth case management plans and assisting program case managers in helping youth to attain iterated goals
• Documenting of all resident schedules and activities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum High School Diploma; Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• Previous experience with case management and working with youth ages 16-22
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with demonstrated organizational skills and attention to detail
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, strength-based approaches to youth care work
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Comfortable or willing to learn computer program applications
• A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record required
• Must have the mobility to navigate stairs, to transport residents in the program van and lift up to 25lbs.

Desired Qualities:
Ideal candidates will be enthusiastic, energetic, positive, team-oriented individuals with a high degree of professionalism. Youth Engagement Specialists are flexible, patient and compassionate supporters of youth that can balance the successes and challenges program participants experience daily. A good sense of humor is a plus!

Working Environment
Return House is a dynamic residential environment. The program offers many opportunities for creative program development, while maintaining strict accountability for the participants. All RH staff participate in weekly staff meeting and supervision.

Pay Level: 
Pay for shifts occurring between the hours of 7:15 am – 10:00 pm is $21/hour; Pay for shifts occurring between the hours of 9:45 pm to 7:30 am is $25/hour.  Individuals only interested in working specific shifts are encouraged to apply, as are individuals willing to work flexibly between shifts.  Full & part time positions available

Benefits:
Vacation Allowance………15 days
Personal Days………3 days
Holidays………12 days
Sick Leave……..10 days
Health Insurance…….Yes
Dental/Optical……….Not available at this time
Long Term Disability………Yes
Life Insurance……Yes
403B TSA Plan…….Yes
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)………Yes
50% Discount Green Mountain Community Fitness membership………Yes

Applicants:

• Please submit cover letter, resume and 3 references to [email protected]
• Background check required
• Position open until filled
• Elevate Youth Services is an EOE