Youth Support Specialist for Sexually Exploited Individuals (Personal Services)

The salary range for this position is at $23-$24 hourly. We take into consideration an individuals background and experience in determining salary; therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package for full-time includes a wide range of benefits (medical, dental, life, disability, and more) as well as generous paid time off and free membership. Part-time benefits will vary.
1. Job Summary:
The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for assisting and providing support for youth and/or families to services and programs which satisfy specific identified needs. The incumbent demonstrates ethical behavior and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with youth and/or families while performing all aspects of their designated program. This position works with individuals who are at-risk of, or experiencing sexual/labor exploitation.
This position is on the Enough. Team, which provides 1-1 and group-based programming to youth aged 26 and under throughout the 7 Metro County Area who are at risk of or are experiencing sexual exploitation or sex trafficking. The YMCA Enough. Program is a Safe Harbor Grantee, providing prevention, intervention and aftercare supportive services.

2. Essential Functions:
Perform all case management functions and responsibilities in a youth focused, culturally competent and trauma informed manner. This includes but is not limited to needs assessment, case planning and management, documentation, etc.
Provide 1-1 supportive services to youth assigned to caseload.Provide group based services to youth using One Circle Foundation, #Not a Number, and other curriculums.Provide Crisis Advocacy to young people at-risk of or experiencing Domestic Violence, Homelessness, Sexual Violence, Sexual Exploitation/Trafficking and related trauma.Identify, make referrals to, and coordinate necessary and appropriate community resource programs.Establish and maintain working relationships with peers, community and partners, educators, youth support systems, and resource staff to achieve established program plan goals.Develop and maintain supportive, nurturing, and empowering relationships with youth and community partners.May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

3. Relationships:
This position reports to the Youth Support Program Manager or Youth Support Program Director who reports to the Program Executive. The incumbent interacts regularly with youth, families, community partners/agencies, educators, volunteers and other YMCA program staff.
4. Qualifications:
Required
Bachelors Degree in related field (such as Human Services, Social Work, Corrections or Youth Development) or equivalent experience.Minimum of 2 years of experience working in youth development to preferably include case management, working with diverse, low income and at risk youth or related human service experience.Demonstrated professionalism in the areas of time management, communicationAbility to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.Must be able to work in an independent and self-directed mannerExperience working with diverse populationsBasic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employmentAbility to transport youth to meetings and activities (Valid Drivers License and Vehicle Insurance Required).Must be able to work both remotely and in the community directly with young people.
Preferred
Minimum of 2 years experience working with sexually exploited or trafficked youth, or another Safe Harbor Agency.40 or 60 hour Crisis Advocacy CertificationMultilingualWe encourage those with lived expertise encouraged to apply

5. Work Conditions:
Ability to perform a variety of physical activities with program participants which may include but are not limited to walking, standing for long periods of time, running, throwing and lifting up to 50lbs.Ability to travel locally to attend meetings.This is a community facing position, where 80% of the work is occurring in person.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion PledgeThe Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the associations mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.