Job Description
Job Description
The Youth Engagement Specialist is a Part-time position, working 20 hours per week. This position provides direct therapeutic care to program participants in Washington, DC to prevent emotional and/or behavioral dysregulation and provide immediate crisis intervention. The Youth Engagement Specialist also provides enrichment and community building activities.
JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!
Latin American Youth Center’s (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths’ social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood.
We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy.
BENEFITS
This position is part-time and does not include eligibility for company benefits. However, we offer a friendly work environment and are pleased to offer the following benefit:
- Sick leave accrual for PT positions
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plans, and executes at a minimum one participant social activity a week for Drop-In Center clients.
- Develops a meaningful and purposeful relationship with clients.
- Provide intensive 1:1 behavioral support service to clients experiencing a crisis that jeopardizes their safety and current placement and that of other clients in the programs.
- Use good interpersonal communication skills to gain client cooperation and resolve conflicts.
- Deescalates client crisis and emergencies in an effective and appropriate manner.
- Writes progress notes after each contact and inputs them into ETO and HMIS within 24 hours.
- Documents all contacts with clients, family members, LAYC staff, and representatives from other agencies involved in the provision of client services.
- Writes detailed Unusual Incident Reports after each incident that occurs during shifts.
- Lead/participate in staff training and/or seminar presentations as requested.
- Notify Supervisor of any significant client medical complaint(s), unusual events, accidents, medical problems, property damage or maintenance concern, etc. Makes appropriate referrals in accordance to the client’s treatment plan and works with the program's case manager to ensure that supportive services are delivered.
- Ensures the clients respect program rules and regulations.
- Works on aspects of budgeting of assigned programs and keeps detailed accounts of finances.
- Responsible for the provision of client stipends, in conjunction with client case managers.
- Attends individual and/or group clinical supervision on a weekly basis.
- Attends programmatic meetings with the Program Manager.
- Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by the time and funding constraints.
- Performs other activities as assigned.
- Adheres to all LAYC personnel policies.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma
- At least five (5) years of experience working with the target population in a residential or community setting.
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
- Familiar with trauma informed care & strength-based approaches.
- Knowledge of services and resources in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
- Knowledge in crisis intervention.
- Ability to evaluate youth’s emotional, behavioral and social needs and determine the optimal treatment strategies.
- Ability to conduct individual, family and group counseling sessions.
- Ability to relate to a culturally diverse population.
- Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
- Complete CPR and First Aid certification.
- Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
- Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
- LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.
LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume.