Youth Support Specialist - School & Street Outreach at YMCA OF THE NORTH in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Job Description:

Summary: We are seeking two dedicated and passionate individuals to join our outreach team in supporting youth and young adults in both school and street settings. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for building connections with youth through street and school outreach, collaborating with school social workers, and distributing essential resources such as gift cards, food, transportation assistance, and access to critical documents like permits, drivers licenses, and birth certificates. Excellent benefits package with this flexible fulltime, weekday role starting at $21/hr. is ideal for those seeking careers in social services.

YMCA Outreach Teams support youth and families facing homelessness, eviction, unemployment, and systemic challenges by connecting them to life-saving resources and comprehensive services.

You will meet at the Emma B Howe (NE) and then leave in the YMCA outreach van daily. This position requires driving. To drive on behalf of The YMCA, candidates must have a valid driver's license, be able to pass a criminal and motor vehicle background check, and maintain personal insurance at the levels of $100,000 Bodily Injury/Per Person and $300,000 Bodily Injury/Per Accident. Job offer is contingent on having these requirements.
The salary for this position starts at $21.00 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 includes a wide range of other benefits and earned time off that vary depending on part-time or full-time status.
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.

Essential Functions:
Verify the family and/or participants eligible status and assist in completing the FWI.
Assist in providing connections to resources in the community and to the Resettlement Network to help identify direct social services, resources, and community connections based on the FWI.
Help with connection to Resettlement Network partners and refer participants to Family Assisters locally, provide information about local schools and immediate assistance such as with reading school papers and notices, after-school homework help as needed.
Facilitate connections for school-aged youth including after-school activities such as academic support, sports, arts, cultural, leadership and employment programming.
Facilitate connection to medical services if the need is immediate with culturally appropriate and accessible health care providers as well as to a Resettlement Network partner connection.
Assist families to read mail, understand bills, and the details of these such as school information, bills, invitations, junk mail.
Assist with applications for local opportunities for youth and families such as youth programs sign-up, scholarship application, summer camp, etc.
Connect refugee families with appropriate social groups, activities and programs that will help with ongoing support after RSS services are completed including recreation opportunities, mentor programs, community education classes, etc.
Provide information about community events, recreational activities, social activities that connect them to their community.
Assist with applications that fall outside of the Resettlement Network scope such county paperwork, renewal housing applications, reading mail pertaining to housing communications, or emergency assistance support; childcare, transportation, applications, response to notices, and advocating for community resources.
Follow-up with participants to ensure effective outcomes of assistance provided.
Progress data entered MRIS as needed.
May provide work direction to team members, interns and volunteers as needed.
Perform administrative duties to support the program as needed.

Relationships:
This position reports to the 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.

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, communication
Ability to effectively problem solve utilizing all resources available.
Must be able to work in an independent and self directed manner
Experience working with diverse populations
Basic computer skills including Microsoft office suite (Word and Excel)
Ability to obtain CPR, First Aid, AED certification with the first 30 days of employment
Ability to transport youth to meetings and activities, if applicable.
Preferred
Multilingual
Prior fundraising experience

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.

Additional Notes:
This job description represents the major functions of the position but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The incumbent is also responsible for taking direction from the Branch Executive, Program Executive or YMCA representatives in completing projects or performing duties deemed necessary for the branch or Association success.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The 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.