Youth Specialist

Position: Youth Specialist (LV Shelter) Bethlehem  - (18.49hr - $22.84hr)

Location: Bethlehem, PA

The Organization:

Valley Youth House empowers and strengthens the lives of children, youth, and families through inclusive programming that builds resilience and fosters growth and independence. VYH works from a trauma-informed / healing-centered perspective, incorporating positive youth and human development, and cultural awareness into all aspects of its services. The agency is committed to ensuring that clients and staff feel safe, have choice and voice, collaborate in a trusting environment, and are empowered to make a difference in their own lives and the agency.

Why Should You Apply?

• An extensive orientation program to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
• Competitive compensation package with paid time off (PTO) to promote work-life balance.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, including prescription benefits.
• Enroll in our 401(k)-retirement plan and enjoy a company match to secure your financial future.
• Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage for peace of mind.
• Take advantage of our pre-tax spending accounts (Health Care and Dependent Care FSA).
• Health and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Referral program where you can earn rewards for bringing talented individuals to our team.
• Tuition reimbursement program to fuel your professional growth.

Essential Functions of Youth Specialist

• Successfully engage youth/client in implementing their individual plan using positive youth development, trauma-informed and culturally appropriate frameworks. Activities of daily living with youth/client, include but are not limited to: academic and career planning, permanent relationships/mentoring, housing/household maintenance, priority setting, money management, and health and wellness.
• A minimum of 90% of the working hours will be spent providing quality in-person goal planning, supervision & safety, well-being, recreation, case management, and other services according to youth's/client's identified level of service.
• Intervene and report any crisis or critical incident as defined by agency and/or county, state, or federal regulations according to the agency's formalized practice and protocols, including completing preliminary safety plans.
• Attend both external and internal agency training and workshops; complete and pass all required training hours and annual training as set forth in the funder and licensing regulations.

Minimum Qualifications of the Youth Specialist: 

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED required,
• 1-year of experience working with adolescents is preferred, lived experience will be considered.
• Must be available to work nights and/or weekends.
• An individual 21 years of age or older, with the ability to identify with and adapt to the goals and philosophies of the independent living program.
• Possess sound judgment and knowledge of adolescent development and behavior.
• Display organizational skills and highly adept at managing multiple tasks and assignments.
• Successful team members are creative thinkers, are flexible in their approaches to people and projects, and are capable of working with diverse groups of the population.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver's license including vehicle insurance and inspection on any vehicle used for daily work and transportation of clients.
• Must receive a passing score on annual motor vehicle clearance to be eligible to operate agency vehicles.
• Proficient in computer knowledge & skills (i.e. Microsoft Windows software); familiarity with the Google Suite is desired.
• Never have been convicted of any prohibited criminal or child abuse offense.

Physical Requirements for the Youth Advisor

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Constantly
• Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. X Occasionally
• Moving from one worksite to another X Occasionally
• Ability to navigate stairs. X Constantly

**If eligible: Medical, vision, and prescription benefits available after the first month of hire, Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time Off, 401k -6% match, Employer-paid clearances, physical, and training, Opportunities for Tuition reimbursement, Opportunities for licensure supervision hours for LCSW and LPC.

For more position details!