Youth Coaches are the primary, front line staff in the Drop-In Center. They provide brief interventions, screening, resource coordination, referrals, and case management to youth being served in the Spectrum Drop-In Center. The Youth Coaches are young adults who are at least 18 years old and need to be healthy role models for the youth being served. This is a full time non-exempt position which pays $20.00 per hour and is eligible for an excellent benefits package.
Essential Functions
- Staffing Drop-In Center:
- Maintain Drop-In Center as a safe, clean, and accessible space for youth and young adults, ages 14-24.
- Provide basic needs to youth who access Drop-In services.
- Adhere to the procedures and policies of the agency and of the program, assisting in programmatic policy updates as needed.
- Provide supportive engagement and brief interventions based on Motivational Interviewing.
- Use appropriate crisis intervention techniques in the space to deescalate youth and maintain a safe space for all community members.
- Provide resource coordination, case management, and referrals to other Spectrum and community services as appropriate.
- Provide formal Recovery Coaching to interested youth.
- Facilitate activities to attract, educate, and empower youth.
- Advocate for and with youth and assist them to access and utilize resources and services within Spectrum and the community by maintaining partnerships with other programs and agencies.
- Participate in regular outreach efforts to engage youth outside of the space.
- Assist in the training and mentoring of new Youth Coaches and AmeriCorps members.
- Record Keeping:
- Perform formal intake process with each new youth to the space.
- Keep daily logs of youth and services provided.
- Conduct appropriate screenings and provide data for funding requirements.
- Track youth interactions and progress through detailed notes in agency database and inter-program lines of communication.
- Participate in weekly supervision and staff meetings, and trainings as needed.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be knowledgeable about issues facing target population (homelessness, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health problems, family conflict, physical health issues, criminality, etc.) or be willing to learn.
- Must be knowledgeable or willing to learn about area resources available to youth and young adults and be able to dispense that information as needed to youth seeking services.
- Ability to engage and build rapport while setting effective limits and boundaries with youth.
- The ability to work independently and as a team member and according to the NASW code of Ethics.
- Participating in supervision by identifying needs and issues, asking for assistance, support and training, and being able to offer, accept, and utilize feedback.
- Commitment to the values of diversity with respect to gender identity, race, age, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, and religion.
- This position may include driving the Spectrum van and/or transporting clients. Driver’s license may be required.
- Willingness to become certified as a Recovery Coach in the state of Vermont within 6 months of hire.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
The above duties will be carried out in the Drop-In Center and occasionally transporting clients in the local area. The hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday-Friday.
This position is eligible for an excellent benefits package; including health, HRA, dental, vision, life insurance, STD, LTD, accrued vacation, unlimited health leave, and a 403(b) retirement plan.
Spectrum is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer. We place a high value on workforce diversity. People of color, women, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are strongly encouraged to apply.
Youth and adults of all social and cultural identities; including race, religion, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, age, country of origin, immigration status, and mobility; should be treated with respect, dignity, and equity.