What are the responsibilities and job description for the YFS Specialist position at Catholic Community Svcs Foundation?
“Join our team and become a part of a supportive community dedicated to individual and community enrichment.
Catholic Community Services (CCS) is a faith-based organization, rooted in the values of Love, Justice, Truth, and Freedom, that has continually served the community for over 85 years. We seek individuals who are motivated, compassionate, and eager to make a difference in their community. Join us today and become a champion in the lives of others!”
Pay: $17.04 – $21.28
Schedule: Friday – Sunday 9pm-7am (30hrs/week)
Location: McMinnville
Type: Part Time / Non-Exempt
General Position Summary:
The Youth and Family Specialist provide trauma‑informed support, guidance, and advocacy to children, youth, and families (participating or served) in CCS 24/7 residential and respite programs, including Rainbow Lodge Youth Respite, Father Taaffe Homes Pregnancy and Parenting Services Program, and St. Josephs Family Shelter. The position is responsible to create a safe, stable and nurturing environment by facilitating daily routines and program activities, providing hands‑on skill development, and individualized supports designed to help participants achieve personal and program goals.
Benefits we provide:
- 4 weeks Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
- Employer contribution to Employee/Spouse/Dependent medical coverage 401(k) Retirement Plan Employer Match
- Flexible Spending Accounts Medical/Dependent Care (FSA)
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employer Paid Group Life Insurance Plan
- 6 Paid Holidays/ Holiday Pay
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Jury Duty Paid Leave
- Bereavement Leave
- Annual performance evaluations
- Employee appreciation events
- Employee Assistance Program
Additional Benefits Offered:
- Multiple Dental Plan Options
- Vision Plan Options
- Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
- Supplemental Insurance
- Discount Gym Memberships with Certain Medical Enrollment
- On the Job Training & CPR/First Aid Certification
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- High School Diploma/GED and
- Reliable transportation, valid Oregon driver’s license (or the ability to obtain a valid Oregon driver’s license within 30 days of hire) with a driving record that permits coverage under the agency’s corporate auto liability policy and personal automobile liability insurance.
- Complete core competency training within the first three (3) months of employment.
- Obtain CPR and First Aid Card and food handlers’ card within first three (3) months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- Experience administering medication in a regulated or supervised setting.
- Experience implementing service plans.
- Experience collaborating with medical, mental health (including suicide prevention), substance use treatment programs, homeless shelters, educational institutions, and a range of social service organizations.
- Experience supporting families experiencing poverty, foster care involvement, housing instability, employment barriers, and transitional services in the public and private sector.
- Familiarity with Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) programs, especially those related to child welfare, self-sufficiency, and housing, and the ability to navigate and advocate within these systems on behalf of residents.
- Prior demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and coordinate youth activities is a plus.
Required to demonstrate Job Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Developmental, physical, emotional, and social needs and challenges faced by families, including young mothers.
- Apply trauma-informed principles when working with participants who may have experienced adverse childhood experiences, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment.
- Working with diverse populations, demonstrating sensitivity to various cultural backgrounds and experiences.
- Proficiency in essential computer skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Word, and Excel, for managing case files and documentation.
- Strong understanding of person-centered approaches to support the unique needs of participants in the Yough & Family Services programs.
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized Service Plans, ensuring alignment with participants’ goals and needs.
- Sound judgment and decision-making skills for complex or high-stress situations.
- General knowledge of the 5 Protective Factors framework to support family well-being and child development.
- Complete and follow-through on tasks accurately, document, meet deadlines, and manage time effectively.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills for clear and respectful interactions.
- Flexibility and willingness to cover shifts and adapt to changing staffing needs to support program continuity.
- Adhere to program regulations and protocols, ensuring compliance and accountability.
- Strength-based principles, de-escalation techniques, and a calm, responsive approach to challenging and stressful situations.
- Facilitate skill building and recreational activities.
Essential Position Functions and Key Work Processes:
ALL Youth and Family Services (YFS) Specialists:
- Mentor and guide individuals and families of any age through activities of daily living, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.
- Maintain clear professional boundaries while providing empathetic support to individuals and families.
- Collaborate with the Program Manager/Director and Community Health Worker to develop and maintain positive community relations and facilitate individual and family strengthening activities.
- Engage individuals and families in parenting and life skills development to foster stability and personal growth.
- Assist individuals and families in accessing community resources and services.
- Adhere to organization identified best practices and methods related to parenting techniques and life skills.
- Assist individuals and families to implement and monitor service plans, safety plans, and transition plans.
- Administer medications responsibly with a regulated and safe environment, following facility protocols as needed.
- Implement person-centered thinking and planning while working with individuals and families in the program(s).
- Document daily progress of participants and provide constructive feedback regarding additional strategies or support that may be beneficial.
- Assist the Program Manager/Director in reporting and coordinating all maintenance repairs to ensure facility upkeep and safety.
- Report all incidents in accordance with program and organizational policy and ensure proper documentation of incidents in accordance with safety protocols.
- Ensure that vacated participant rooms and common areas are thoroughly cleaned and prepared for new individuals and families, verifying the condition of furniture, appliances, and reporting any necessary repairs or replacements according to program policy.
- Maintain cleanliness throughout the facility, performing daily cleaning tasks including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, and overseeing resident chore completion.
- Schedule and transport youth to and from various outings, appointments, or services as well as pick up donations or runs errands as needed by program.
- Attend team meetings, which include mandatory compensated team meetings, and participate in organizational committees or teams as directed by the Program Manager or Program Director.
- Thorough documentation of activities, interventions, supports provided, and incidents occurring with participants.
YFS Specialists primary assignment – St. Joseph Family Shelter (SJFS)
- Work directly with families who are experiencing housing instability, employment barriers and temporarily live at a Catholic Community Services program site.
- Support CYFS Program Manager as needed to provide orientation for new families living at SJFS.
- Collaborate with Program Manager/Director and Community Health Worker to develop and maintain positive community relations and facilitate family strengthening activities
YFS Specialists primary assignment – Father Taaffe Homes (FTH)
- Work directly with pregnant and newly parenting mothers aged 12-20 who are experiencing adversity and challenges to self-sufficiency while living temporarily in the Father Taaffe Program.
- Support the Program Manager/Director in providing orientation for new families moving into the Father Taaffe Program, ensuring they understand the policies and resources.
YFS Specialists primary assignment – Rainbow Lodge Respite Services
- Work directly to provide crisis services and behavioral interventions for youth ages 6–17.
- Work with youth to identify strengths, challenges, and needs.
- Provide a structured, daily routine that supports public safety, personal safety, and accountability.
- Assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising the recreational component for each youth.
- Assist with and guide youth in household duties and recreational activities.
- Communicate with family members and other support individuals for the youth, when appropriate.
- Stay current on latest trends recommended in the treatment and reformation of at-risk youth.
- Support the Respite Services Team with assignments or duties as directed by the Program Manager or Program Director.
Salary : $17 - $21