Youth Specialist II - Morning Shift (Pioneers Center Emergency Shelter (PT))

Overview

As one of Nebraska's leading child-serving organizations, CEDARS helps children and youth achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships. We provide programs and services that help kids and families navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build brighter futures.

Guided by the belief that every child deserves safety, support, and the opportunity to thrive, we work alongside families, foster parents, community partners, and supporters to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and youth.

At CEDARS, we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, and where everyone feels like their identities are embraced and valued. When we practice empathy, and celebrate the diverse perspectives of our employees, it fuels innovation and creates an environment where we can attract a broad range of candidates and our employees are empowered to do their best work.

Job Skills / Requirements

Reports To: Assistant Program Director

Classification: Non-Exempt

Rate of Pay: $17.35/hour 

Schedule: Saturday-Monday 6:30am-2:30pm /Staff Meeting Wednesday 1:00pm-2:30pm

Job Summary

Pioneers Center serves as the only short-term emergency shelter for kids (ages 12-18) who do not have immediate access to another safe living arrangement in southeast Nebraska. Kids may be referred to the Pioneers Center because of a history of abuse, neglect or domestic violence; alternative to juvenile detention; interruption of a foster care placement; homelessness; hospitalization of a parent/guardian; or for short-term stabilization. A variety of levels of care are offered at the Pioneers Center. Crisis stabilization is a more intensive level of care that involves the support of a CEDARS therapist. To prevent youth from being placed outside the home, CEDARS also offers Basic Center services to families who are not involved in Child Welfare or the Juvenile Justice System. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain safety and supervision of youth
• Complete daily documentation of youth in care
• Build relationships with youth and provide support
• Provide transportation to and from school, appointments, activities or visits
• Engage youth in life skills, educational activities and outings

Requirements

• Must be 21 years of age of older
• High School Diploma or GED required, Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred
• At least 1 year of experience working with youth and families is preferred
• Must have a passion for helping youth in crisis
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Education Requirements (All)

High School Diploma or GED Required

Additional Information / Benefits

As a full-time active employee, you are eligible to participate in the following benefits:

• medical, dental, and vision coverages

• flexible spending accounts and health spending accounts

• personal leave, emergency leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays

• retirement plan with 5% company match

• life & long-term disability insurance

• employee assistance program

• wellness and engagement program

• early childhood childcare discount

• opportunities to collect overtime hours if desired

• shift differentials for overnight hours worked and holidays

• mileage reimbursement

• extensive training and professional development opportunities

Benefits: Paid Vacation, Paid Sick Days, Paid Holidays, 401K/403b Plan, Childcare Discount