Youth Specialist

OUR COMMITMENT

Ozone House aspires to end youth and young adult homelessness in Washtenaw County and surrounding communities through our mission of providing holistic support and housing services that enhance the wellbeing and safety of young people through empowerment, advocacy, and connection. At Ozone House, we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects our core values of empathy, equity, integrity, collaboration, resilience, and safety. We believe that every employee plays a vital role in creating an inclusive, affirming, and compassionate environment where all individuals are respected and valued. By embodying these values, we ensure that Ozone House remains a welcoming and empowering place for all employees, where we can thrive together as a team.

 We are currently seeking a full-time Youth Specialist. This is an overnight position working from 12am - 8am, including weekends.     

The Youth Specialist is responsible for direct care, including the provision of supervision, crisis intervention and appropriate modeling, for at-risk youth in either of Ozone House’s residential programs. As a Youth Specialist attendance at monthly staff meetings and participation in the on-call coverage rotation are expectations of the role. 

 EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS     

• High school diploma (required)
• Associate’s degree (preferred)

 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 2 years' experience working with at-risk youth (homeless, runaway, history of trauma, abuse, mental health, etc.) 
• Demonstrated ability effectively engage youth with diverse backgrounds
• Experience managing crisis situations 
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care practices (preferred) 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Shift Coverage Duties: 

• Complete scheduled shifts ensuring safety and providing modeling, resource information, crisis intervention and/ or other assistance as appropriate 
• Provide direct client supervision and observation while on shift maintaining their daily needs and activities as well as always knowing client whereabouts on and offsite during recreational activities. Maintain a safe, healthy, and inclusive programming space 
• Monitor and enforce applicable program rules and policies. Ensure program integrity 
• Demonstrate appropriate modeling behavior/ communication and maintain a professional relationship with the client(s) 
• Utilize strengths-based and restorative approaches to promote positive youth development
• Facilitate individual and group life skills training and workshops, on topics such as health & hygiene, conflict resolution, nutrition, anger management, self-esteem, communication, personal boundaries, employment search & maintenance, budgeting and food preparation
• Assist youth to prepare healthy meals 
• Pass medication as assigned and follow medication administration policy and procedure 
• Complete and log bed checks from 11:00 pm through 7:00 am 
• Read recent client logs, updates and other program documentation 
• Maintain on-going documentation including logs, life skills notes, incident reports and other related documentation 
• In an emergency or for matters requiring immediate consultation, contact the on-call staff
• Promptly inform Case Managers, Prevention Coordinators and Therapists of important issues involving their client(s) 
• Assist with household cleaning and maintenance (emptying trash, recycling, dishes, laundry, organizing the office, etc.) 
• Transport clients as assigned. Maintain a good driving record and insurance 
• Provide advance notice to supervisor and find replacement if unable to work a scheduled shift 
• Always remain on duty until relieved by another staff. While on shift, stay on Ozone House property unless prior approval from a supervisor has been given 
• Abide by all Ozone House, Inc. policies and procedures 

Non-shift Duties: 

• Attend weekly supervisory meetings with the Director of Residential Services or Residential Coordinator. 
• Attend scheduled Residential Team meetings and Peer Supervision
• Attend mandatory trainings to enhance skills and meet licensing requirements (50 hours in the first year of employment and at least 25 hours each year thereafter)  
• Answer and respond to after-hours Crisis Line Calls. Complete associated documentation. Contact on-call when the situation necessitates

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS

• Participate in grant writing and other fundraising efforts
• Understand & Operate within the NASW Code of Ethics and Ozone House policies & procedures to guide practice & decision making
• Maintains individual credentials and participation in education and training as necessary to maintain current competency in skill areas necessary to perform job duties
• Maintains working knowledge of software applications used in performance of daily duties
• Represent Ozone House at community events and conduct oneself in an ethical, mature, and professional manner with honesty and integrity, welcoming clients, coworkers and other stakeholders with dignity and respect