Position Type: Youth Outreach Case Specialist

Location: The Coffee Oasis – Tacoma, Pierce County

Program: Youth Programs

Reports to: Youth Engagement Manager

Status: Full Time, Hourly

Purpose: The Coffee Oasis is a faith based organization that provides support for at-risk youth and young adults (YYA) ages 13-25 who may be experiencing housing instability, barriers, marginalization, and lack of resources. To establish rapport and build relationships with the intention of providing individualized case management to youth as well as getting them connected to resources within The Coffee Oasis and community partners. Our goal is to help YYA:

• Attain and maintain safe, stable housing;
• Overcome barriers to health, education, and employment; and
• Succeed in achieving their personal life goals and objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that every youth and young adult in Pierce County knows about The Coffee Oasis programs and shelter. Be a strong advocate and voice for youth.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with school administration and counselors, probation officers, parents, and community partners in order to effectively support the youth in every system that adds value to their lives.
• Provide support to youth in the drop in center.
• Assist in community events that occasionally occur on the weekend.
• Track is computer database case management meetings and outreach contacts.
• Respond to referrals from schools and community members in a timely manner.
• Engage in outreach on the streets and places where those experiencing homelessness congregate.

*Obtaining ID’s, birth certificate, EBT, health insurance, resumes, jobs, goal setting, mentorship, food, clothing, housing, appts, mental health counseling, and alcohol/drug treatment.*Supporting academic progress, tutoring, increasing GPA, reducing barriers, and helping address participation issues. Develop and maintain trusted relationships with youth as you provide mentorship to navigate life.

• Connect youth to our drop-in center and be available to youth during some drop-in hours.
• Help provide strong aftercare to youth exiting our shelter.
• Comfortable providing outreach to those experiencing homelessness and connecting them to resources while handing out hygiene items, clothing items, and food.
• Attend community events in order to strengthen relationships and build rapport with youth in our demographic.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, community partner case management meetings, and other partner tasks force meetings.
• Maintain daily records with weekly/monthly/quarterly reports of youth contacted and case management provided (including goals, successes, outcomes, etc.) Eventually trained and utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.

Job Specific Competencies

• Creativity for developing new programs
• Demonstrated experience working across the spectrum of religious beliefs, race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and gender.
• Knowledgeable about the community and culture of at-risk and marginalized youth and young adults, including LGBTQ, pregnant teens, gang affiliations and commercial sexual exploitation.
• Knowledge and practice with Trauma Informed Care, Positive Youth Development, and Harm Reduction (preferable).
• Ability to work well as a team member, but also to operate independently and deliver desired outcomes despite barriers encountered or lack of immediate direct guidance.
• Comfortable building new friendships and compassionate towards all people.
• Ability to navigate complex life circumstances of youth with grace and dignity for the individuals.
• Discerning and ability to manage and triage emergencies and traumatic events.

Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years of age
• Must pass DCYF background check
• Experienced and demonstrated ability working with youth and communicating to youth culture
• Minimum one year experience working directly with vulnerable youth and young adults; will consider relevant, specific education as a substitute for up to 50% of the experience requirement
• Able to pass background check to volunteer in the public schools and be in our shelter
• Valid WA Driver’s License and car insurance
• Reliable vehicle to transport youth
• Professionalism to connect with schools and other public and community organizations
• Proficient with commercial software including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; ability to accurately enter data into online databases.
• In full agreement with The Coffee Oasis mission, Core Values, and Jesus Statement (available at https://thecoffeeoasis.com/about/)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• vulnerable youth/young adult direct service: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person