The Youth Engagement Specialist is a full-time position. This position provides direct therapeutic care to program participants in Washington, DC to prevent emotional and/or behavioral dysregulation and provide immediate crisis intervention. The Youth Engagement Specialist also provides enrichment and community building activities.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Washington, DC

COMPENSATION: $42,000 - $46,000

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• Fifteen days paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 20 with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).
• Education Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises apartment building throughout the evenings to ensure participant compliance in the program.
• Plans, and executes at a minimum one residential social activity a week for Safe Housing residents.
• Develops a meaningful and purposeful relationship with clients.
• Provide intensive 1:1 behavioral support service to clients experiencing a crisis that jeopardizes their safety and current placement and that of other clients in the programs.
• Use good interpersonal communication skills to gain client cooperation and resolve conflicts.
• Deescalates client crisis and emergencies in an effective and appropriate manner.
• Serves as a liaison with building management during non-office hours.
• Writes progress notes after each contact and inputs them into ETO and HMIS within 24 hours.
• Documents all contacts with clients, family members, LAYC staff, and representatives from other agencies involved in the provision of client services.
• Writes detailed Unusual Incident Reports after each incident that occurs during shifts.
• Lead/participate in staff training and/or seminar presentations as requested.
• Notify Supervisor of any significant client medical complaint(s), unusual events, accidents, medical problems, property damage or maintenance concern, etc. Makes appropriate referrals in accordance to the client’s treatment plan and works with the program's case manager to ensure that supportive services are delivered.
• Conducts apartment inspections as needed to monitor for safety and program violations.
• Ensures the clients respect building quiet hours and other building and program regulations.
• Works on aspects of budgeting of assigned programs and keeps detailed accounts of finances.
• Responsible for the provision of client stipends, in conjunction with client case managers.
• Attends individual and/or group clinical supervision on a weekly basis.
• Attends programmatic meetings with the Program Manager.
• Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by the time and funding constraints.
• Performs other activities as assigned.
• Adheres to all LAYC personnel policies.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s in social work, Counseling, Psychology or related field; licensed at the LGSW or equivalent preferable. (High School 5 years of experience working with homeless youth can replace a bachelor’s degree).
• At least three-years of experience working with mental health clients within a culturally diverse population.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
• Familiar with trauma informed care & strength-based approaches.
• Knowledge of services and resources in the areas of mental health, substance abuse, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
• Knowledge in crisis intervention.
• Ability to evaluate youth’s emotional, behavioral and social needs and determine the optimal treatment strategies.
• Ability to conduct individual, family and group counseling sessions.
• Ability to relate to a culturally diverse population.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Complete CPR and First Aid certification.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.