ABOUT THE COMPANY
Founded: 1981
Mission: To strive for equity for our youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision.
Values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, & Advocacy
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Youth Support Specialist, Lighthouse (Overnight, 30 hours/week)
Employment Classification: Full-time; Hourly; Non-Exempt
Reports to: Program Supervisor
Department: Program
Program Summary: The Lighthouse is a transitional housing program for survivors of human trafficking, many of whom were in foster care.
Position Summary: The Youth Support Specialist is responsible for providing direct survivor led support and coordination of care for residents of The Lighthouse. This position has a fixed schedule overnight Thurs. – Sat. 8:00 pm – 6:30 am.
When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed.
Major Areas of Responsibility:
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Using trauma informed care to ensure a calm, clean, safe and happy home environment.
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Provide a positive influence, using developmentally appropriate techniques to assist residents to acquire life-skills such as shopping, cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry and grooming.
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Assist with transportation to group programming, activities, individual appointments, school and work.
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Provide trauma informed support and guidance to assist residents to adapt to the home including an understanding and adherence to program guidelines.
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Confer with the Case Manager and Program Supervisor to better understand the individual backgrounds and needs of residents.
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Support the resident to reach goals they establish with the case manager.
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Provide calm and concise directions to residents in crisis situations and implement de-escalation techniques when needed and mediate interpersonal issues between residents.
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Compile information such as residents' daily activities and write updates in the daily log.
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Uphold the policies and procedures of the Lighthouse.
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Manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the house.
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Serves as a role model in carrying out the Orangewood Foundation mission including, but not limited to the following:
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Creates atmosphere of enthusiasm and commitment
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Directs all actions to reflect the values: trust, respect, and compassion
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Executes Orangewood Foundation policies and procedures
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Communicates directly with internal and/or external customers to assure proper resolution of concerns and satisfaction of inquiries, and speaking positively of Orangewood Foundation decisions, processes, and programs to other staff and outside consumers
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Establishes and maintains an environment that encourages teamwork, interdependence, and ethical behavior and does not participate in gossip
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Maintain confidentiality related to program participation.
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Support other housing sites through coverage as needed, especially during summer sessions and holiday breaks
Knowledge, Skill, and Experience Requirements:
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Bachelor’s Degree preferred or high school diploma with two years of experience working with youth at risk.
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Understanding of trauma informed practices and how trauma affects the cognitive development of survivors of human trafficking.
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Excellent organizational skills; ability to self-start, multi-task; and take direction from multiple staff.
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Excellent written and oral communication skills.
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Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.
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Ability to problem solve and make decisions independently.
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Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, Excel, Power Point. Also proficient with data entry.
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Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred
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Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
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Position will be provided appropriate cross training in order to be equipped to support other housing programs, as needed, and during summer sessions/holiday breaks.
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Position also provides opportunities to work in additional programs with specific areas of focus (youth who have experienced trafficking, youth who experienced foster care, and parenting youth.)
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Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
Essential Qualities:
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Provides social/emotional support to youth during the night due to trauma, as needed.
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Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
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Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.
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Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements:
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Work is primarily performed in a single-family home. Cleaning of the home and outside spaces. Occasional driving of residents to appointments.
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Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
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Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.
Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws