We’re currently hiring for the following positions. If you’re interested in applying, please submit your cover letter and resume to Tiffany Harmon, YouthLink human resources director, at careers@youthlinkmn.org or mail it to:

YouthLink
Attn: Tiffany Harmon
41 North 12th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403

Position Descriptions

Overnight Housing Front Desk Youth Advocate (AWAKE)

Salary range: Hourly-$12-13
Deadline: Aug. 6, 2010

Summary

St. Barnabas offers 24-hour on-site support services to assist youth in
achieving their employment, education and self-sufficiency goals. The
convenient downtown Minneapolis location is near employment opportunities, public transit lines and several colleges – giving youth access to stabilizing opportunities.  Aeon partners with YouthLink to guide and
encourage youth toward self-sufficiency, self-empowerment and healthy
connections. YouthLink staff assists youth at goal setting and learning
independent living skills. A front desk staffed 24 hours a day offers added
support.

Housing Front Desk Youth Advocates are responsible for maintaining a safe environment at any of our housing programs, both inside and out. This
position is responsible for providing front desk coverage and reception
duties in a professional and courteous manner. This position also maintains structure in the building and provides residents with positive and
supportive interaction.  Housing Front Desk Youth Advocates must be able to build relationships with young people of all backgrounds and cultures. This position reports to Program Supervisor.

Duties

• Report to work as arranged with Program Supervisor in order to
  maintain shift coverage and support of program participants
• Provide front desk and other reception duties in a professional and
  courteous manner, relay timely and accurate messages.  Provide program information upon request about available program services offered.
• Set and contribute to a safe dignified, orderly atmosphere by
  enforcing program rules, policies and procedures.
• Establish, model and maintain positive relationships with
  participants.
• Act as a role model-facilitating appropriate behavior about personal
  interaction, social relationships, constructive time management, etc.
• Provide overnight monitoring the premises and front desk coverage
  (awake).
• Monitor individuals entering the building through the secured entry
  door; record visitors time, day and purpose for their visit.
• Conduct regular rounds of the facility and interact with program
  participants.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with clients and staff.
  Respond to client requests in a professional and courteous manner. Observe and adhere to client confidentiality standards.
• Effectively handle a variety of situations requiring tact, judgment,
  de-escalation techniques and follow-up.
• Communicate concerns about residents, critical issues or on-going
  complaints to the  YouthLink Program Supervisor.
• Provide ongoing crisis intervention and support, including
  de-escalating potentially volatile situations; when appropriate, call local law enforcement.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies including contacting
  appropriate staff, supervisor(s), interacting with police, fire and medical personnel as needed.
• Recognize and address chemical dependency and other problematic
  behaviors.
• Assist in coordinating and facilitating on-site activities for
  clients
• Perform daily upkeep and cleaning of front desk reception area.

Documentation

• Maintain daily log of events and program activities.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records.  May include, but not
  limited to, notations in the log book, incident reports, sign-in sheets, and any other forms used or as directed by the program supervisor.
• Notify Housing Program Supervisor immediately of any property
  incidents and or potential lease violations. Submit written Incident Reports as needed.
• Exchange information with desk staff covering next shift in order to
  ensure flow of information
• Identify a broad range of community services and assist clients in
  accessing those services
• Collect ongoing data
• Direct all paper communication to appropriate staff and client
• Actively encourage youth to continue their education

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• High School Diploma or GED required
• BA/BS degree preferred in related field (additional
  experience may substitute for education).
• 2+ years experience in Human Services/Social Work/Education
  or other closely related fields preferred.
• Self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication
  skills.
• Strong desire to serve people from diverse cultures,
  economic and social situations.
• Experience with youth work.
• Knowledge of potential issues facing program participants
• Ability to work independently or as a team member.
• Ability to provide ongoing crisis intervention and support,
  including de-escalating potentially volatile situations with ability to
  understand when it’s appropriate to call local law enforcement.
• Ability to recognize and address chemical dependency and
  other problematic behaviors.
• Strong sense of personal and professional boundaries.
  Access to reliable transportation.