Spectrum Youth Coaches are the primary, front line staff in the Drop-In Center. They provide brief interventions, screening, resource coordination, referrals, and case management to youth being served in the St. Albans Spectrum Drop-in Center. The Youth Coaches are young adults at least 18 years old and need to be healthy role models for the youth being served. The hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 1:00 6:00 pm, Thursday 10:00 - 6:00 pm, and Friday 1:00 - 6:00 pm. This position will have the opportunity to help with coverage when staff are out, as needed. This is a part time nonexempt position which pays $21.63 per hour and may be eligible for an additional shift differential depending on shifts covered, if applicable.
Essential Summary
- Maintain Drop-in Center as a safe, clean, and accessible space for youth and young adults, ages 14-24.
- Provide basic needs to youth who access Drop-In services.
- Adhere to the procedures and policies of the agency and of the program, assisting in programmatic policy updates as needed.
- Provide supportive engagement and brief interventions based on Motivational Interviewing.
- Use appropriate crisis intervention techniques in the space to deescalate youth and maintain a safe space for all community members.
- Provide resource coordination, case management, and referrals to other Spectrum and community services as appropriate.
- Provide formal Recovery Coaching to interested youth.
- Facilitate activities to attract, educate, and empower youth.
- Advocate for and with youth and assist them to access and utilize resources and services within Spectrum and the community by maintaining partnerships with other programs and agencies.
- Participate in regular outreach efforts to engage youth outside of the space.
- Assist in the training and mentoring of new Youth Coaches and AmeriCorps members.
- Perform formal intake process with each new youth to the space.
- Keep daily logs of youth and services provided.
- Conduct appropriate screenings and provide data for funding requirements.
- Track youth interactions and progress through detailed notes in agency database and inter-program lines of communication.
- Participate in weekly supervision and staff meetings, and trainings as needed
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Must be knowledgeable about issues facing target population (homelessness, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse, mental health problems, family conflict, physical health issues, criminality, etc.) or be willing to learn.
- Must be knowledgeable or willing to learn about area resources available to youth and young adults and be able to dispense that information as needed to youth seeking services.
- Ability to engage and build rapport while setting effective limits and boundaries with youth.
- The ability to work independently and as a team member and according to the NASW code of Ethics.
- Participating in supervision by identifying needs and issues, asking for assistance, support and training, and being able to offer, accept, and utilize feedback.
- Commitment to the values of diversity with respect to gender identity, race, age, socio-economic level, sexual orientation, and religion.
- This position may include driving the Spectrum van and/or transporting clients. Driver’s license may be required.
- Willingness to become certified as a Recovery Coach in the state of Vermont within 6 months of hire.
- Ability to actively support diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts by participating in ongoing training and professional development.
- Other duties as assigned.
Work Environment
The above duties will be carried out in the Drop-in Center and occasionally transporting clients in the local area. Requires sitting, standing, general use of stairs, and lifting or moving up to 20 pounds.
The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed in this job. They should not be construed as an exhaustive listing of all job duties and responsibilities by employees so classified.
