Specialist - Program Support

The Specialist – Program Support serves as a flexible, multi-site support role responsible for providing direct care coverage across residential programs at Friends of Youth Kirkland-based campuses. This floating position is designed to fill scheduling gaps and ensure continuity of care, safety, and service across multiple campuses.  

 The work schedule will vary based on program needs and will require flexibility and the ability to quickly adjust availability based on scheduling needs of the programs. This position requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to quickly integrate into different program teams. The Specialist – Program Support helps to create and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive environment for young people experiencing homelessness, ensuring a caring and non-judgmental approach across all services.  

Starting Salary: $24.00

Salary Range: This position is represented by a Union. Annual increases occur each year, with the current cap at 8 years or $32.85.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, hourly

Union Status: Union

Reports To: Program Supervisor

essential duties | minor and young adult shelter services 

Safety and Wellbeing 

1. Maintain a safe living environment tailored to the needs of minors (Youth Haven) and young adults (Willows Youth Services Center (WYSC) and Bridge Pointe).
2. Model and teach self-regulation techniques appropriate for each age group.
3. Promote a sense of community and safety specific to youth or young adults.
4. Support conflict resolution skills relevant to the age group served.
5. Utilize preventative and de-escalation floor management techniques tailored to address challenging behaviors of minors and young adults.
6. Monitor guest activities including laundry, shower use, and assist with conflict prevention and de-escalation.
7. Facilitate walk-through and safety checks in areas internal and external to the facility. 

Minor and Young Adult Engagement 

1. Listen to and address the individual concerns 
2. Provide personal attention 
3. Support the growth and development of independent living skills
4. Respect confidentiality and privacy considerations 
5. Build positive relationships
6. Interact with empathy and without judgment, respecting the developmental stages of each group.
7. Conduct intake processes and referrals for resources such as case management, education, employment, housing, mental health, and substance use services relevant to minors and young adults. 

Supervision and Monitoring 

1. Plan, supervise, and support tasks that promote mental, physical, and social health, adjusting approaches for minors and young adults.
2. Ensure safe storage and dispensing of medications, adhering to specific protocols for minors and young adults.
3. Assist with homework, work attainment, goal setting, and achievement
4. Assist with prepping/serving meals, cleaning responsibilities, facility security, and administrative tasks to support program operations.
5. Facilitate scheduled groups and activities 
6. Transport clients to appointments and outings as needed.
7. Maintain close supervision to ensure awareness of the whereabouts and activities of clients.
8. Monitor health and behaviors, promptly reporting concerns regarding abuse, exploitation, or neglect following mandated protocols.

Communication and Record Keeping 

1. Attend and actively contribute to weekly team meetings
2. Participate in professional training for continuous growth and knowledge 
3. Objectively document behavioral events and maintain daily communication logs.
4. Record medication administration and financial disbursements accurately 
5. Complete incident reports and other required documentation in compliance with agency policies.
6. Provide consistent communication and support through accurate daily documentation.

job requirements 

a.Education and Experience 

1. High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
2. A minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, providing direct services to young adults. Minimum of 6 months of full-time experience, providing direct services to youth in work or volunteer capacity. 
3. 2 years of experience with minors and/or young adults 
4. Must have strong proficiency in English. 
5. Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform. 

b. Additional Requirements 

1. Must be 21 years or older.
2. Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
3. Must pass a DCYF background check.
4. Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
5. Must have reliable transportation and a Washington State driver’s license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment)
6. Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
7. Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: Food Handler’s Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.

 Friends of Youth is committed to equity and creating a diverse and inclusive work environment as an equal opportunity employer. We welcome, honor, and celebrate our clients, colleagues, and communities’ diverse identities and cultures. For more information, email [email protected].