Specialist - Program

Position: Specialist - Program Support
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.

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.

Schedule: Evening/Overnight/Weekend schedules, .4 FTE positions available

essential duties | minor and young adult shelter services

Safety and Wellbeing

Maintain a safe living environment tailored to the needs of minors (Youth Haven) and young adults (Willows Youth Services Center (WYSC) and Bridge Pointe).

Model and teach self-regulation techniques appropriate for each age group.

Promote a sense of community and safety specific to youth or young adults.

Support conflict resolution skills relevant to the age group served.

Utilize preventative and de-escalation floor management techniques tailored to address challenging behaviors of minors and young adults.

Monitor guest activities including laundry, shower use, and assist with conflict prevention and de-escalation.

Facilitate walk-through and safety checks in areas internal and external to the facility.

Minor and Young Adult Engagement

Listen to and address the individual concerns

Provide personal attention

Support the growth and development of independent living skills

Respect confidentiality and privacy considerations

Build positive relationships

Interact with empathy and without judgment, respecting the developmental stages of each group.

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

Plan, supervise, and support tasks that promote mental, physical, and social health, adjusting approaches for minors and young adults.

Ensure safe storage and dispensing of medications, adhering to specific protocols for minors and young adults.

Assist with homework, work attainment, goal setting, and achievement

Assist with prepping/serving meals, cleaning responsibilities, facility security, and administrative tasks to support program operations.

Facilitate scheduled groups and activities

Transport clients to appointments and outings as needed.

Maintain close supervision to ensure awareness of the whereabouts and activities of clients.

Monitor health and behaviors, promptly reporting concerns regarding abuse, exploitation, or neglect following mandated protocols.

Communication and Record Keeping

Attend and actively contribute to weekly team meetings

Participate in professional training for continuous growth and knowledge

Objectively document behavioral events and maintain daily communication logs.

Record medication administration and financial disbursements accurately

Complete incident reports and other required documentation in compliance with agency policies.

Provide consistent communication and support through accurate daily documentation.

job requirements

a.Education and Experience

High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED). Bachelor's degree preferred.

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.

2 years of experience with minors and/or young adults

Must have strong proficiency in English.

Demonstrated knowledge of MS365 Power Platform.

b. Additional Requirements

Must be 21 years or older.

Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.

Must pass a DCYF background check.

Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.

Must have reliable transportation and a Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment)

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.

Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment:
Food Handler's Card, CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.

We offer:

Generous time off including 15 vacation days per year, paid sick leave, 11 paid holidays, 2 social justice leave days per year for full-time employees

Health insurance package including medical, dental, vision, 24/7…