Support Specialist - TAY

YMCA of San Diego County • Full-time • Escondido, California • 2w ago

Overview

The Support Specialist is responsible for providing program assistance, guidance, crisis support, and administrative support to Youth & Family Services projects. This position will assist weekly with participant engagement, resource navigation, and participant group while using appropriate research methods to conduct duties, as well as, lead group exercises, develop professional rapport with participants, and monitor participant progress throughout the duration of the program. The Support Specialist is responsible for applying an intersectional, anti-racist, and equity lens to our work that lifts up and centers Black, Indigenous, People of Color, non-binary, and trans, and LGBTQ+ communities and youth.

Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org)

WORK DESIGNATION:

In-Person - Escondido
Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

TAY Services: We are dedicated to empowering transition-age youth (TAY) who face significant challenges, such as homelessness, abuse, and other obstacles, by guiding them toward healthy, successful adulthood. The transition to adulthood is a crucial developmental stage, and it becomes even more difficult when a young person lacks a strong support network and encounters multiple barriers. Our innovative and impactful programs provide a safe, welcoming environment where these young individuals can thrive.

TAY Drop-in Centers: We offer safe, inclusive, youth-led drop-in resource centers throughout North County San Diego, dedicated to supporting transition-age youth (TAY). Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of, and sensitivity to, the trauma many of the youth we serve have experienced. The young people who access our services come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. TAY Drop-in services go beyond meeting basic needs—they also provide vital support for higher-level needs, such as clinical services, resource navigation, and housing assistance. We emphasize employment, education, and connecting youth to safe housing options.

Responsibilities

Provide administrative and intervention support to program staff; prepare agendas and activities for groups, assist with documentation and data collection, support various meetings and activities, facilitate groups and lead activities, provide support for the collection and analysis of data required for reporting purposes
Utilize shared life experience expertise to advance program interventions and participant satisfaction
Identify and navigate complex community resources and referral processes
Apply mental health first aid training to participants in crisis
Engage in recruitment and outreach activities and advocacy strategies
Provide aftercare, follow-up, and stabilization support services to participants
Maintain engaging, professional relationships with participants
Individually meet with participants, assess the need for and provide supportive services, and apply designed curriculum as needed
Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage and auditing
Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees

Qualifications

High school diploma preferred
Must be 18 years of age or older
Minimum two years’ relevant experience required
Familiarity with life experiences common among the transition aged youth population preferred
Experience with Independent Living Skills issues (financial aid, college admissions, GED preparation, housing, transportation) preferred
Familiar with the operations of federal grants preferred
Basic computer knowledge and skills
Familiar with community resources and referral processes preferred

JOB COMPETENCIES:

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly build rapport with others
Must be an adult role model with the ability to effectively set limits and function in crisis-oriented and high stress situations
Must be able to work independently and as part of a team
Must be self-aware, flexible, adaptable, and teachable
Ability to navigate community resources
Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation
Ability to adequately observe participants’ activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures
Must possess the ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills
Ability to work effectively with others in alignment with the YMCA 4 Core Values; Models the 4 Core Values in all aspects of position responsibilities

PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES:

Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications
CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute
Position may require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:
- Physical exam obtained prior to first day
- Negative TB test results obtained within the past one year, prior to first day, and annually thereafter, as required
- Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day
- Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter
- Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid CA Driver’s License, a good driving record and a current CDL H6 print-out (must be dated within 30 days of application) and pass vehicle proficiency exam

YMCA will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the San Diego County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the YMCA is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.

Pay Range

USD $22.00 - USD $23.63 /Hr.

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