Support Specialist

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 supports participants through a human centered and trauma informed approach, in addition they are engaging, culturally responsive and aware of the diverse needs of various cultures, races, ethnicities and populations.  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)  *This is a grant-funded position expected to run through September 30, 2027, with potential for extension* SCHEDULE: Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm WORK DESIGNATION: In-Person at our Escondido Drop-In Center with travel to our Oceanside Drop-In Center Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs.  PROGRAM SUMMARY:  Transitional Aged Youth (TAY) Services program provides case management, basic needs, housing navigation, overnight lodging, employment/education guidance, mental health support, skill building workshops, leadership opportunities and resource referral support for youth ages 13–24 through our drop-in centers in North County. This support specialist position will directly support TAY Services case managers, and the drop-in center operations. 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  TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Must have access to reliable transportation to travel occasionally throughout San Diego County 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 concer