Job Description
Summary: The Youth Worker assists the Case Manager or designee in the provision of emergency shelter services to runaway and homeless youth. This is a licensed 24-hour, 365 days a year facility requiring adequate staffing to ensure youth have their needs met and emergency placements can be accepted at any time. The Youth Worker also provides screening and support of youth entering into the shelter, crisis intervention, de-escalation of conflict among shelter guests, coaching and documentation on activities of daily living, outreach, and other services for shelter youth. The scope of work is subject to change as needed to ensure the project’s success and to meet funders’ requirements. Likewise, complementary changes may be made to projects or individual goals and employee expectations based on agency/management strategic goals. All Center for Children team members are expected to be collegial and collaborative, mutually supportive, and focused on excellent services to clients, fidelity to program models, and ethical provision of services.
Part-time $15/hr.
23-29 hours per week
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis to maintain necessary staffing levels. Minimum Qualifications Qualifications may vary slightly depending on requirements from funding source or because of the nature of the project:
- High school diploma or equivalent and at least one year of full-time experience working with high-risk youth in a shelter or childcare setting.
- Must be at least 21 years old, in accordance with our licensing/contract requirements. This requirement also ensures an appropriate age difference between staff and the youth served.
- Must be willing and able to work non-traditional hours, including overnight, weekends, and holidays, as needed—flexibility to work all shifts required.
- Strong skills in conflict resolution, setting boundaries, and using positive reinforcement to guide youth behavior.
- Ability to read, write, and speak English is required; fluency in Spanish is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Must have and maintain a valid driver's license, a vehicle in safe operating condition, and proof of current insurance meeting Texas minimum standards.
- Must be able and willing to travel for trainings, meetings, and conferences, including air travel.
- Must be able to walk, sit, stand, and lift/carry at least 25 pounds.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Youth Supervision & Engagement - Maintain a welcoming, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment for youth.
- Supervise daily youth activities, including wake-up routines, school attendance, meals, study time, age-appropriate chores, and bedtime.
- Ensure youth access medical and mental health care, attend appointments, and receive necessary treatments, including medication administration.
- Use trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and positive reinforcement strategies to support youth behavior and engagement.
- Communicate and reinforce structure and limits while applying fair and developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Support youth in maintaining personal hygiene, suitable clothing, and nutrition.
- Accompany and transport youth to school, appointments, and recreational activities as needed.
- Provide emotional support and guidance to youth.
- Implement behavior management plans.
- Develop and implement recreational and educational activities.
Shelter Operations & Safety - Maintain a hazard-free, clean, and orderly shelter environment, reporting maintenance needs promptly.
- Prepare meals and snacks according to posted menus under the Case Manager’s guidance.
- Assist with cleaning and maintaining the shelter to ensure a safe and sanitary environment.
- Ensure systems of documentation are accurate and recorded in a timely manner.
- Work with little to no supervision while maintaining accountability for all shift activities.
- Participate in continuing education and adhere to agency policies regarding professional development.
- Provide transportation for clients ready to access services immediately.
Case Management & Documentation - Participate in treatment planning, service plan implementation, and goal progress reviews.
- Document and maintain accurate records, including daily notes, critical incidents, and grant-related activities.
- Conduct file and record reviews to ensure compliance and completeness of documentation.
- Respond to crisis situations with de-escalation techniques and provide immediate emotional support.
- Work with the Case Manager to coordinate services and referrals for youth.
- Conduct follow-up activities with youth clients.
- Complete data entry of services provided.
Outreach & Community Engagement - Conduct outreach activities to identify homeless youth and raise awareness of shelter services.
- Assist with shelter intake assessments, coordinate referrals, and develop follow-up support plans.
- Maintain professionalism when interacting with youth, families, law enforcement, nonprofit agencies, Safe Place partners, and visitors.
- Conduct presentations on program services.
- Disseminate information regarding agency programs, including community presentations and program materials.
- Perform other outreach functions as needed.
Training & Professional Development - Complete initial and ongoing training required for Youth Care Workers.
- Become proficient in de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and CSEC (Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children) identification and response.
- Engage in Motivational Interviewing training to enhance youth engagement and support.
- Attend annual and as-needed professional development sessions on youth development, harm reduction, and best practices in shelter care.
- Stay informed about policy updates, grant requirements, and agency procedures.
Additional Responsibilities - Provide backup support to other staff as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Case Manager or designee.
- Collaborate with other staff to maintain a positive and supportive environment.
Competencies Crisis Intervention – Ability to de-escalate high-risk situations and ensure youth safety.
Trauma-Informed Care – Understanding trauma's impact on homeless youth and providing appropriate support.
Youth Development – Familiarity with emotional, social, and psychological needs to foster growth.
Case Management – Experience creating and implementing individualized plans for housing, safety, education, and employment.
Cultural Competency – Ability to work effectively with diverse youth populations.
Teamwork & Collaboration – Strong ability to partner with staff, service providers, and community resources.
Crisis Management – Skilled in responding to medical and mental health emergencies.
Knowledge of Local Resources – Awareness of shelters, mental health services, and educational programs.
Personal & Professional Conduct - The first responsibility of all El Paso Center for Children employees is to ensure the safety, welfare, and dignity of the youth and families the Center serves. All employees must exemplify the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct and abide by the Code of Conduct set forth in the Center’s Personnel Policies.
Flexibility - Every program at the Center is community and client-centric. Working with diverse partners to meet the needs of families in our community demands flexibility. The scope of work is subject to change based on the team’s performance and the funder’s expectations and on agency/management strategic goals. This position requires flexibility and availability for emergency and appropriate coverage of shelter. Rotating schedule availability is required.
Work Environment - This is a licensed 24-hour, 365-day-a-year facility requiring adequate staffing at all times to ensure youth have their needs met and emergency placements can be accepted at any time. Staff must be prepared to work non-traditional hours, including overnight, weekends, and holidays, as needed to maintain continuous supervision and support. The role may involve high-stress situations, requiring quick decision-making, crisis intervention, and de-escalation skills.
Job Tags
Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Part time, Local area, Immediate start, Shift work, Night shift, All shifts,