Youth Support Specialist - Orangewood Foundation Resource Center

Description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Our Mission: Since 1981, the Orangewood Foundation has passionately advocated for young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking. Our mission is to empower these individuals by supporting the futures they envision, providing dedicated one-on-one support to help them achieve their dreams and goals.

Our Programs & Services: We provide programs and services in four essential areas: Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support.

Our Vision: A community where every young person thrives. This is our long-term goal for young people in Orange County. We embody this goal every time we talk to a young person, a volunteer, a community member, and to each other. 

Our Commitment: Equal Opportunity Employer, Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, Competitive Compensation

Our Values: At Orangewood, recently ranked #27 in Best Places to Work 2025, we take pride in fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. We ask all staff to uphold the following core values: Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Title:   Youth Support Specialist, Orangewood Resource  Center

Employment Classification: Full-time; Hourly; Non-Exempt

Reports to:   ORC Supervisor

Shift: Mon/Tues/Wed/Fridays: 8:30 AM- 5:00PM and Thursdays: 10AM-6:30PM

Department:   Programs

Program Summary: 

The Orangewood Resource Center (ORC) is a drop-in center for Transitional-Age Youth (TAY) ages 18-24 to access community resources and short-term case management services to support their transition to self-sufficiency.

Position Summary: 

Youth Support Specialists (YSS) provides assistance and life skills instruction to all TAY who visit the ORC. YSS will provides basic needs support and assist youth with getting connected to community resources (e.g.: employment, education, housing, etc.) that will assist the youth with achieving their greatest potential.

When considering this job opportunity, please be aware that the role may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. It is essential to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support when needed. 

Requirements

Major Areas of Responsibility:

• Administer participant needs assessment to identify areas that require immediate support.
• Meet individually with participants to: 
• Assess basic needs for shelter, food, clothing, physical and mental health 
• Identify appropriate resources and advocate for services 
• Assist participants in securing identified resources 
• Support participants in accessing longer-term care supports 
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed 
• Assist youth in developing life skills and positive coping skills
• Attend all relevant internal and external meetings and events, advocating for TAY and representing the organization’s mission, vision, and values
• Maintain transparency and assist participants in making informed decisions 
•  Provide information and education about risky behaviors and its aftermath to participants, service providers, and other systems that interact with youth
• Foster an environment that promotes harmony, partnership, alliance, healing, and thriving 
• Distribute ORC basic needs resources (hygiene items, meals, groceries, school supplies, emergency work clothes, etc.).
• Establish professional, collaborative relationships with all outside community partners who provide their services on site.
• Adhere to all program policies and procedures
• Assist youth with becoming familiar with and connecting to appropriate community resources. 
• Provide good customer service by responding timely to phone calls, emails, youth or others who walk into the ORC.
• Complete data entry timely into the Apricot database. 
• Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Requires a High School Diploma with a minimum of 4 years’ experience OR a bachelor’s degree with 2 years of experience with similar case management services.
• Some experience with crisis intervention/de-escalation techniques

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrate a moderate understanding of Trauma Informed Care
• Ability and flexibility to work in a high crisis, fast paced environment
• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work sensitively with youth impacted by trauma
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite  
• Basic data entry skills
• Ability to accept and implement feedback 
• Make sound and timely decisions under pressure

Essential Qualities:

• Understanding of and passion for the Foundation’s mission, vision, and values.
• Enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, etc.
• Passion for and enjoys working directly with TAY population.

Working Conditions and Requirements:

• Position is onsite at the Orangewood Resource Center and may require offsite engagement with youth in the community. 
• Position requires evening hours and may also require covering weekend hours
• Position may require use of personal vehicle. Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 50 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.). 
• Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.
• Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
• Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. 
• A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted. Visit this link to learn more: https://www.plum.io/about 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Benefits:

• Medical – Blue Shield HMO & PPO + HRA 
• Delta Dental 
• Vision (EyeMed Network) 
• FSA – Healthcare & Dependent Care
• Mental Health through Headspace (virtual & in person therapy included) 
• EAP – through Umum & Headspace 
• Life/Disability/Accident/Critical Illness 
• Pet Insurance 
• 403b with company match 
• Cell Phone Stipend

Time-off Benefits:

• 5 Sick Days per year 
• Up to 3 Floating Holidays per year 
• Year one - 15 Days of PTO accrued at 5 hours per pay period 
• 13 Company Paid Holidays 

Orangewood Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race (including hair texture and protective hair styles such as braids, locks, and twists), religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and/or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity (including individuals who are transgender and/or transitioning), gender expression, age, sexual orientation, reproductive health decision-making, military and veteran status, or any other protected group, in accordance with all applicable federal or State laws.