Youth & Family Specialist

WALKER’S POINT YOUTH & FAMILY CENTER JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE

Youth & Family Specialist – Runaway & Teen Crisis Program

SUPERVISOR

House Manager

AGENCY OVERVIEW

Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center’s Runaway & Teen Crisis Program provides temporary shelter, counseling, crisis intervention, and supportive services to youth ages 11-17 at no cost. The program provides a safe and legal alternative to the streets for runaway and homeless youth while offering a supportive environment where youth and families can engage in problem-solving and develop plans for long-term stability. Our goal is to empower youth to make positive decisions and build healthy futures.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Youth & Family Specialist (YFS) provides trauma-informed crisis intervention, shelter care, and supportive services to youth residing in Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center’s 24-hour Runaway & Teen Crisis Shelter.

Youth & Family Specialists are responsible for maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment while overseeing shelter operations during their assigned shift. This position provides direct supervision of youth, volunteers, and interns; assists with training and onboarding new staff; facilitates educational and support groups; maintains required documentation; and collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to support positive outcomes for youth and families.

The YFS serves as the primary staff member responsible for shelter operations during assigned shifts and is expected to exercise sound judgment in responding to crises, maintaining safety, supporting volunteers and interns, training new staff, and making day-to-day decisions that support both youth well-being and effective shelter operations.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

This position provides direct care, crisis intervention, supervision, and support to youth residing in the shelter while ensuring compliance with agency policies, licensing requirements, safety standards, and program expectations.

The Youth & Family Specialist works closely with the House Manager, Shelter Case Manager, Therapist, Volunteer and Intern Coordinator, and other agency staff to provide high-quality services that are youth-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Shelter Care & Resident Supervision

• Provide consistent, caring, and supportive residential supervision and shelter care for youth in a trauma-informed environment.
• Meet the physical, emotional, behavioral, and crisis needs of youth.
• Build positive and supportive relationships with residents.
• Maintain a safe, structured, and welcoming living environment.
• Develop and facilitate recreational, educational, and life-skills activities.
• Supervise residents throughout assigned shifts.
• Meet with visitors and coordinate family visits as appropriate.
• Prevent, de-escalate, and resolve conflicts among residents, family members, and visitors.
• Conduct routine room checks, safety checks, and supervision rounds.

2. Crisis Intervention & Intake Services

• Initiate, coordinate, and complete shelter intake processes.
• Conduct crisis assessments and provide crisis intervention services.
• Orient youth and families to shelter services and expectations.
• Assist youth and families with problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Develop shelter agreements and safety plans.
• Coordinate with referral sources and community partners.

3. Team Collaboration & Case Coordination

• Work collaboratively with therapists, case managers, shelter leadership, and community partners.
• Participate in case consultations, staffing meetings, and service planning.
• Assist with implementation of individualized intervention plans.
• Support referrals to community resources and supportive services.
• Assist with discharge planning and aftercare coordination.
• Communicate significant concerns, incidents, and updates to appropriate staff.

4. Support & Educational Groups

• Plan and facilitate support groups, educational groups, and life-skills programming.
• Encourage youth participation and engagement in shelter programming.
• Create meaningful opportunities for skill development, personal growth, and peer support.

5. Documentation & Record Keeping

• Complete all required documentation accurately, professionally, and within required timeframes.
• Maintain intake and discharge paperwork.
• Complete daily logs, shift reports, and incident reports.
• Document client interactions and services provided.
• Ensure compliance with agency, licensing, and funding requirements.

6. Crisis Hotline & Communication

• Provide crisis counseling, information, referrals, and support through the agency’s 24/7 Crisis Line.
• Respond professionally to youth, families, schools, law enforcement, referral agencies, and community members seeking assistance.
• Accurately document hotline contacts and referrals.

7. Volunteer, Intern & New Staff Support

• Provide direct supervision, guidance, and support to volunteers and student interns during assigned shifts.
• Assist volunteers and interns in understanding shelter policies, procedures, and expectations.
• Support meaningful engagement between volunteers, interns, and residents.
• Provide feedback regarding volunteer and intern performance to the House Manager and Volunteer & Intern Coordinator.
• Assist with onboarding, orientation, and training of newly hired staff.
• Serve as a mentor and resource for new employees during their training period.
• Model trauma-informed care, professional conduct, crisis intervention techniques, and documentation standards.
• Ensure volunteers, interns, and new staff maintain professional boundaries and comply with agency expectations.

8. Housekeeping, Facility Maintenance, Meal Preparation & Laundry

• Ensure the shelter environment remains clean, safe, welcoming, and compliant with licensing standards.
• Supervise daily resident chores and responsibilities.
• Assist with housekeeping and facility upkeep.
• Maintain cleanliness of common areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, and grounds.
• Ensure meals meet nutritional guidelines and are prepared in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Supervise meal preparation, kitchen cleanup, and food storage.
• Coordinate laundry needs and ensure bedding, towels, and supplies are available.
• Identify and report maintenance or safety concerns.

9. Safety & Compliance

• Support compliance with agency policies, licensing requirements, and safety standards.
• Conduct routine safety inspections and facility checks.
• Follow emergency response procedures and crisis protocols.
• Maintain awareness of resident whereabouts and activities.
• Participate in required trainings and quality improvement activities.

10. Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the House Manager, Director of Housing & Crisis Services, or Executive Leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working with youth, families, homelessness services, residential care, behavioral health, education, social services, or a related field preferred.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment during assigned shifts.
• Ability to supervise youth, volunteers, interns, and support new staff training.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Ability to climb stairs and perform duties requiring occasional lifting.
• Ability to pass a Wisconsin State Caregiver Criminal Background Check and meet all licensing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Education, or a related field.
• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, trauma, family conflict, behavioral health concerns, or crisis situations.
• Experience in residential care, shelter programs, crisis services, or youth-serving organizations.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, positive youth development, and crisis de-escalation techniques.

Certifications

Employees must:

• Hold current First Aid and CPR certification or obtain certification within three months of employment.
• Obtain Fire Safety Certification within six months of employment.
• Complete all state-required licensing trainings.
• Complete a minimum of 24 hours of annual professional development and training as required by agency policy.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Flexible scheduling is required as the shelter operates 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Available shifts include:

• 1st Shift: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 2nd Shift: 3:00 PM – 12:00 AM
• 3rd Shift: 11:00 PM – 8:00 AM

Weekend, holiday, and occasional overtime availability may be required.

Attendance at weekly staff meetings, agency trainings, and professional development opportunities is mandatory.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Compensation

Compensation is based on education, experience, qualifications, and demonstrated skills.

Starting wage: $15.00 – $17.00 per hour

The starting rate will be determined based on relevant experience, education, certifications, and demonstrated ability to perform the duties of the position.

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Training and Continuing Education Opportunities

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who reflect the diversity of the youth and communities we serve to apply.

Walker’s Point Youth & Family Center prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.