Youth Education Specialist - HOME Youth Services

Youth Education Specialist - Home Youth Services

The Youth Education Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing educational programs that support youth in achieving academic success. This role provides direct support to youth, fosters partnerships with schools and educational institutions, and creates engaging learning opportunities that align with individual needs.

Minimum Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and/or Experience

• Two years of experience in workforce training, youth programming, career coaching, or a related field.
• A Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Services, Education, or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.
• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.
• Candidate must pass Oregon Department of Human Services criminal background check.
• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Preferences given to applicants who have experience working with people experiencing homelessness or at-risk of becoming homeless.
• Strong knowledge of educational principles, learning styles, and youth engagement strategies.
• Experience developing and facilitating academic support programs for youth.
• Ability to work with diverse youth populations, including at-risk and underserved students.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, digital learning platforms, and online education tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships with schools, teachers, and community organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and implements educational programs that support academic achievement and personal growth.
• Provides tutoring, mentoring, and educational workshops for youth participants.
• Coordinates with schools, teachers, and counselors to support youth in meeting their academic goals.
• Tracks and monitors youth educational progress, providing individualized support as needed.
• Develops and maintains an education resource library, including materials for tutoring and career readiness.
• Organizes college and career readiness activities, including application assistance and financial aid workshops.
• Advocates for youth educational needs and connects them to appropriate community resources.
• Stays up to date with best practices in youth education, learning strategies, and workforce development.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and gathers feedback to continuously improve educational services.

Physical and Mental Demands

• Frequent driving, including Agency vehicles with youth passengers.
• Maintains calm dispositions and regulates emotions when clients, staff, or others may become escalated.
• Regulates emotions and handles pressure of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.
• Attends and engages in required annual training.
• Specific vision abilities are required of this position. Frequently required to hear and speak.
• Use of kitchen equipment including, but not limited to range, oven, steamer, dishwasher, and various kitchen utensils.
• Employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Frequent mobility for up to 8 hours a day.
• Manual dexterity for handling office and kitchen equipment.

Work Environment

• This position requires on-site work and is not eligible for remote work.
• Close quarters, often with a client youth population experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, and/or severe and persistent mental illness, and/or unpredictable behavior.
• Indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.
• Variable work shifts, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.
• Work environment is occasionally warm, humid and temperatures vary.

Pre-employment background and drug screening is required.