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. 

The Support Specialist provides affirming support, participant engagement, and resource navigation to LGBTQ+ youth under the age of 21 in San Diego County. Working collaboratively with the Y TAY team and community partners, this position helps create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive drop-in environment.

*This is a grant-funded position expected to run through June 30, 2027, with potential for extension*

• 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

• 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: 
  
  • 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 

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 concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Ordinance by visiting the San Diego County Office of Labor Standards and Enforcement.