Host Home Manager

THE GARAGE

HOST HOME MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

Our mission is to provide a safe, after-school drop-in place for teens where they can gather with their friends and access programming and services as needed. Here, students are not only valued for their differences but cherished for the unique history, beliefs, traditions and perspectives they bring to the Garage. To that end we work actively to connect to all students so that every voice can be heard and appreciated. We value each person at the Garage, because respecting our differences and celebrating our diversity only serves to make us stronger as a community.

ABOUT THE GARAGE, A TEEN CAFE: The greater Issaquah area offers many teen activities – school sports, classes and extracurricular activities, YMCAs, city recreation centers, teen youth boards, and church youth groups. Despite – and perhaps because of – all the community youth activities, teens lack a place to “hang out,” an informal place where they can just drop in, talk with friends, pick up a snack, read a book, talk over homework, listen to music, create art, hold poetry slams and have access to resources. A place that isn’t necessarily programmed, but open to ideas the teens create themselves.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT: The Garage is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on merit and business needs, and not on race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. People of Color and Members of the LGBTQ+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• High School Diploma, GED, or Associate degree
• Computer software skills including Windows, Microsoft outlook, Microsoft Word
• Must possess a valid WA State Driver’s License and have the ability to drive
• Must be able to pass a DSHS background check
• Strong ability to work independently and remain motivated
• Strong engagement and relationship-building skills
• Experience coordinating programs and events in a youth centered environment
• Ability to facilitate group meetings/activities and create/present training materials to a group
• Ability to engage in outreach to partners and promotion of Host Home program to the community
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and groups.

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Support Services Director, the Host Home Manger will be responsible for the recruitment and coordination of the Host Home Program, with a focus on host recruitment, screening, training, and host family support. This position will be based at the Garage but travel to families’ homes and community partner sites will be required.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build and maintain a diverse caseload of Host families through recruiting, screening, and training program participants
• Provide direct support to caseload via in person meetings, events, and phone calls
• Create and facilitate monthly events with all participants of the program with a focus on fostering a supportive community environment
• Hold home visits with potential and active participants to ensure safe and supportive environment is available for teen placements
• In partnership with Case Manager, mediate and resolve disputes between participants of the program i.e: host families, families of origin, and teens.
• Remain responsive to evolving teen and community needs
• Ensure all client related data is both current and accurate in the Garage’s system
• Monitor training effectiveness and update training materials as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• BA in Social Work, Psychology, or related field. Degree may be substituted for four years of successful experience in this field
• Knowledge of relevant systems and resources
• Knowledge of crisis intervention, child abuse/neglect, juvenile justice, domestic violence, housing and homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues, public assistance rights, and family dynamics
• Experience networking and advocating with other agencies to access housing, medical, financial, legal, educational, and other resources on behalf of teens

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform a range of physical motions, exerting up to 50 pounds. Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; running for brief periods of time; and go up and down stairs