Children in West Virginia are suffering as fallout continues from the opioid epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic. The West Virginia state commissioner for social services this week said the child welfare system is reaching its “breaking point.”
Youth Services System Inc. (YSS) serves this vulnerable population through its intra-agency network of emergency shelters, mental health services, substance abuse prevention and treatment services, and community-based services, but the nonprofit is actively seeking additional part-time and full-time to meet their growing needs.
To help fill open positions, YSS is holding a walk-in hiring event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley, 1226 Chapline St., Wheeling. No appointments are necessary. Applicants should come prepared with an up-to-date resume.
“We’re holding the event to meet the needs of our clients,” said Gregory Blazy, YSS Human Resources Director. “The more we are able to fill our open positions the more we, as an agency, are able to fulfill the needs of our children and community.”
Blazy said the areas of greatest need are for residential specialists who work at the emergency shelters: Samaritan House for boys 8-17 and Helinski Shelter for girls 8-17; corrections officers at the Ronald C. Mulholland Juvenile Center and case workers in the community-based services division.
In addition, YSS has openings for professional positions, such as therapists and case managers.
“We are looking for a broad spectrum of applicants. College students and recent graduates would likely find an open position they would be qualified for. Many of the open positions have some basic requirements that do not require a college degree. For those who are looking for a job are good with interacting or working with youth, I encourage you to apply,” Blazy said.
“The more positions we fill, the more youth we are able to serve,” he added.
For more information, contact YSS Recruiter Kelly Rayl, krayl@ysswv.com or call 304-218-2852. For information about YSS, visit www.youthservicessystem.org.
