Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist (6267)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. LSF is seeking a talented Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Schedule

• Saturday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Sunday 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Monday–Wednesday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Days off: Thursday and Friday

Purpose and Impact

The Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist will be responsible for direct face-to-face community outreach services to street runaway homeless youth (RHY) in the Street Outreach Program (SOP). Outreach includes Gateway Services, through the provision of food, water, clothing, hygienic products, housing/shelter assistance, and other essential needs of street RHY as deemed necessary upon contact. The Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist must serve as a Mentor to youth while recruiting or retaining them to the SOP by providing access to additional resources (medical, substance use, and trafficking prevention), prosocial role modeling, and encouragement. This is a direct service delivery position.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and coordinates Gateway Services and other essential needs, including referrals, screenings, and assessments for sex or labor trafficking/exploitation or other negative physical/emotional impacts for runaway/homeless youth.
• Performs direct face-to-face outreach efforts through street-based interviews, intakes, assessments, and support for street RHY who need access to housing, education, employment, and other assistance that lead to sustainable independence.
• Provides case management, coaching, and mentorship to youth while determining eligibility for the provision of support and services for youth and supervises the process.
• Assures that relevant statistical data and reports of outreach and engagement with street RHY are collected, processed, and submitted for inclusion in monthly/quarterly reporting to the appropriate agencies.
• Expands program activities by collaborating with other community providers serving street RHY populations, including working with law enforcement to help alleviate tension between youths and police, where possible.
• Coordinates activities and services with both appropriate LSF staff and mainstream social services agencies staff.
• Builds knowledge, establishes relationships, and maintains collaborative efforts with community partners and stakeholders serving the street RHY population.
• Attends all pertinent community meetings to promote the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Comfortable and willing to work in high-risk community settings at nontraditional hours.
• Flexibility in working hours beyond 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Must possess a clean/valid Florida Driver License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance (transcript of driving record will be requested from the Department of Motor Vehicle at the time of hire).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma required. Post-secondary education preferred (Human Services, Marketing, Communications).
• At least one year of experience working in social services and/or community outreach.
• Knowledge of street runaway homeless youth populations is preferred.

Skills

• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Maturity and good judgment.
• Organized, disciplined, and able to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of issues, needs, and concerns of the target population(s).
• Knowledge of the community to be served along with being able to provide linkage/referral and follow-up services.
• Mediation and/or problem-solving skills.

Other Requirements

• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• Reports to Outreach Mentoring Coordinator or Director.
• Meeting or exceeding Contract deliverables relative to community outreach and education.
• Team player with LSF co-workers.
• Accuracy and timeliness in completing reports.
• Adherence to LSF personnel policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors).
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer-paid life insurance (1X salary).
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday.
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year).
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement.
• Tuition reimbursement.