Youth Services Peer Navigator

Responsibilities

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• Engagement of adolescents into program structure (harm reduction philosophy, rules, mutual respect)
• Milieu counseling; Mediation for internal conflicts
• Support access to services and sustain youth participation in programs
• Carry a case load of 10-20 clients
• Conduct one-on-one peer mentorship sessions that focus on goal setting, coping skills, housing readiness, and navigating services systems
• Facilitate and co-create peer-led programming, groups, and wellness activities that reflect youth voice and needs
• Support the facilitation and development of Advisory Boards to elevate youth leadership and decision-making
• Facilitate access to daily living needs (food, clothes, hygiene supplies, space to rest)
• Convene and Facilitate a Quarterly Client Peer Advisory Group
• Co-facilitate trainings / educational presentations to staff around emerging trends amongst target population
• Connect clients to supportive resources with both internal and external partners to increase client’s access to benefits and resources; provide accompaniment as necessary and requested by clients
• Coordinate services with other Streetwork staff and on-site legal, medical, sexual health and psychiatric service providers
• Participate in weekly case conferencing meetings and clinical group process
• Maintain routine administrative responsibilities to include the preparation of correspondence, maintaining files, mail, email, and telephone
• Participation in staff trainings, staff meetings, and staff group process workshops
• Participate in weekly supervision

Secondary Job Functions

• Petty Cash reconciliation
• Identification of new resources appropriate for population
• Provide wellness and recreational (engagement) activities
• Supports our Outreach team, which may involve travel within the City
• Interacts With All Streetwork program sites and staff
• All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
• All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client

Required Knowledge And Skills

• One (1) year experience working with homeless population, youth, or harm reduction, and lived experience similar to target population
• High school diploma or equivalency plus relevant training and experience in human services or related field, including some prior experience working with victims of crime
• Personal experience with street survival activities (homelessness, gangs, drug economy, substance use, sex industry) with at least three years separation from involvement in these activities as well as a deep understanding of the relationship between personal experiences and professional standards
• Careful and open approach to others and openness to new ideas
• Dynamic energy, able to multi-task and negotiate multiple demands on attention
• Non-judgmental approach and ability to empathize with others
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skill, excellent interpersonal and organization skills
• Genuine interest in working with disenfranchised youth and young adults
• Understanding of and ability to work from harm reduction perspective addressing substance use, mental health issues and HIV risk behaviors
• Demonstrated ability to work independently
• Must be committed to obtaining the Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) Credential within 6 months of hire. Must complete 600 hours of supervised peer support experience to maintain credential

Physical Demands

• Remaining in a stationary position for long hours
• Lifting up to 25 lbs
• Climbing up stairs