LEAP Program Navigator

ALI FORNEY CENTER•New York, NY

5d•$60,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The LEAP Program Navigator ensures Ali Forney Center youth across programs are informed of, engaged in, and connected to LEAP programming and opportunities. The Navigator provides individualized support related to life skills development, education, workforce readiness, and vocational goals while facilitating groups, coordinating workshops and events, and supporting meaningful engagement between youth participants and volunteers. Working collaboratively across programs and interdisciplinary care teams, this role promotes youth participation, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency through trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming approaches. The role is primarily in person at Ali's Place and other AFC program sites throughout New York City, with one remote day and some travel throughout the city. The schedule is flexible, but availability on weekends and evenings is required.

Requirements

High School Diploma or vocational training with three or more years of related experience; or an Associate's Degree with two years of related experience; or a Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of related experience.
Experience working with adolescent and/or young adult populations is required.
Knowledge of the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness is essential.
Computer literacy, including basic software applications such as Google Suite, internet use, and email communications.
Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Ability to travel throughout New York City and accompany youth to off-site activities as needed.
Ability to respond appropriately to youth who may require crisis support, intervention, or stabilization referrals.
Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice; cultural humility; and a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach.
Clear communication, professionalism, accountability, adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments.
Ability to assess needs, develop service plans, coach and engage youth, facilitate groups and workshops, document services accurately, track data, collaborate across teams, solve problems, and prioritize.

Nice To Haves

Acquaintance with the local employment market, education systems, workforce programs, and community resources.
Strong accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Bilingual (Spanish or other languages); bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
BIPOC transgender and gender non-conforming applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake and individualized assessments with youth to identify life skills, educational, vocational, and workforce development needs, goals, strengths, and barriers.
Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) and goal plans focused on education, employment readiness, vocational exploration, and independent living skills.
Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and support to youth participating in vocational and educational programming.
Refer youth to internal and external educational, vocational, workforce development, internship, and supportive service programs.
Coordinate with interdisciplinary care teams to support youth in obtaining identification documents, stable housing, medical and mental health care, public benefits, and other services needed for educational and employment success.
Accompany youth to workforce development activities, career fairs, college access events, trainings, interviews, higher education programs, and community-based opportunities as needed.
Facilitate and support life skills, educational, and workforce development groups and workshops for youth accessing Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.
Support youth in developing independent living skills, including communication, professionalism, time management, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy.
Foster a welcoming, affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment for LGBTQ+ youth from diverse backgrounds; provide trauma-informed crisis support and referrals when further intervention or stabilization services are needed.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of services, participation, attendance, referrals, progress notes, and program deliverables in accordance with agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.
Track daily participation, workshop attendance, outcomes, and other metrics required by grants and program contracts.
Attend and participate in supervision, team meetings, case conferences, cross-departmental collaborations, training sessions, and external partnership meetings.
Provide LEAP program updates and communicate participant progress, barriers, and emerging needs to supervisors and care teams; support coverage and operations at AFC program sites as needed.