Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist (6267)

Lutheran Services Florida • Fort Lauderdale, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) is seeking a talented Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. 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 but is not limited to: 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 be able to 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required.
• At least one year experience working in social services and/or community outreach.
• Good written and oral communication skill.
• Maturity and good judgement.
• 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
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.
• 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)

Nice To Haves

• Post-secondary education preferred (Human Services, Marketing, Communications).
• Knowledge of street runaway homeless youth populations is preferred.

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.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED