Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist (6267)

Lutheran Services Florida • Oakland Park, 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 required schedule for this role is: Saturday 1- 9 pm-Sunday 1-9 pm; Monday-Wednesday 12 - 8 pm; Days off Thursday and Friday! 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.
• 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)
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Nice To Haves

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

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