Youth Outreach & Support Specialist - Transitional Living Program (TLP)
About The Position
The Youth Outreach & Support Specialist works under the general supervision of the Transitional Living Program (TLP) Program Manager. The role identifies and engages youth ages 17–22 experiencing homelessness or housing instability and connects them with TLP services. It combines community-based outreach with in-program support and service navigation to help youth stabilize and move toward independence. The position is regular, full-time, and non-exempt. It involves outreach in community settings, assessment and service connection, assistance with intake and orientation, collaboration with community partners, and documentation of outreach and support activities.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or a related human services field.
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and positive youth development principles.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques.
- Comfort working in field-based settings and managing a flexible, community-focused schedule.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective contact with individuals, families, and representatives of other professional disciplines.
- Ability to be credentialed and maintain an HMIS license.
- Valid South Carolina driver’s license, good driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout the service area.
- Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR/First Aid.
Nice To Haves
- Experience working with vulnerable youth and/or in homeless youth services, Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) programs, or transitional housing settings.
Responsibilities
- Conduct targeted community outreach to identify and engage youth experiencing homelessness, including at schools, shelters, drop-in centers, libraries, transit stations, and other youth gathering spots.
- Build rapport with youth through consistent, non-judgmental, strengths-based interactions.
- Conduct a VI-SPDAT for all new clients to connect them with appropriate interventions and services.
- Educate youth about TLP services and help them navigate eligibility and enrollment.
- Distribute basic-needs supplies, such as hygiene kits, food, and resource information, during outreach as appropriate.
- Serve as a liaison with community partners and referral sources to increase awareness of TLP services.
- Assist youth with intake and orientation, including explaining program expectations, goals, and available supports.
- Contribute to reports and evaluations regarding outreach outcomes and program impact.
- Maintain accurate, timely records of outreach activities, youth interactions, and support services.
- Enter data into required program databases and case-management systems, such as HMIS and Apricot, in compliance with agency standards.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching up to 6%
- Long- and short-term disability
- Critical illness coverage
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Vision insurance
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time: 15 days per year
- Paid vacation time: 15 days per year
- Paid parental leave
- Paid bereavement leave
- Paid jury duty leave
- 13 paid holidays per year
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
