Youth Outreach & Support Specialist - Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Mental Illness Recovery Center•Columbia, SC

About The Position

The Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI) is seeking a Youth Outreach & Support Specialist for its Transitional Living Program (TLP). The role identifies, engages, and supports youth ages 17–22 experiencing homelessness or housing instability, connecting them with essential resources, supportive services, and opportunities for long-term stability and independence. Under the general supervision of the TLP Program Manager, the position combines field-based outreach with in-program support and service navigation.

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 a license in HMIS.
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 community outreach to identify and engage youth experiencing homelessness, including at schools, shelters, drop-in centers, libraries, transit stations, and other youth gathering places.
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.
Liaise 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 related to 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

15 days of paid vacation per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period; vacation may be used after 90 days of employment.
15 days of paid sick leave per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period; sick leave may be used as it accrues.
13 paid federal holidays.
Paid jury duty, bereavement, and parental leave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary short-term disability, critical illness, and life insurance coverage.
401(k) retirement plan with an employer match of up to 6%.