Youth Outreach

Keys to Change • Phoenix, AZ

4d

About The Position

Become a Part of Something Big! Our mission at the Keys to Change campus is to create a safe, engaging, holistic community that empowers people to end their homelessness and create positive, long-term changes. We offer a dynamic work environment where your ideas and critical thinking skills will be valued and your contributions will directly influence the lives of those in need. We are looking for individuals who are ready to be part of something bigger than themselves, who want to challenge the status quo. At Keys to Change, your work will matter, your voice will be heard, and together, we will transform lives and strengthen communities Keys to Change is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers an attractive health and benefits package for our employees, including 100% towards monthly premiums for Health, Dental, Long- and Short-Term Disability, and Life insurance (employee only), Paid Time Off, 403b, 8 Paid Holidays, and flexible schedule. Summary The Youth Outreach Team at Keys to Change collaborates with partner agencies to engage and support young adults (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity in Maricopa County. This includes youth who are unsheltered, aging out or have aged out of the DCS/foster care system, or otherwise lack stable housing. Working in outdoor settings and emergency shelters, Youth Outreach Team members connect clients to essential services, including healthcare, shelter, financial assistance, and other resources aimed at ending homelessness. This role emphasizes a trauma-informed approach, fostering an empathetic, client-centered environment that respects each individual's unique journey. Team members are encouraged to think critically and innovate, using creative, outside-the-box solutions tailored to each client’s needs. By applying best practices in trauma-informed care and adapting strategies to complex situations, the Youth Outreach Team actively works to break down barriers and energize clients on their path to stability and stable housing.

Requirements

• Lived experience with homelessness or housing insecurity is strongly valued, along with experience or interest in working with individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerable populations.
• Ability to think quickly, adapt to evolving situations, and collaborate with clients to develop creative solutions to overcome barriers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and compassionately with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those facing mental health, substance use, and other barriers.
• Commitment to working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment with cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse backgrounds and lifestyles.
• Willingness to learn and receive training in relevant areas such as vulnerability assessments, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing.
• Position requires 75% outdoor work
• Must be willing to work in high heat and inclement weather on the streets in an assigned geographical area
• Effective written and verbal communication skills required (Spanish proficiency is a plus)
• Must have a valid Arizona State Driver’s license due to 75% travel involved in the role
• Visual acuity sufficient to: Maintain a system of records and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents
• Ability to handle sensitive material with: The highest level of confidentiality
• Sound judgment
• Mobility sufficient to perform regular duties within a typical office environment
• Physical ability to lift up to 20 pounds to safely manage office supplies and equipment

Responsibilities

• Targeted Outreach : Collaborate with partner agencies and management to identify and visit key locations where youth congregate in areas not meant for human habitation, focusing on areas of high need.
• Client Identification & Engagement : Work closely with management to identify youth needing services and initiate outreach to build trust, using trauma-informed and client-centered approaches.
• Deliver Client-Centered Services : Provide support based on harm reduction, progressive engagement, low-barrier access, and trauma-informed care, in alignment with national best practices for youth experiencing homelessness.
• Conduct Assessments : Administer TAY-VI-SPDAT assessments to determine client vulnerability and prioritize access to resources.
• Information Gathering & Consent : Collect and record client demographic information and ensure appropriate consent and release forms are signed to facilitate necessary services.
• Warm Hand-Offs : Facilitate seamless transitions for clients into appropriate service programs, collaborating with partners to ensure continuity of care.
• Eligibility Screening & Referrals : Assess clients for eligibility in specialized programs like SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) and employment services, referring them as appropriate.
• Appointment Support & Advocacy : Accompany youth to critical appointments, advocate on their behalf, and provide or arrange transportation as needed to improve access to essential services.
• Data Entry & Record Keeping : Maintain accurate and timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track client progress and program outcomes.
• Progress Meetings : Participate in team and case review meetings to discuss client progress, address barriers, and adjust service plans as needed.
• Inter-Agency Collaboration : Work closely with Keys to Change staff and community partners to coordinate entry, outreach, engagement, and housing services, fostering a holistic support network.
• Continuous Learning & Compliance : Adhere to Keys to Change policies, participate in trainings, and stay informed on best practices and evolving methods in youth homelessness outreach.
• Participate in Weekly Count : Adjust schedule one day a week to perform a region based count of unsheltered individuals at 4am
• Other Duties : Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the overall goals of the outreach Program.

Benefits

• attractive health and benefits package for our employees, including 100% towards monthly premiums for Health, Dental, Long- and Short-Term Disability, and Life insurance (employee only)
• Paid Time Off
• 403b
• 8 Paid Holidays
• flexible schedule

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed