Youth Street Outreach Specialist

Youth Era•Salem, OR

17h

About The Position

The Youth Street Outreach Specialist provides community-based peer support to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness, in alignment with the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program. The role builds authentic relationships through street outreach and other community settings, helping reduce barriers to stability, increase access to basic needs and housing resources, and support youth in identifying self-determined goals related to education, employment, recovery, and connection. The position combines outreach, engagement, peer support, documentation, and systems navigation. The role may also provide support in Youth Era drop-in spaces, helping create inclusive, affirming, safe, and youth-driven environments. The position is grant-funded and serves Marion/Polk County, Oregon. Compensation is $21.00–$24.00 per hour. The role may be full-time or part-time.

Requirements

Ability to build authentic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds.
Strong boundaries and ethical peer practice.
Ability to work independently in community settings.
Compliance with fingerprint-based background check requirements, insurance and safety standards, mandatory reporting laws, ODHS monitoring and site visits, and accurate reporting under YEHP requirements.

Nice To Haves

Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are preferred.
Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness.
Experience with street outreach.
Familiarity with HMIS or other data systems.
Knowledge of Oregon housing and shelter systems.
Experience supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Lived experience related to homelessness, housing instability, foster care, behavioral health systems, or related systems.
Certified Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist, or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

Identify and engage unsheltered and unstably housed youth in the community.
Conduct street outreach in areas where youth gather.
Build trust through lived experience and authentic connection.
Conduct initial assessments of youth basic needs and provide youth-determined support.
Offer strengths-based, non-clinical peer support.
Help youth navigate housing systems and emergency shelter options.
Assist youth in accessing food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and urgent physical needs.
Connect youth to health care, recovery services, and culturally specific resources.
Support youth in repairing or strengthening relationships with chosen family when appropriate.
Support education, employment, and long-term stability planning.
Where applicable, provide engagement and support within Youth Era drop-in spaces and ensure inclusive and affirming practices for LGBTQIA2S+ youth.
Help maintain safe, welcoming, youth-driven environments and assist with meal distribution and resource coordination.
Enter complete, accurate, and timely HMIS data and document services in Youth Era’s data systems.
Ensure demographic and service data is captured at intake and support quarterly reporting requirements.
Participate in monitoring and site visits as required.
Coordinate with shelters, housing providers, CCOs, and community partners.
Participate in case coordination meetings when appropriate and advocate for youth within systems.
Maintain professional communication with ODHS partners as directed.