Youth Transition Specialist

Preble Street•Portland, ME

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Preble Street’s Teen Housing Services team supports youth ages 16 – 24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability with a low-barrier, Housing First approach, connecting youth to long-term housing options and offering intensive supportive services and case management toward achieving and maintaining housing stability. Preble Street’s Teen Housing Program is seeking a Youth Transition Specialist to support youth transitioning back into the community from Long Creek Youth Development Center and youth and families involved with the Juvenile Justice System. This position will provide relationship-based, community-centered support to youth as they navigate reentry, housing, education, employment, family relationships, and other areas of independent living. The Youth Transition Specialist will build trusting relationships with youth both in the community and within juvenile justice settings, with a focus on supporting successful transitions and helping youth develop the skills, connections, and resources needed to thrive in the community.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field, or a comparable combination of education and experience.
Experience relevant to working with youth experiencing homelessness.
Understanding of and alignment with Preble Street’s mission.
Positive regard for individuals accessing services for homelessness and poverty.
Commitment to providing low-barrier services.
Strong communication skills.
Strong de-escalation skills.
Strong crisis intervention skills.
Familiarity with community resources.
Strong organizational skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries with diverse populations.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Must be at least 21 years of age.
Must hold certification or become certified in First Aid and CPR (on-site training opportunities offered).
Must provide proof of education (diploma or transcript).
Must have acceptable background check results, including BMV.
Must attend recurrent, regularly scheduled trainings provided on-site.
Reliable transportation is required.

Responsibilities

Provide relationship-based, community-centered support to youth as they navigate reentry, housing, education, employment, family relationships, and other areas of independent living.
Build trusting relationships with youth both in the community and within juvenile justice settings.
Support successful transitions for youth.
Help youth develop the skills, connections, and resources needed to thrive in the community.
Maintain documentation of services.