Join our team as a Homeless Youth Outreach Specialist and make a meaningful impact on the lives of LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness throughout New York City. In this role, you'll play a vital part in our outreach efforts, service provision, and creating a supportive environment for homeless youth.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach and Engagement (60%)

Community-Based Outreach

Conduct daily outreach across all five NYC boroughs to connect with LGBTQ youth facing homelessness.

Engage in programmatic outreach activities, such as street outreach, shelter visits, and participation in events where these youth congregate.

Establish a noticeable presence in the outer boroughs, focusing on street, subway, park, and shelter areas.

Provide information and referrals for HMI's intake process and emergency shelter services.

Cultivate relationships with external community partners, including other organizations and government agencies.

Employ a trauma-informed approach in street outreach to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness.

Fulfill contracted obligations, conducting street outreach 3 times a week, reaching 1,700 youth annually.

Support In The Operation Of HMI's Drop-In Program

Utilize existing HMI services to address various psychosocial issues faced by homeless youth.

Contribute to program design and assist in the recruitment and supervision of young program participants.

Coordinate daily activities and workshops for the weekly drop-in group.

Provide support during the Drop-In program, including signing youth in, offering snacks/meals, and informing them about available activities and services.

Direct Service Provision (30%)

Creating a Welcoming Space

Establish a safe and inclusive environment for homeless and street-involved youth to participate in programming.

On-Site Pantry Services

Maintain and replenish pantry items, including clothing and hygiene products.

Ensure quality control for all pantry donations and manage inventory.

Individual Counseling And Case Management

Refer homeless LGBTQ youth to individual counseling sessions.

Collaborate with the case management team to connect youth to necessary services.

Harm Reduction And Housing Support

Facilitate a weekly harm reduction group for street-involved homeless youth.

Assist the case management team in creating and managing individualized housing service plans for program-engaged youth.

Collaborate with other HMI programs serving young people and communicate with staff on individual cases.

Administrative Duties (10%)

Data Tracking And Reporting

Maintain records of youth member enrollment and activities, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements.

Prepare reports and necessary paperwork for grants and agency requirements.

Develop and implement program evaluation and client outcome measures.

Maintain client-level data, including progress notes and referral logs.

Maintain group-level documentation, including signing sheets and session summaries.

Qualifications And Requirements

Demonstrated experience working with homeless and marginally housed LGBTQ youth.

Familiarity with NYC housing and shelter systems.

Comfort with self-motivated, field-oriented direct practice with clients.

Experience working with diverse populations of adolescents in an urban setting, with knowledge of LGBTQ+ youth from various cultures.

Flexibility to work a schedule that includes 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm shifts, Tuesday through Saturday.

General knowledge of compliance and regulatory requirements.

Strong knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues.

Experience facilitating group discussions and managing group dynamics.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Canva, and Zoom.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in social work, public health, psychology, or a related human services field.

Bilingual (Spanish-English) skills.

Proficiency with Adobe Photoshop and other design editing programs.

Experience working with youth in HIV-related services.

Working Conditions

Primary work location is at 2 Astor Place, NYC, with some outreach work.

Traditional work schedule: Tuesday - Saturday, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Note: This position involves little to no remote work.

This position is covered by the 1199 Union.

If you're passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of homeless LGBTQ youth in New York City, we encourage you to apply for the role of Homeless Youth Outreach Specialist. Join us in our mission to support and uplift these youth in need.

Employment Type: Full-Time