Description

Who we are:

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region. We empower individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community. Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond. Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We are committed to living out our core values both within our organization and the community. 

Summary: 

The Youth Street Outreach (YSO) Specialist is a key position of Youth Services based within the Welcome Center Services Division of Friendship Place. This position will engage with youth experiencing homelessness, at-risk of homelessness, couch-surfing, or runaway Transition-Age Youth (TAY) within the District of Columbia. Outreach services are conducted across the 8 Wards of the District through one-on-one and group engagements to individuals aged 24 and under. Supportive services beyond outreach include basic needs services, housing assessment, access to benefits, referrals and resource navigation, safety planning, family reunification, and other key supports across the District of Columbia. This position serves as a primary assessor for TAY individuals for connection to the Coordinated Access and Housing Placement (CAHP) System for both Youth and Single Adults. The YSO Specialist must have the ability to build relationships across diverse populations and embody culturally humble and LGBTQIA inclusive and safe services. This position is funded through a grant from the District of Columbia Department of Human Services (DHS). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide outreach based supportive services to TAY Individuals and work actively to assist participants in being connected to opportunities for stable housing, employment, public benefits, education, behavioral health services, basic needs, and others as identified.
• Assess eligibility for youth specific services and provide "warm-handed" referrals as needed to ensure comprehensive services for youth.
• Assess readiness for shelter or stable housing opportunities/services through completion of Coordinated Entry Assessments for Youth (TAY-VISPDAT) and/or Single Adults (VI-SPDAT)
• Actively explore stable and safe destinations for TAY individuals, including shelter, diversion services, family reunification, etc. 
• Actively participate in carrying out annual Point-In-Time Count (HUD) and Youth Count (DC/DHS)
• Attend and participate in routine Youth Provider, Youth Street Outreach, Youth CAHP, and DC Homeless Outreach (ICH) meetings to support the Provider community and share best practices.
• Participate in the planning and development of new projects as they relate to participant services.
• Assess safety/well-being of participants and activate emergency services and other necessary supports as needed.
• Connect, collaborate, build, and maintain positive relationships with external agencies that provide services to Friendship Place participants.
• Actively participate in case conference meetings, staff meetings, and supervisions.
• Actively participate in trainings and other events.
• Complete HMIS documentation, outreach logs, and other key documentation with detail and in a timely manner (48-hours)
• Support positive youth development practices and participant well-being.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalence with 4 years of experience working with at-risk youth/young adults, people experiencing homelessness, behavioral health services, LGBTQIA people and/or other individuals from historically marginalized communities (Required)
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, and 2 years of experience working with at-risk youth/young adults, people experiencing homelessness, behavioral health services, LGBTQIA people and/or other individuals from historically marginalized communities (Preferred) 

• Solid decision making and problem-solving skills (Identify and resolves problems in a timely manner; Uses sound and accurate judgment; Attention to detail)
• Strong oral communication skills (Ability to speak clearly and convey vital information to diverse audiences, active engagement in meetings)
• Strong written communication skills (Writes clearly, informatively, and with accuracy)
• Excellent Customer Service (Displays kindness, respect, and meets service expectations; Upholds client confidentiality)
• Commitment to Growth and Development (Strives to build knowledge and skills and best practices)
• Attendance/Punctuality (Consistently on-time and ensures support coverage, as necessary)
• Teamwork and Collaboration (Balances team and individual responsibilities; gives/receives feedback; upholds confidentiality; pursues objectivity and open dialogue)
• Champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (Pursues cultural humility/sensitivity, racial equity, social justice, and inclusive perspectives/experiences)
• Commitment to Organizational Practices and Culture (Mission, Core Values, Strategic Planning, and Compliance)
• Understanding of evidence-based practices in case management services, homeless services, trauma-informed care, Housing First, youth development, and recovery-oriented services.
• Proficient in Microsoft Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.), Internet services, and web-based surveys
• Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is a plus.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) is strongly preferred.

Working Conditions:

The position will spend most of the time (75%) in the community and outdoors providing street outreach engagement and supportive services to individuals aged 24 and under. A significant amount of time will be spent walking in the community in a variety of weather conditions (s.a. rain, snow, heat, etc.) while approaching individuals potentially experiencing homelessness. Remainder of time will be spent in training, attending meetings/engagements with key stakeholders, administrative tasks, and support in Drop-in services.

Physical and Environmental Requirements:

Position requires 75% of time providing outreach services throughout the community. Employees must be able to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time through outreach with repetitive motion and positions. The employee must be able to operate a motorized vehicle. Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25lbs).

Background Checks: 

The selected candidate will be required to complete and pass background checks specific to contract requirements that may include: criminal history background check and/or fingerprinting, FBI Background Check, DC Metropolitan Police Background Check, State-of-Residence Police Background Check, DC Child Abuse Registry (CFSA), National Sex Offender Registry Check, Drug Panel and Alcohol Screening, Tuberculosis Test, and Driving Record check (for positions transporting participants), and confirmation of COVID-19 vaccination record.

Direct reports

None

Specific Requirements:

The employee must have a valid government-issued ID. Strong preference for employees to have their own transportation to carry out job duties and responsibilities. Must meet legal requirements (insured, registered, etc.)

Other Details

Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.

Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $53,794.26-$58,835.39 annually. The starting annual salary is based on a step system. A candidate's starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience. Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation. 

Apply: Website: www.friendshipplace.org