Youth Engagement Navigator

Job Title : Youth Engagement Navigator

Job Type : Direct Care Staff

Department : Residential

Position Reports to : Coordinator

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES : Covenant House Florida reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following :

• Responsible for the daily function of the CHF welcome center. Greeting all residents with absolute respect and unconditional love and assisting them with acclimating to the CHF environment.. Establish rapport with new and returning residents by completing the agency’s initial intake assessments.
• Respond quickly and professionally to inquiries from youth, guests, law enforcement, general public, donors, and other community agencies. Answer 24-hour telephone lines and properly provide crisis counseling, information, and referrals to youth and the general public.
• Demonstrate knowledge of available in-house program resources and community resources in order to communicate referrals to those in need. Assist in completing referrals and following up.
• Communicate pertinent information with staff and youth throughout each shift by ensuring that documentation is completed in a timely manner and meets the standards established by license requirements, funding sources, and agency policies. This includes filing and tracking data for grant objectives.
• Take an active part in shift transition of welcome center activities and provide vital information about residents and referrals.
• Familiarize, assist, and support navigating residents through all remaining assessments. Serve as a guide and advocate for residents in planning future goals and setting attainable objectives. Provide supportive case navigation services including, but not limited to : Intake assessments, youth orientation, and transition planning. Drive company vehicles to escort youth to and from activities, hospital visits, school, and various other appointments.
• Supervise residents, maintain order and exercise appropriate judgment at all times (i.e. at mealtimes, on the residential floors, in common areas, on recreations, and during escorts). Assist youth in emergencies as directed by supervisor. Defuse physical and verbal confrontation with youth, using appropriate verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Ensure that the welcome center is clean and organized before, during, and at the end of the shift. Ensure that other common areas are monitored for compliance with agency standards for physical plant, including cleanliness, safety and maintenance needs.
• Must be able to occasionally exert up to 15-20 pounds of force to lift or carry. Must frequently move about both indoors and outdoors.

JOB REQUIREMENTS : EDUCATION :

Bachelor’s degree in human services, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or social work required.

EXPERIENCE :

Minimum of 2 years of work history required, preferably with at risk youth ages 18-24 including families with children. Knowledge of local resources available to individuals experiencing homelessness.

SCHEDULE :

Wednesday, Thursday 8a-6p; Friday, Saturday 1p-11p. Requires flexibility with weekly work schedule to meet needs of youth.

SKILLS :

Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work collaboratively with others. Must have demonstrated ability to maintain order and exercise appropriate judgement in crisis situations including the physical ability to intervene in critical or emergency situations. Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by concise, timely and professional correspondence, both written and verbal. Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution skills and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and computer literacy is required. Ability to be flexible, adapt to and adjust to rapid changes within a fast-paced environment. Strong problem solving and negotiating skills with the ability to persuade and motivate others

TRANSPORTATION :

Must have a valid FL driver’s license and good driving record. May need to transport clients / staff if required using agency transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move about both indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be able to lift, carry or push up to 20lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend / holiday work may be required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES :

This position does not perform supervisory duties.

EQ UIPMENT USED :

Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

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