Youth Advocate - Housing Program Manager

Youth Advocate – Housing Program Manager

Northfield Union of Youth (NUY) is a youth services 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to give power and voice to area youth and to create a caring and enriching community. Youth, employees, volunteers, board members, and adults work creatively and collaboratively together to meet this mission. Employment with NUY is viewed through the lens of NUY’s mission and can present continuous and evolving duties and tasks, but is always rooted in youth empowerment and developmental relationships. NUY’s work is based on a trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and positive youth development model. Uniquely, NUY is run by a youth board and an adult board of directors. Programming is created, led, and implemented by youth. Organizational policies and procedures are agreed on jointly by both the youth and adult boards. The position of Youth Advocate – Housing Program Manager includes the following responsibilities:

Position Overview

NUY is seeking a part-time (0.5 FTE) Housing Program Manager to oversee and manage our housing-related programs, including the Wallflower Project (host home model), Wallflower House (transitional housing), and emergency shelter placement, if necessary. The Housing Program Manager will support youth in crisis, ensure housing stability, and maintain strong relationships with local partners and community organizations. The position of Youth Advocate – Housing Program Manager includes the following responsibilities:

Wallflower Project (Host Home) Support

In collaboration with NUY’s youth and adult leadership, the Youth Advocate - Housing Program Manager helps support, grow, and manage NUY’s Wallflower Project. This host home program is designed to provide temporary, safe and caring homes for homeless youth to spend the night when they have no other options. Position responsibilities include:

• Recruitment of host homes throughout the community through presentations, community conversations, and creation of marketing materials.
• Developing collaborations with other organizations, providing interagency support and a continuum of services to youth.
• Host family support before, during, and after host home placement.
• Organizing and leading host home training alongside community contracted subject matter experts.
• Acting as NUY’s point person on all housing related services.

Wallflower House (Transitional Housing) SupportIn collaboration with NUY’s youth and adult leadership, the Youth Advocate - Housing Program Manager helps support, grow, and manage NUY’s Wallflower House, a transitional housing program for youth experiencing homelessness. This program provides safe, stable housing and supportive services as youth work toward self-sufficiency and long-term housing solutions. Position responsibilities include:

• Coordinating the intake and housing placement process for youth in the Wallflower House.
• Providing ongoing support to youth in the transitional housing program, including regular check-ins and case management.
• Assisting youth in setting goals for independent living, employment, education, and permanent housing.
• Developing partnerships with local agencies and service providers to ensure youth have access to a broad range of support services.
• Organizing and facilitating workshops and resources to prepare youth for independent living.
• Acting as NUY’s primary point of contact for all transitional housing-related services and communications.

Relationship Building

Provide a relational, caring adult presence throughout the Northfield community. This includes at The Key Youth Center, in Northfield Schools, with other organizations, and in other environments. Position responsibilities include:

• Providing informal and formal social and emotional support for youth, creating and fostering developmental relationships based on trauma informed and harm reduction strategies.
• This involves being present at The Key youth center several days per week, in order to better understand the unique needs of youth.
• Providing youth-centric support services on a self-referral basis for youth.
• Includes relational referrals to academic support, workforce development, housing, food, mental health, healthcare, etc.
• Includes building and developing collaborative relationships with other youth services organizations and programs, including Northfield Schools.
• Collaboratively building a community support system to ensure all young people have equitable access to services and safe housing.
• Representing NUY at appropriate community meetings.

Organizational Development

Position responsibilities include:

• Communicating and strategically planning with the Executive Director on a regular basis, including administrative tasks and duties as assigned by the Executive Director to assist the organization.
• Communicating and strategically planning with youth board members and youth participants on a regular basis.
• Remaining up to date on best practices, including continued professional development.
• Assisting with other responsibilities and tasks as they develop.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred, but work experience in a relevant field will also be considered. Licensed Social Worker (LSW, LGSW, LICSW) is a plus, but not required.
• Experience in outreach and relationship building with youth of various demographics.
• Experience with youth homelessness, crisis management, and case management preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in high pressure and time sensitive situations, including responding to emergencies and crises and responding to emergencies/crisis situations.
• Knowledge of youth mental health issues and substance use disorders.
• Able to work independently on assigned projects and also collaboratively as part of a team.
• Flexibility in work hours to meet the needs of the organization and the youth.
• Communicate effectively with persons of various social, cultural, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Ability to pass all required background checks.

Compensation:

NUY firmly believes in finding the right person who can engage and build relationships with youth, while fulfilling necessary organizational requirements. The position is designed to be .5 FTE. Compensation will range from $25,000-$30,000/year plus benefits, based on experience and qualifications. NUY offers flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and a chance to creatively build and implement new programs.

Equal Opportunity:

NUY is an equal opportunity organization. NUY believes that the most efficient and effective workplaces employ employees with diverse backgrounds. We strive to create a work environment where all employees and individuals, regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, public assistance status or veteran status, can succeed and make an impact in the community.

Application and Hiring Process:

• NUY will be interviewing on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
• To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to housing@unionofyouth.org. Inquiries and questions about the position can be sent to this same e-mail address.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25,000.00 - $30,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25,000 - $30,000