Youth Navigator

About Our Organization:

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is one of the largest and most experienced providers of services to youth in the Washington, DC area. Our mission is to improve the lives of runaway, homeless, abused, neglected, and/or at-risk youth and their families in the Washington, DC area. We achieve this by providing shelter, counseling, life skills training, and positive youth development activities to approximately 1,500 youth and 5,000 family members each year. With more than 45 years of experience meeting the growing needs of youth and families with innovative programs, Sasha Bruce Youthwork is always willing to listen and ready to help.

About the PG Drop In Center

The Sasha Bruce Prince George’s County Drop-In Center, also known as the Bruce Empowerment Zone, was established in 2021. It works to reduce the length of time that a young person aging from 14-24 experiences home insecurity in the Prince George’s County region. By working constantly doing outreach, the Drop-In Center fosters a safe and trusting environment where youth can receive care. In addition to providing survival services, the Center supports youth in their journey towards stable housing and economic independence. Services provided include:

• Free meals and snacks;
• Hygiene supplies;
• Referrals to services such as mental health counseling;
• Substance abuse support;
• Vital records attainment;
• Public benefits attainment support;
• College and career services; and,
• Case management

Additionally, the BEZ is piloting an exciting demonstration project called the Resilience Project that will pilot giving direct cash assistance to youth for different periods of time.

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of Prince George’s County Drop In Center Program Director, the Youth Navigator will assist with the daily operation of a youth drop in center for at-risk, homeless and unstably housed youth ages 12-24. They will specifically work with clients who are accepted into the Resilience Project by supporting efforts with coaching, social service and referral navigation, and general provision of support to clients.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Work, psychology, or a human services related field OR High School Degree and at least 2 years of experience working with at risk youth, vulnerable populations - preferably homeless populations;
• Bilingual in English/Spanish a huge plus; history working with Latino and LGBTQ+ populations preferred;
• Working knowledge of services and resources in Prince George’s County preferred;
• Working knowledge and experience of supporting clients access benefits preferred;
• Understanding of harm reduction philosophy, trauma-informed provision of services and positive youth development strategies; and,
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.

Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a full-time, exempt level position. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation; pass the required clearances; and provide any additional information regarding previous records, if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Works closely with potential and active clients who are in need of prevention-based financial assistance, this includes supporting the Resilience Coach in screening for eligibility and prioritization and completion of intake with clients, and assessments (entry, yearly and outcome surveys);
• Provides crisis intervention, support and coaching to youth in the project including regular check ins to discuss needs, concerns and any questions;
• Supports the facilitation of group life-skills and other workshops and activities/events to facilitate peer connections with others in the Resilience Project; assists team in the development of monthly calendar of recreational and sociocultural activities for the center;
• Assists clients in scheduling appointments with other social service providers; accompanies clients, as necessary, to legal, medical, dental and other appointments;
• Makes referrals for the following services: educational and vocational programs, career development programs, housing, medical and dental services, legal services, mental health services;
• Advocates for and actively assists clients in obtaining services; serve as liaison between client and service providers when appropriate;
• Supports clients getting to and from appointments when possible;
• Maintains familiarity with local services (both within and outside the Agency) that might serve as resource with a focus on education, employment, mental health, legal and housing services;
• Collaborates with other team members at the Drop-In Center to coordinate supportive services for clients and provides concretes support to clients, including preparation and/or service of food, access to shower and laundry facilities, support with mail, respite, hygiene supplies, vital documents, computer lab and other related supports;
• Supports outreach efforts for the Drop In Center including attending events, facilitating informational workshops, tabling, traditional outreach, workshops, and other efforts as outlined in outreach schedules and discussed with manager or during team meetings;
• Complete service documentation in client case records within 24-48 hours of the service; this includes via HMIS and other internal tracking systems;
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files, written documentation, reports to track client progress and outcomes;
• Participate in staff meetings, team consultations, trainings, conferences, regular supervision and community outreach events as required; taking special care to ensure that 40 hours of required training are completed annually;
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, or their designee; and,
• Must have a commitment to ending youth homelessness, racial equity, inclusion, and issues central to Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s mission.