Youth Worker - Outreach - Part Time

NEW BEGINNINGS, INC.

Position Title: Outreach Worker (Part-time)

Program: Outreach

Reports To: Program Coordinator

Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Schedule: 24 hrs/wk - Sun, Wed, Sat OR 16 hrs/wk - Sat & Sun

Job Summary:

Provides crisis intervention, case management, information and referral, advocacy, and support services for adolescents who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless. Performs street outreach services to locate youth who are disconnected from traditional services. Staffs a drop-in center for street youth and designs and conducts activities in the center in conjunction with youth. Maintains an atmosphere of trust, respect and equality with youth in all service provision. Oversees youth staff and/or interns and volunteers.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Youth Work

a. Establish supportive relationships with homeless/street youth which will enable them to seek out and utilize services which they need.

b. Become knowledgeable regarding state and local income maintenance and emergency assistance programs which are available to adolescents.

c. Assist youth with obtaining services from mental health programs, social service agencies, housing, and educational services.

d. Provide HIV risk reduction information and materials to homeless youth.

e. Teach independent living skills through instruction and experientially.

f. Develop and maintain cooperative relations with private and public housing providers in the area who can offer affordable housing to homeless adolescents.

g. Cooperate with staff of other New Beginnings programs and other agencies providing services to homeless adolescents in the Lewiston/Auburn area.

2. Case Management

a. Complete intakes, screening and needs assessments for homeless youth referred to the program, including self-referrals.

b. Assess youth’s needs and develop an individual service plan with assigned clients.

c. Provide short-term counseling, advocacy, and assistance with the development of an individual plan for youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

d. Assist youth on the caseload with basic daily living needs, referrals to housing and other services, and provide practical assistance (transportation, shopping, etc.) as needed.

e. Maintain current resource information on services available to youth.

f. Participate in advocacy efforts on behalf of homeless youth.

g. Maintain accurate and timely case records on each assigned client.

3. Drop In Center- Assist in staffing the drop-in center during its regularly scheduled hours and maintaining a safe, welcoming atmosphere for all. Orient new youth to the center and its services.

a. Develop and assist in facilitating group support sessions and other activities with youth staff and clients.

b. Maintain daily logs in the drop-in center.

c. Assist with the routine upkeep of the center, including shopping, cooking, cleaning and maintaining needed supplies.

New Beginnings PT Outreach Worker, Job Description, Continued

4. Street Outreach

a. Provide street outreach (on foot and in our van) in areas of Lewiston and Auburn where street youth congregate and establish a consistent presence for their access to services.

b. Record number of contacts and amount of materials distributed during Street Outreach.

5. Other

a. Complete any other reports or information as assigned.

b. May represent New Beginnings Outreach Program at community events.

c. Other duties as may be assigned by the Program Director or Program Coordinator.

Specifications and Qualifications:

Education and Training:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field. A minimum of a year’s experience working with homeless/high risk youth; two years’ experience working with these youth in non-residential settings is highly preferred.

Specialized Skills:

Valid driver’s license and driving record which meets insurance requirements; basic counseling and crisis intervention skills; knowledge of community resources and understanding of public assistance programs; ability to teach living skills experientially; background in substance abuse, mental health, and/or sexual abuse fields.

Cognitive Requirements:

Good problem-solving skills; literacy and writing skills on at least a college graduate level.

Physical Requirements:

Strength and dexterity to do basic household chores and cooking; ability to participate in street outreach activities (walking several miles at a time); ability to climb stairs.

Work Environment:

Second floor office space. Much time spent in community environment.