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SMYAL

Bilingual Street Outreach Specialist

SMYAL, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022


Position Summary:

The Bilingual Street Outreach Specialist engages with homeless, at-risk, or runaway Transition-Age Youth (TAY), ages 24 and under who are experiencing unstable housing situations (street homelessness, shelter, doubled-up, in transitional housing, etc) and offers one-on-one outreach and supportive services. This position also engages with VI aged people 25-30. Through one-on-one outreach engagements and supportive services, this position seeks to connect engaged TAY and VI individuals with basic needs services and other key supports throughout the District of Columbia. This position builds relationships and rapport across practices and is culturally competent with the LGBTQIA+ and undocumented communities. A working knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and an understanding of and ability to identify human trafficking characteristics are also vital. This position serves as a primary assessor for TAY and VI individuals experiencing homelessness in order to be connected to the Coordinated Entry Systems for both youth (24-and under) and single adults (25-30).

General Responsibilities:

Provide outreach based supportive services to TAY and VI 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, vital documents from other countries, navigate healthcare/hormone therapy, navigate legal services.

Assess eligibility for youth specific services and provide "warm-hand off" 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 participate in carrying out annual Point-In-Time Count (HUD) and Homeless Youth Census (DC/DHS).

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 S of MYAL 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 through:

Engaging participants, assessing safety, and activating emergency services as needed.

Providing basic need items and safe sex kits (food, clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, etc) and assistance to maximize participants' wellbeing.

Building trusting relationships and rapport.

Other relevant duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications:

High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred.

2 years of experience working with at-risk youth, people experiencing homelessness, and/or in mental health or lived Experience.

Strong knowledge of human development, harm reduction methods, mental health and addiction recovery.

Willingness to work independently and in a team on outreach services.

Ability to work well under pressure.

Flexible and passionate about providing clinical, youth specific case management and therapeutic services.

Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., HMIS experience a plus.

Bilingual (Spanish/English).

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. SMYAL believes in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as bringing your authentic self to the workplace. So if you are excited about this position but your past experiences do not align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may be just the right person for this or other positions.

About SMYAL:

SMYAL supports and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. Through youth leadership, SMYAL creates opportunities for LGBTQ youth to build self-confidence, develop critical life skills, and engage their peers and community through service and advocacy. Committed to social change, SMYAL builds, sustains and advocates for programs, policies and services that LGBTQ youth need as they grow into adulthood.

SMYAL is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibility, physical or mental handicap, or political affiliation. SMYAL is committed to accessibility and providing reasonable accommodations.

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