Under the supervision of the Drop-In Program Supervisor, the Community Outreach Youth Counselor provides support, intervention, and referral services to young people who are experiencing homelessness and/or sexual exploitation. This position carefully facilitates young peoples’ movement from emergency services to case management, housing, education, and employment. It also involves data collection & reporting on outreach contacts.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage young people in a variety of settings including YouthCare’s Orion Center, the streets, schools, and other areas where young people congregate.
• Promote YouthCare programs to young people and community partners.
• Build trust and rapport with young people experiencing homelessness, young people who have experienced sexual exploitation and/or vulnerable young people.
• Encourage young peoples’ movement from emergency services to case management, education and employment programming.
• Staff regular drop-in and outreach shifts safely and therapeutically.
• Provide de-escalation, crisis intervention and basic counseling services.
• Plan, lead and facilitate enrichment and engagement activities, such as educational or job readiness workshops, art and therapeutic activities, fieldtrips, etc.
• Multi-task in a fast-paced and hectic environment.
• Develop relationships with other community agencies to facilitate contacts and services for young people.
• Refer young people to appropriate and necessary services.
• Complete necessary paperwork and data collection.
• Supervise day-to-day responsibilities of Peer Outreach Workers.
• Participate with staff and volunteers in cooking and serving nutritious meals for up to 75 people.
• Participate in regular supervision, clinical consultations, designated trainings and weekly staff meetings.
• Maintain cleanliness and upkeep of the space, including disinfecting surfaces and following cleaning protocols.