Runaway Homeless Youth Residential Specialist

About Lighthouse:

Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100+ homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.

Position Summary:

The Youth Residential Specialist is an at-will position that reports to the Program Manager. This position will work with the youth enrolled within our co-located residential programs for young people under 18 who are experiencing unaccompanied homelessness. Sanctuary is a 3-week residential crisis intervention program for youth ages 10- 17, while A Step Forward is a transitional living program for youth, ages 16-17, where youth can stay for up to two years. The Youth Residential Specialist will be committed to implementing trauma-informed care with a Positive Youth Development approach in providing direct services to youth and families. The Youth Residential Specialist is responsible for the observation, care, general upkeep, and safety of the shelter environment while supporting youth in pursuit of their goals toward safe, stable housing.

Hours: Currently hiring for weekends, evenings, and overnight roles. Part-time and Full-time positions available.

Responsibilities & Duties

* Initiate and facilitate daily living skill development groups, interpersonal skill development, meal preparation and service, chore completion and recreational activities


* Coordinate and monitor shift activities among youth mentors, volunteers, and interns to engage youth in daily operation


* Ensure monitoring of daily activities in compliance with the case management and clinical individualized treatment plan for each youth


* Provide feedback to the RHY management team on interns, volunteers and peer mentors assigned to the shift, upon request


* Assist in the maintenance of the physical environment for safe operations in partnership with the RHY management team and facilities department


* Conduct and ensure face to face and/or telephone crisis intervention is available 24/7/365 with appropriate outcome planning for each caller


* Conduct intake interviews to identify and access agency services and/or coordination of referrals


* Ensure youth entering the RHY program receives an orientation conducted in a manner that respects the educational, language and special needs of each youth and/or family


* Consult with interdisciplinary teams to ensure youths needs are met and incompliance with evidence-based practices, program regulation, and federal, state, and local laws


* Coordinate transportation of youth to outside activities and required destinations, in compliance with legal regulations and agency policies


* Provide and monitor the proper use of prescription and over the counter medications, first aid and emergency procedures, as needed


* Ensure the provision of appropriate foods in keeping with federal, state, and local regulations for food handling, meal preparation and food storage


* Maintain accurate and thorough written records of all intake completion, HMIS and service log entries, daily operational activities including group notes, client, and general log entries, contact records, client registries, etc.



Other Core Responsibilities

* Maintain approval to transport clients and provide transportation services as needed.


* Ensure the proper maintenance of client related files and records.


* Consistently implement service and data collection tools.


* Comply with attendance and punctuality policies, as well as all other Lighthouse policies and procedures.


* Enforce program rules, policies, and procedures and uphold agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.


* Assist with front-desk operations, answering phones, and crisis calls as needed.



Minimum Qualifications

* Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or extreme levels of poverty in the US.


* High School Diploma


* 1-2 years' experience in a role directly or indirectly related to human/social services


* Ability to pass a rigorous background check including child welfare screenings and clearances


* Reliable transportation to transport clients, as needed, and maintenance of automobile insurance


* Valid driver's license, Lighthouse reserves that right to require a driving record check with respect to any employee where driving is an essential function of the position.


* Knowledgeable in with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps,


* Flexibility and the capacity to prioritize tasks in a rapidly changing environment


* Ability to multitask effectively in a fast paced environment


* Ability to work with a challenging and diverse population


* Ability to work evenings and/or weekends



Preferred Qualifications

* Associates or current enrollment in a human services program, or in a related field


* 2+ years' experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human/social services with some youth experience


* An understanding of the social constructs impacting those experiencing economic instability,


* Knowledge of the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas


* HMIS experience


* Ability to self-regulate and work independently while coordinating with other staff


* An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving


* Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT training


* Proven ability to work effectively with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams


* Experience in managing and leading teams


* Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.


* Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral.


* Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.


* Possess high emotional intelligence skills.


* Unwavering personal integrity.


* Ability to work in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment



This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.