Street REACH Program Specialist

PURPOSE:

The Street REACH (Reconnecting with Employment, Academics, Community, and Housing) Program Specialist provides direct services to homeless unaccompanied youth ages The target population is homeless unaccompanied youth who are near the completion of their high school diploma or are no longer connected to the public K-12 school system. These transition age youth will be assisted in making positive steps toward increasing their self- sufficiency by building employment skills, supporting the youth's transition to post-secondary education, and the development of life skills needed to maintain safe and stable housing. The Street REACH Program Specialist will be a member of the Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Case Conferencing, Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Task Force, and Suncoast Housing Collaborative and will work cooperatively with all community partners. The position is responsible for all contractual issues related to funding, audits, quality assurance, monitoring and evaluations related to program delivery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Review incoming referrals and set up face-to-face assessments in timely manner.  
• Assess referrals for previous involvement with Department of Children and Families and reconnect with child welfare agency when appropriate or if not eligible provide with prevention/diversion services. 
• Connecting youth to gateway services such as Medicaid, Food Stamps (EBT), TANF, Unemployment and Disability.  
• Perform ongoing outreach and meet with youth at a minimum of twice per month. Provides school/shelter/employment/home site visits as necessary.
• Develop rapport with homeless unaccompanied youth age 16-24 who are not actively engaged in the k-12 public education system.
• Assists homeless youth with a steps in process of applying for GED, or career technical training programs.
• Provide assistance with college applications, fee waivers, FAFSA completion, scholarships application and communication with post-secondary homeless education liaison to ensure a successful transition to college or career training programs.
• Refer youth to Keys to Independence Program to assist with obtaining learning permit, drivers training, drivers license, and insurance assistance.

A comprehensive benefits program including: 

• 5 weeks of PTO accruals available during the first year of employment
• 12 paid holidays
• Professional development
• Ongoing coaching and feedback
• Employee Assistance Program ("EAP")

Health Benefits with shared premium costs, including: 

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• 401(k)  retirement

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

This position requires the following credentials:

 Possess a valid Florida Driver's License in good standing and be insurable by the agency's current insurance carrier. Must meet state criminal background check requirements. Must meet all driving requirements and guidelines to operate SCC fleet vehicles and/or a personal vehicle for work-related activities.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE:

Level I: Bachelors degree from an accredited university or college with a major in the field of counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field; and two (2) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare or social services.

-or-

Level II: Masters degree from an accredited university or college with a major in the field of counseling, social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, special education, health education, or a related human services field and two (2) years of professional experience in the field of child welfare or social services.

A detailed position description can be found on our Career site