youth outreach specialist

Position Overview

The Youth Outreach Specialist is responsible for engaging runaway, homeless, and at-risk youth in the community to provide direct support, crisis intervention, safety planning, and linkage to essential resources. Specialists conduct street-based outreach in areas identified as youth "hot spots" and work to build trusting relationships while addressing immediate needs such as food, clothing, hygiene, transportation, and safety. The role emphasizes crisis response, trauma-informed care, and connection to shelter, healthcare, counseling, and other community resources.

STREETLIGHT program: Support, Trust, Resources, Education, Engagement, and Teamwork: linking individuals to guidance, hope, and trust.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The most important knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) are listed for Youth Outreach Specialist

• Knowledge of youth homelessness, trafficking, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage youth with empathy and respect.
• Crisis intervention, de-escalation, and safety planning skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field and as part of a team.
• Competency with documentation and database systems.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct in-person outreach in streets, homeless camps, bus stations, beaches, and other identified areas.
• Build rapport with youth to encourage trust and service utilization.
• Distribute basic necessities (food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, sunscreen, chapstick, etc.).
• Provide immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to youth experiencing homelessness, exploitation, abuse, trafficking, mental health crises, or substance use concerns.
• Complete risk assessments and develop individualized safety plans as appropriate.
• Offer transportation to safe shelter, healthcare, YCC programs, or community resources.
• Connect youth to YCC's shelter, outpatient services, and external agencies (SAMHSA, River Point Behavioral, MHRC, local crisis hotlines, etc.).
• Support youth in accessing identification, education, employment, and benefits.
• Collaborate with community partners, trafficking coalitions, law enforcement, and the local Continuum of Care (CoC).
• Accurately document all contacts, services, and referrals in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and YCC records.
• Maintain confidentiality and follow all YCC and federal program policies and procedures.
• Participate in performance data reviews and adapt outreach strategies based on outcomes.
• Complete RHY Core Training and additional training in safety, trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, Positive Youth Development (PYD), and youth engagement.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing education to maintain best practices.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience in street outreach, youth services, crisis intervention, or related work accepted.

Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability

Basic and/or advanced computational skills may be necessary.

Physical Demands

• Ability to walk, stand, and engage in outdoor activities for extended periods of time, sometimes in varied weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).
• Ability to lift and carry outreach supplies (food, water, clothing, hygiene kits, etc.), typically up to 25 pounds.
• Comfort working in both urban and rural environments, including streets, homeless camps, bus stations, and beaches.
• Frequent travel across multiple counties; must be able to drive, sit for extended periods, and enter/exit vehicles regularly.
• Requires flexibility, situational awareness, and adherence to safety procedures while in the field.

Work Environment

• Field-based, with frequent travel to identified outreach sites across Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Nassau, and Baker counties.