LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for an Outreach Navigation Specialist to join our Street Outreach team! The Outreach Navigation Specialist provides outreach navigation and connection to resources for youth and young adults (YYA) up to age 26 who are runaways, street dependent, or experiencing homelessness. The Outreach Navigation Specialist will build trusting relationships with individuals that are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems through engagement and support services. Services provided will also include individual services, community collaboration, and the provision of basic needs services, referrals, and crisis intervention.

This full time, non-exempt has a beginning compensation of $20.75 per hour. In addition, you would be eligible for benefits, including 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist youth & young adults (YYA) experiencing homelessness to navigate resources and connect to housing through self-resolution, creative interventions, community housing, and support networks.
• Perform community-based outreach and respond to community calls to engage with YYA who are runaways, street-dependent, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of losing housing.
• Identify and locate areas where YYA camp or congregate and partner with other homeless services providers.
• Distribute basic need items, harm reduction items, and connect YYA to resources that will support their goals and needs.
• Perform targeted outreach when a YYA is pulled for housing and assist in navigation.
• Assist YYA in attaining necessary documents to secure employment or housing (e.g. state ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc.).
• Function as point-person for specialty funds of the Street Outreach program by assessing and enrolling clients, then distributing funds.
• Conduct Coordinated Assessments and refer to appropriate housing interventions (e.g. Rapid Rehousing, Diversion, reunification, etc.).
• Effectively manage crisis situations through assessing and acting in accordance with standards and laws in emergency situations involving the health and safety of YYA.
• Support the Youth Resource Center by working with other staff to manage the needs and safety of clients.
• Track and enter information into multiple databases for intakes and daily client interactions; ensure accuracy of data. Practice professional boundaries with clients and partners and maintain positive relationships.
• Advocate for clients within the community as well as internally to ensure that client needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.
• Attend internal and community meetings regarding clients and community outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in social or behavior sciences or administrative field;
• Requires a minimum 1 year experience with youth; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in HMIS, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and agency database.
• Requires a valid driver's license.

ABOUT LIFEWORKS

With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, we are a fearless advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks goal is to be able to provide clients with the resources they need a place to call home, the chance to heal, and the opportunity to learn and to work. We have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country. We are committed to innovative problem solving, shared accountability and a relentless focus on achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve. A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow and develop your professional skills while making an immediate difference in the lives of youth and families in our community.