Youth Outreach and Engagement Coordinator-Lighthouse

Job Description

Job Title: Youth Outreach and Engagement Coordinator

Company: Lighthouse

Location: Royal Oak, MI

Pay:

AI Pay Analysis: To assess the competitiveness of the hourly rate for a Youth Outreach and Engagement Coordinator in Royal Oak, MI, we would typically compare it to industry standards using salary data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or industry-specific salary surveys. Generally, youth outreach roles in urban areas may range from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on experience, education, and specific job responsibilities. If the offered rate falls within or above this range, it is competitive for the region and aligns with industry standards; however, if it is significantly lower, it may be less appealing to job seekers. For a precise evaluation, please provide the specific hourly rate in question.

Job description:

The Youth Outreach and Engagement Coordinator is responsible for organizing, leading, and expanding initiatives aimed at connecting with and supporting young individuals aged 10-24 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of running away. As a vital member of Lighthouse’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) team, this role will develop and implement effective outreach and promotional strategies to identify and engage youth who may need services, resources, and support. The Coordinator will work diligently to ensure that youth remain safe and are linked to necessary services, while also facilitating homelessness prevention strategies whenever possible.

In addition, the Coordinator will design and execute a variety of youth empowerment and engagement initiatives that foster community connections and promote the capacity for youth leadership. Responsibilities include overseeing a Youth Advisory Board, planning activities and events, and enhancing community partnerships to raise awareness of resources available for youth. This position will primarily involve fieldwork and will be based at either the Royal Oak or Pontiac locations. The role is full-time, requiring a commitment of 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities & Duties

Youth Outreach

• Deliver street- and event-based services to youth, providing essential items and emergency referrals while establishing a trusting rapport through Positive Youth Development, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and harm reduction strategies.
• Conduct mobile street outreach, ideally with a partner, in areas frequented by unaccompanied youth, such as recreation centers, libraries, transit centers, parks, and malls.
• Maintain a robust digital outreach strategy through social media, podcasting, and other platforms to promote Lighthouse services to youth and young adults.
• Collaborate with departmental leadership to enhance community-based youth outreach via participation in local events, including festivals, school fairs, and resource-sharing activities.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning to youth in emergencies, such as those affected by human trafficking, domestic violence, urgent shelter needs, or mental health crises.
• Continuously assess outreach locations and strategies to ensure effective interventions align with the evolving needs of youth.

Youth Engagement

• Develop and implement regular activities and events focused on youth engagement to enhance awareness of Lighthouse among young individuals facing or at risk of homelessness.
• Collaborate with RHY Case Managers to facilitate connections to essential services and empowerment opportunities, including counseling, employment readiness, educational planning, and life skills training.
• Organize and coordinate a Youth Advisory Board comprised of young individuals with lived experiences of homelessness to amplify youth voices and influence community planning and service delivery.
• Lead recruitment and engagement efforts for the Youth Advisory Board, serving as the key liaison for youth participants while supporting the development of youth-led strategies aimed at preventing and ending youth homelessness.

Partnership Development and Capacity Building

• Actively participate in the local Continuum of Care (CoC) to assist unaccompanied youth in accessing Coordinated Entry, engaging with outreach teams, and attending care coordination meetings.
• Work alongside leadership to identify and establish outreach and engagement partnerships with organizations and locations frequented by at-risk and unaccompanied youth.
• Collaborate with RHY department leadership to build and maintain relationships with schools, law enforcement, healthcare providers, religious organizations, and community groups that can offer services or referrals to Lighthouse youth programs.
• In partnership with department leadership, create and deliver training, presentations, and educational materials for community partners and stakeholders who work with homeless and at-risk youth.

Other Core Responsibilities

• Maintain approval to transport clients and provide necessary transportation services.
• Coordinate inter-agency collaboration and referrals to ensure clients can access resources and opportunities toward safety and long-term stability.
• Ensure accurate record-keeping and maintenance of case files, including service documentation and timely entry into HMIS.
• Maintain thorough documentation of outreach logs, supply distributions, progress notes, referrals, and program-related information.
• Collaborate with department leadership and Lighthouse’s development team to organize outreach and engagement volunteer opportunities and identify donation needs.
• Adhere to established program policies and values, fostering a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist with shelter coverage, phone inquiries, and crisis calls as necessary.
• Engage in internal and external committees and task forces aimed at supporting the youth and young adult population.

Minimum Qualifications

• Lived or professional experience with individuals facing homelessness or extreme poverty in the United States.
• An Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in a role related to human/social services or youth development.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience in human/social services or youth development fields.
• Reliable transportation and maintenance of automobile insurance.
• Valid driver’s license, with Lighthouse reserving the right to conduct a driving record check for positions necessitating driving.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps.
• Flexibility to prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Capability to multitask in a fast-paced setting.
• Experience working with diverse populations.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field or equivalent experience in human/social services or youth development.
• 2+ years of experience in human/social services or youth development.
• Experience with unaccompanied youth facing homelessness.
• Understanding of the social constructs impacting economic instability.
• Familiarity with the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply principles such as trauma-informed care, Positive Youth Development, Housing First, and harm reduction.
• Experience with HMIS.
• Ability to work independently and in coordination with other staff members.
• Demonstrated creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams.
• Skills in consensus-building and conflict resolution, including the capacity for difficult conversations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
• Capability to listen and accept constructive feedback.
• High emotional intelligence and personal integrity.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding, and ever-changing environment.

Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work undertaken by individuals in this role. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Periodically, all personnel may be expected to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities as required.

Physical Demands
The individual typically works in an office environment and utilizes a computer, telephone, and other office equipment necessary for job performance. The work environment noise level is standard for an office setting, with frequent interruptions throughout the day. The employee is routinely required to sit, speak, and listen, as well as to perform repetitive hand motions, handle, or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend, or lift up to 20 pounds. Interaction with the public in office environments may present risks associated with irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic animals. The physical demands outlined represent those required by an employee to successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Job Posting Date: Sat, 02 Nov 2024 23:02:09 GMT

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