Hours: Monday - Thursday
Status: Full Time
Reports to: Homeless Response Team Program Director
Purpose:
Responsible for supporting homeless youth/young adults to move toward self -advocacy, self-sufficiency, increase skills and maintain housing of their own. Provide support and assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:
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Interact with the youth/young adult as a peer by sharing common experiences and modeling resiliency and recovery.
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Assist in engaging youth/young adults involved with the welfare system, justice system, education system, and youth and family organizations.
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Act as an advocate for individuals and their families, as appropriate; encourage and support self- advocacy.
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Facilitate life skills classes for youth at facility addressing barriers.
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Help peers to find their own solutions by asking questions that give them insight into their wellness status.
- Provide individualized direct support to peers according to that person's plan by supporting the individual's choice and building confidence, leading to a greater degree of independence.
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Provide structure and support to promote personal progress and accountability.
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Work with individuals alongside case managers in 2:1 session in home, office and community settings.
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Selectively use self-disclosure to inspire and support.
- Ensure data is entered into Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) daily.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Ability to work with diverse populations and accept differences in perspective and values.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality.
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Conflict resolution and mediation skills.
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Ability to maintain up-to-date documentation.
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Demonstrated desire and ability to work with individuals and families who are homeless, providing appropriate support, motivation, and compassion.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good organizational and time management skills
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Knowledge of general office practices and use of general office equipment
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Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment; record keeping principles and practices.
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Computer applications related to the work.
Techniques for working with a wide variety of people from various backgrounds where relations may be strained or confrontational.
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Skill in:
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Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
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Reviewing and evaluating transition plans and providing constructive recommendations.
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Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; to establish positive public relations; and to interact effectively with a diverse array of professionals and participants.
Qualifications, Education, and/or Equivalent Experience:
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Must have lived homeless experience.
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High School Diploma or GED
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Must pass a background check and pre-employment drug test. Random drug screening is performed.