Youth Outreach Specialist - Montgomery County
Pathways To Housing DC Inc
Summary
Pathways to Housing DC serves people in the District and Montgomery County, MD. We are an innovative and nationally recognized nonprofit committed to ending homelessness for individuals with complex health challenges. Pathways DC is one of the originators of the "Housing First" model to end homelessness. We believe housing is healthcare and that housing is a basic human right. Pathways provides an array of services including housing, street outreach, case management, drop-in services, and behavioral health support. Our model is based on client choice and the idea that the people we serve are the architects of their recovery!
Job description
The Montgomery County Youth Outreach Specialist is focused on addressing homelessness amongst youth and county and ensuring effective service delivery through an understanding of the unique needs and nature of youth homelessness and housing insecurity.
Responsibilities
- Identify and engage individuals in need of services, assess needs, and work with a core caseload of up to 25 clients to create a plan to meet needs, particularly with those who may not independently seek services.
- Determine overall needs of youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness in the street and in encampments to strategically manage time and resources.
- Proactively initiate non-judgmental conversation in a way that displays cultural humility and an understanding of the intersectionality of vulnerabilities of this population which include but are not limited to gender and sexual diversities, immigration status, race, ethnicity, and country of origin.
- Case management to provide a consistent presence while addressing housing needs; offer clothing, hygiene articles, snacks, and other basic items.
- Coordinate within a larger continuum of care and address barriers and complex needs of multiple individuals.
- Assist individuals in applying for benefits.
- Identify other community resources and provide in-depth referrals to housing and medical and mental health services.
- Provide in-person assistance, including escorts, and facilitate smooth transitions ("warm handoffs") to other service and housing providers.
- Respond promptly to calls involving concerns about homeless persons in need of assistance.
- Maintain records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), including service transactions, case plans, incident reports, referrals, and housing needs assessments in a timely manner.
- Perform related work as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in human services or related field required; Can be substituted by 4 years' experience working with homeless population OR Lived Experience as a Peer Specialist.
- Excellent communication, writing, database management, and computer skills;
- 1+ years' Experience working in homeless outreach or providing direct services to persons experiencing homelessness preferred;
- Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction theory/applications preferred;
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical skills preferred;
- Driver's License Required.
Requirements
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred
- Bachelor's degree in human services or related field required; can be substituted by 4 years' experience working with homeless population OR lived experience as a Peer Specialist
- Excellent communication, writing, database management, and computer skills
- 1+ years' experience working in homeless outreach or providing direct services to persons experiencing homelessness preferred
- Demonstrated knowledge of harm reduction theory/applications preferred
- Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse clinical skills preferred
- Driver's License Required
Benefits
- 15 Days Vacation
- 11 Paid Holidays
- 10 Paid Sick/Wellness Leave
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental & Vision Insurance
- Short & Long Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- 403b Match
- Employee Assistance Program
Company overview
Pathways To Housing DC Inc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive housing and mental health services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The organization operates on the Housing First model, which prioritizes providing immediate access to permanent housing without preconditions or barriers, recognizing that stable housing is a fundamental human right and a critical foundation for addressing mental health challenges. Pathways To Housing DC offers integrated services including mental health treatment, substance use counseling, case management, and employment support to help individuals achieve stability and improve their quality of life. The organization's approach emphasizes harm reduction, consumer choice, and community integration, working to break the cycle of homelessness and institutionalization. By combining housing with supportive services, Pathways To Housing DC addresses the complex needs of individuals with serious mental illness and co-occurring disorders, helping them build meaningful lives in the community. The organization collaborates with local government agencies, healthcare providers, and community partners to create a comprehensive support network for vulnerable populations.