Youth & Young Adult Services Navigator

Overview of responsibilities

• Includes, but is not limited to: Provide intake, service navigation, and referral services to youth and young adults via email, phone, and in person. Determine eligibility for Office of Homeless Youth Programs by completing thorough assessments of individuals and families. Working closely with youth to identify their barriers to permanent housing. Then creating client centered goals to work through their barriers. Coordinate closed loop referrals to community services, starting with BMAC programs, shelters, and supportive services as needed, ensuring that clients are connected to services with appropriate follow-up. Support clients with health and wellbeing goals and reduce barriers to accessing care. Work/coordinate with the Youth Engagement Team (YET), including non-BMAC staff to best serve each client. Complete thorough assessments of clients to include skills and needs and motivations focused on client choice. Provide coordinated entry service to homeless or housing-insecure youth and young adults and work with county team to create a by name list of these individuals. Coordinate referrals to and utilization of all appropriate community resources. Act as advocate with other social, health, employment and education services in the community. Help with outreach and client visits as needed. Collaborate and develop/maintain strong relationships with other service providers in the area. Coordinate referrals to and utilization of all appropriate community resources and proactively connect with resources to assure the best referrals. Develop broad knowledge of all BMAC programs to make appropriate referrals. Act as an advocate with other social, health, employment and education services in the community when appropriate.
• Maintain database(s) in a timely and accurate manner: Accurate and prompt data input, including but not limited to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the internal client management system CAP60. Ensure that careful, accurate and timely documentation is completed regarding services and referrals provided in all required databases. Complete purchase order documentation in an accurate and timely manner.
• Meetings/trainings: Attend all scheduled staff meetings. Attend training sessions as required by the funding source or agency. Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Experience Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted for either education or work history. Associates degree in Human Services or related field. Two (2) years related work experience administering social services. Bilingual/Bicultural – English/Spanish – is preferred.

Preferred

Experience working with youth and young adults facing difficult life experiences. Case management experience in social service setting, and a working knowledge of issues and resources related to housing services for low-income families and individuals. Experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ populations.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively with diverse populations, including LGBTQ and people of color, as well as individuals of all ages and ability levels.
• Ability to understand and implement contract requirements regarding eligibility and services, and data maintenance.
• Creative and critical solution-based thinking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to learn/use HMIS and CAP60 software system.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, function as a team member, and collaborate with other staff.
• Ability to assist in housing searches, including the review of the leasing process and housing inspection.
• Ability to compile and maintain accurate, thorough and timely case management records.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, set appropriate client boundaries with tact and respect, and exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations.
• Conflict resolution skills; excellent boundaries and judgment.
• Focus on client choice in all planning and guidance.

Certifications Valid driver’s license by the time of hire with good driving record. Must provide own vehicle for travel and must maintain current auto insurance. Mileage will be reimbursed according to the current IRS mileage rate.

Work environment

Work primarily takes place in an office environment, community agencies, and outdoors as needed. Will require local travel, occasional regional travel. Not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the job's essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform essential functions. Mix of sedentary and light physical work. Periods of work at desk and working on a computer. Occasional moving up to 20lbs. May need to climb stairs at location without elevators or ramps.

NOTE

This is a general description of essential job functions. It is not intended as an employment contract, nor is it intended to describe all duties someone in this position may perform. All employees of BMAC are expected to perform tasks as assigned by supervisory/ management personnel, regardless of job title or routine job duties.