DAYBREAK INC·Dayton, Ohio
The Outreach Specialist provides engagement, crisis intervention, and case coordination for youth ages 14-21 experiencing housing instability or runaway episodes. They conduct street outreach, perform trauma-informed assessments, and connect vulnerable youth to supportive resources and housing.
Respond to runaway and missing youth calls from regional dispatch, law enforcement, agencies, parents, guardians, and community members. Conduct street outreach to identify and engage runaways and missing youth, look in encampments, public spaces, and community locations, linking them to prevention, drop-in, intake, shelter, housing, and supportive services. Provide face-to-face triage and crisis intervention in shelters, the Drop-In Center, and community settings to address immediate needs and connect youth to Daybreak’s programs (shelter, employment, behavioral health, and housing). Build trusting relationships with youth and utilize evidence-based practices (Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction) to support engagement and progress toward stability. Conduct trauma-informed intake interviews and individualized assessments to identify risk factors, service needs, family dynamics, placement stability concerns, and barriers to safety and permanency. Complete intakes, coordinated entry assessments, housing needs assessments, and HMIS documentation accurately and within required timelines. Complete screening and assessment activities to identify indicators of exploitation, labor trafficking, sex trafficking, grooming, survival behaviors, and other victimization risks, ensuring appropriate referrals and safety planning when concerns are identified. Develop individualized safety plans and intervention strategies using evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, including Motivational Interviewing, harm reduction, and youth development approaches. Collaborate with Daybreak teams (housing, employment, clinical, case management) and external partners (PATH program, Goodwill, Homeless Solutions Policy Board, PLACES, Five Rivers Samaritan Clinic, Children Services, schools, treatment providers, etc.) to connect youth to resources Communicate with out-of-home placement providers, juvenile justice, child welfare, and community agencies regarding runaway reports. Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records in CareLogic and HMIS, documenting progress notes, service provision, and client outcomes. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case reviews, and engagement team meetings to ensure coordinated services and effective housing placements. Participate in multidisciplinary staffing and case review meetings to identify strategies that reduce runaway behavior, address exploitation risks, and improve outcomes for vulnerable youth. Represent Daybreak at community outreach events, presentations, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen referral networks and awareness of youth services. Follow RONI Project policies, procedures, and workflow requirements Adhere to all grant requirements, reporting timelines, and documentation standards. Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and privacy laws. Participate in required trainings related to trauma, human trafficking, crisis response, and missing youth. Qualifications Minimum of High School diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required. OR Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults is required. Experience working with runaway youth, youth experiencing housing instability, child welfare-involved youth, youth in congregate care settings, or youth at risk of homelessness, exploitation, or human trafficking is strongly preferred
Requires a high school diploma with five years of social services experience, or an associate degree with two years of experience. A minimum of two years of direct experience working with youth and young adults is mandatory.
Market context
Behavioral health roles in Ohio are typically in steady demand as employers seek clinicians who can support outpatient, community, and integrated care settings. These positions are competitive because they often require a master’s degree and a valid clinical license, and candidates should note that the requirements and benefits here are AI-summarized from the original job description to save research time. Before applying, confirm licensure fit and prepare examples of direct client care, crisis response, or care coordination.