Temporary Outreach Navigation Specialist (Street Outreach) (Personal Services)
LifeWorks of Austin, TX is looking for a temporary Outreach Navigation Specialist to join our Street Outreach team! The Outreach Navigation Specialist provides outreach navigation and connection to resources to youth and young adults (YYA) up to age 26 who are runaways, street dependent, or experiencing homelessness. This position will build trusting relationships with individuals that are not being served or are underserved by existing community service delivery systems through engagement and support services. Services provided will also include individual services, community collaboration, and the provision of basic needs services, referrals, and crisis intervention.
This position is a full-time, temporary position scheduled to end on September 30th, 2025.
This full time, non-exempt position earns a competitive rate of $24.50/hr. Benefits are also included, which consist of 24 PTO days per year (accrued); 11 paid holidays per year; a premium-free employee medical plan with $100 per month HSA contribution (plus other affordable employee or family medical, dental, and vision options!); a retirement savings plan with 50% match on the first 6% of contributions, and much more!
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct Coordinated Assessments and refer to appropriate housing interventions (e.g. Rapid Rehousing, Diversion, reunification, etc.).
- Function as point-person for specialty funds of the Street Outreach program by assessing and enrolling clients, then distributing funds.
- Perform community-based outreach and respond to community calls to engage with YYA who are runaways, street-dependent, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of losing housing.
- Assist YYA experiencing homelessness to navigate resources and connect to housing through self-resolution, creative interventions, community housing, and support networks.
- Identify and locate areas where YYA camp or congregate and partner with other homeless services providers.
- Distribute basic need items, harm reduction items, and connect YYA to resources that will support their goals and needs.
- Perform targeted outreach when a YYA is pulled for housing and assist in navigation.
- Assist YYA in attaining necessary documents to secure employment or housing (e.g. state ID, birth certificate, social security card, etc.).
- Effectively manage crisis situations through assessing and acting in accordance with standards and laws in emergency situations involving the health and safety of YYA.
- Support the Youth Resource Center by working with other staff to manage the needs and safety of clients.
- Track and enter information into multiple databases for intakes and daily client interactions; ensure accuracy of data. Practice professional boundaries with clients and partners and maintain positive relationships.
- Advocate for clients within the community as well as internally to ensure that client needs are being recognized, represented, and addressed.
- Attend internal and community meetings regarding clients and community outreach.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Requires a Bachelor's Degree in social or behavior sciences or administrative field;
- Requires a minimum 1 year experience with youth; or
- Equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proficient in HMIS, Microsoft Office, Outlook, and agency database.
ABOUT LIFEWORKS
With more than 50 years of experience working with youth experiencing homelessness, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents, LifeWorks is committed to solving youth homelessness through housing, mental health, education, and workforce services. Our vision is a Central Texas where every young person has a place to call home, a sense of belonging, and the support to pursue a life they love.
We provide a full range of support services for vulnerable youth, ensuring that every young person has access to a safe home, the chance to heal, and opportunities to learn and work. Through innovative problem-solving, shared accountability, and evidence-based solutions, we are relentless in achieving real, sustainable, and measurable results for the clients we serve.
A career at LifeWorks offers opportunities to grow professionally while making an immediate, lasting impact on the lives of youth and families in our community. Join us in building a future where every young person has the stability and support to thrive.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
