Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator

Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator

Location: Marquette Cornerstone Office, with travel to: Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa Counties

Supervised by: Director of Homeless Services

Supervises: No Supervisory Responsibility

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hrs./week)

Salary: $23/hr.

General Summary:

The Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator will provide direct support and advocacy to homeless youth aged 18-24, guiding them through the process of securing stable housing, practicing navigation, diversion, and connecting them with essential services. This position will serve youth in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties, working within the community to engage, support, and empower youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. This role will help youth navigate housing options and access vital resources to ensure long-term stability.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Outreach & Engagement:

· Actively engage with youth and young adults who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless in a variety of community spaces, such as parks, streets, shelters, or public locations across Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties.

· Build trust-based relationships to encourage youth to seek help and accept support for housing and other essential services.

· Conduct proactive outreach to identify and engage at-risk youth before they experience homelessness, focusing on diversion strategies to prevent youth from entering shelters or unsheltered situations.

2. Navigation & Housing Diversion:

· Assist youth in navigating housing systems and available resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing options within the designated counties.

· Employ diversion strategies to identify safe, viable alternatives to shelter placement, such as reconnecting youth with family, friends, or other support networks when appropriate.

· Assist youth in understanding housing options and eligibility, providing guidance through the application process for various housing programs.

3. Case Management & Advocacy

· Develop personalized service plans with youth, focusing on housing stability, education, employment, health, and life skills.

· Advocate on behalf of youth with housing providers, service organizations, and local government agencies to ensure access to resources and services.

· Provide individualized support throughout the housing application and placement process, including assisting with documentation, interviews, and other requirements.

4. Support Services & Referrals

· Offer referrals to other essential services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, healthcare, job readiness programs, and legal aid.

· Provide ongoing case management support, checking in regularly with youth to assess progress, offering guidance, and ensuring a smooth transition to permanent housing.

· Help youth navigate challenges related to independent living and housing, ensuring they have access to the necessary resources to maintain stability.

5. Collaboration & Neworking:

· Collaborate with other outreach teams, community organizations, shelters, and service providers within Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties to ensure that youth receive comprehensive care and have access to diverse resources.

· Stay informed about local housing policies, available program.

· Stay informed about local housing policies, available programs, and funding opportunities in the designated counties to provide accurate and timely information to youth.

· Participate in interagency meetings and collaborate with housing authorities, non-profits, and other stakeholders to advocate for the needs of homeless or at-risk youth.

6. Documentation & Reporting

· Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of client interactions, case progress, housing placements, and service referrals.

· Ensure case management activities and all outreach efforts are documented according to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).

· Prepare and submit reports as needed, detailing outreach activities, housing placements, and youth outcomes.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services preferred or related experience may be substituted for education.

Experience:

· Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in social services, case management, or working with at-risk youth or homeless populations.

· Experience working with homeless youth or young adults (ages 18-24) is strongly preferred.

· Experience with housing navigation, diversion strategies, and knowledge of community resources is a plus.

Skills & Abilities:

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with a diverse group of individuals.

· Knowledge of housing resources and diversion programs available for homeless populations in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger and Marquette counties.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong organizational and time-management skills.

· Compassionate, non-judgmental, and client-centered approach with a commitment to supporting youth in overcoming barriers to housing stability.

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards in all client interactions.

· Proficiency or the ability to learn Microsoft Office and case management software.

Working Conditions:

· The position requires fieldwork in various outdoor environments.

· Travel across Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties is required, including using a personal vehicle. Mileage reimbursed at .50 cents per mile.

· Must be able to work in a variety of settings, including shelters, community spaces, and public areas.

Physical Demands:

· Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and walk or stand for extended periods.

Benefits:

· Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, and vision coverage.

· Paid time off (PTO), holidays and sick leave.

· Professional development opportunities.

Position Location:

This position will be located at the Community Action Alger Marquette Admin building at 1125 Commerce Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 with travel across all 11 counties listed in description.

The mission of CAAM, a non-profit, is to improve the economic security and well-being of individuals and families in Alger and Marquette Counties by providing education, housing and human service programs through community collaborations.