Youth Hub Housing Specialist

The EPIC Youth Hub is a newly established place dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and engaging environment for young people. The Youth Hub is envisioned to be a one-stop site where they feel welcome to engage in systems that will help end their experience of homelessness/housing instability. Our purpose is to empower youth, encourage positive development, and foster a sense of belonging.

The Youth Hub Housing Specialist:

• Assist youth and young adults that are homeless or experiencing housing instability in identifying housing needs and navigating available housing assistance programs.
• Provide guidance in completing housing applications, meeting eligibility requirements, and securing financial assistance for application fees.
• Collaborate with local housing agencies, shelters, and landlords to secure stable housing opportunities.
• Build relationships with local landlords to ensure availability of housing opportunities for program participants.
• Develop personalized case plans to address immediate and long-term housing needs.
• Provide ongoing support, follow-up, and advocacy to ensure successful housing placements.
• Monitor progress and connect youth to additional services such as mental health, employment, and education resources.
• Establish and maintain relationships with housing organizations and community service providers.
• Connect youth to resources like food assistance, job readiness programs, and legal aid.
• Educate youth on tenant rights, responsibilities, and strategies for maintaining stable housing.
• Provide immediate crisis intervention for housing-related emergencies, including prevention of eviction.
• Assist youth in problem-solving and developing solutions for overcoming housing instability.
• Advocate for youth with housing authorities and service providers to ensure access to necessary resources.
• Empower youth to understand their rights and navigate the housing system effectively.
• Facilitate workshops on independent living skills, budgeting, and tenant rights.
• Support youth in developing financial literacy and life skills for long-term housing stability.
• Maintain accurate case files and document housing needs, progress, and service outcomes.
• Ensure proper record-keeping for program evaluation and compliance with funding requirements.
• Work closely with staff, social workers, and community partners to provide comprehensive support.
• Participate in team meetings and case conferences to share insights and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational objectives.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Valid Driver's License.
• At least 1-2 years of experience working in a social services or youth-focused setting.
• Knowledge of local housing programs, systems, and resources available to youth, including affordable housing, emergency shelters, and housing assistance.
• Strong understanding of case management processes and the ability to manage multiple youth cases at once.
• Compassionate, non-judgmental, and patient when working with youth facing housing instability.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build trusting relationships with youth.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in using office software and case management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, resourceful, and dedicated to helping youth and young adults in crisis find stable housing and develop a pathway to long-term stability.

This position will require working a flexible work schedule that includes evenings and weekends depending on the needs of the clients served. Travel within the local community will be necessary to meet with housing agencies, shelters, and other community-based resources.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!