Youth Street Outreach Specialist

About the role

• Position Title: Youth Street Outreach Specialist
• Reports To: Program Manager
• Status: Full-Time or Part-Time, Grant-Funded
• Locations: Marion/Polk County, Oregon

Position Overview

The Youth Street Outreach Specialist provides community-based peer support to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness. This role operates in alignment with the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.

The YEHP Peer builds authentic relationships with youth in community settings and through street outreach. The role focuses on reducing barriers to stability, increasing access to basic needs and housing resources, and supporting youth in identifying self-determined goals related to education, employment, recovery, and connection. This position blends outreach, engagement, peer support, documentation, and systems navigation.

Core Responsibilities

Community-Based Outreach and Engagement

Identify and engage unsheltered and unstably housed youth in the community

• Conduct street outreach in areas where youth gather
• Build trust through lived experience and authentic connection
• Conduct initial assessments of youth basic needs
• Provide youth-determined support
• Peer Support Services
• Offer strengths-based, non-clinical peer support

• Support youth in navigating housing systems and emergency shelter options
• Assist youth in accessing food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and urgent physical needs
• Connect youth to health care, recovery services, and culturally specific resources
• Support youth in repairing or strengthening relationships with chosen family when appropriate

• Support education, employment, and long-term stability planning
• Drop-In Support (Where Applicable)
• Provide engagement and support within Youth Era drop-in spaces
• Ensure inclusive and affirming practices for LGBTQIA2S+ youth
• Support safe, welcoming, and youth-driven environments
• Assist with meal distribution and resource coordination
• Data, Documentation, and Reporting
• Enter complete, accurate, and timely HMIS data
• Document services in Youth Era’s data systems
• Ensure demographic and service data is captured at intake

Support quarterly reporting requirements

Participate in monitoring and site visits as required

Collaboration and Systems Navigation

Coordinate with shelters, housing providers, CCOs, and community partners:

• Participate in case coordination meetings when appropriate
• Advocate for youth within systems
• Maintain professional communication with ODHS partners as directed

Required Qualifications

• Ability to build authentic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds
• Strong boundaries and ethical peer practice
• Ability to work independently in community settings

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness
• Experience with street outreach
• Familiarity with HMIS or other data systems
• Knowledge of Oregon housing and shelter systems
• Experience supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth

Additional information

Lived experience related to homelessness, housing instability, foster care, behavioral health systems, or related systems

Certified Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist or ability to obtain certification within required timeframe

• Key Competencies
• Youth-centered engagement
• Cultural humility and responsiveness
• Trauma-aware support practices
• Strong documentation and accountability
• Self-direction and time management
• Collaborative communication
• Compliance Expectations

This role is subject to: Fingerprint-based background check requirements

• Compliance with insurance and safety standards
• Mandatory reporting laws
• ODHS monitoring and site visits

Desired Outcomes

The YEHP Peer supports outcomes aligned with the grant agreement

• Decreased risk factors associated with homelessness
• Increased access to basic needs and health care
• Increased emotional support and connection
• Improved youth stability and navigation of systems
• Stronger youth voice and self-determination
• Application Process

Additional information

Our hiring process typically includes three stages: an initial phone interview, a Zoom interview with hiring supervisors, and a final interview (usually in-person). An onsite meet-and-greet may also be required.

Our Benefits

• We offer 100% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group health insurance.
• Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including your birthday!
• Take advantage of our 403b retirement plan.
• Access our employee assistance program.
• Generous paid time off plan.
• Professional development assistance.
• Do you have firsthand experience with mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, or LGBTQ+ communities? We're looking for people with that lived experience to join our team.
• Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, which allows them to demonstrate how their lived experience and qualifications align with the position.

Research shows that women and BIPOC individuals are often hesitant to apply for positions unless they feel confident they can fulfill every task outlined in the job description. At our organization, our priority is to find the most qualified candidate for the job. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, and we're committed to considering any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.