About Us

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization, serving the Washington, DC region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives with the involvement of the community.  Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond.  Our programs are person-centric and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth/young adults and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field.

Summary

The Youth and Young Adult Specialist position will apply knowledge and expertise in youth services for the Welcome Center Division and as a resource to Friendship Place. This role will engage with transition-aged youth and families (head of household up to the age of 30) experiencing barriers to stability by providing supportive, extensive case management and mentoring services.  Utilizing creativity and a youth development approach, this position will assist participants in the development of personal/professional goals aimed at achieving stability and wellness in identified areas of the participant’s life. The Youth and Young Adult Specialist will be active in building and maintaining relationships with established providers to identify new resources and related services for participants in the DC Metro Region. The Youth and Young Adult Specialist must have a strong understanding of human development as applied to transition-aged youth and vulnerable individuals (s.a. LGBTQ+, Survivors of DV and Trafficking, etc.). The position will utilize principles and practices of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing to build trusting relationships and consistent support for participants. This position will support the LGBTQ+ community through cultural competency and service delivery, with the option to serve as a key member to the organization’s LGBTQ Workgroup. The Youth and Young Adult Specialist will also be responsible for providing additional support with workshops and small group activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

For the Before Thirty Program: (80%)

• Engages and provides Transition-Age Households (singles/families) with youth development minded supportive and youth specific case management services. Will address barriers impacting instability in each participants’ life to include housing instability, mental health, education, employment, lack of benefits and vital documents. Collaborates with coaches and volunteers to provide additional supportive services.
• Monitors and participates in addressing crisis needs of participants as they relate to provided services.
• Conducts and completes program documentation with participants for (but not limited to): program intake, goal formation, resource, referrals, applications, etc.
• Implements operations of Before Thirty services; completes all data tracking, responds to referrals/inquiries, and participates in ongoing efforts of program development through the incorporation of participant feedback and identified gaps in service delivery system.
• Engages in program outreach efforts to local agencies, workgroups, and other identified entities for the purpose of gathering resources beneficial to served participants.
• Participates in the CAHP Youth Outreach meetings as needed.
• Assist the team with connecting participants to in-house workshops and small group activities. Collaborate with the team to explore workshop topics and content.

For LGBTQ Service Development: (20%)

• Contributes to expanding Friendship Place’s cultural competency/ally efforts by attending relevant trainings and/or conferences related to LGBTQ youth services.
• Interacts with youth and young adults who identify as part of the LGBTQ community in a manner that encourages inclusion and support; assesses individuals for specific needs and connects to available resources within the agency as well as in the community.
• Serves as an active member of Friendship Place’s LGBTQ working group to develop additional services and engagement strategies which can be applied to service delivery across the division (optional).

For Friendship Place:

• Participate in the planning and development of new projects as they relate to participant services.
• Assess safety/well-being of participants and activate emergency services and other necessary supports as needed.
• Connect, collaborate, build, and maintain positive relationships with external agencies that provide services to Friendship Place consumers.
• Actively participate in case meetings, staff meetings, and supervisions.
• Actively participate in trainings and other events offered by Friendship Place and other agencies.
• Assists with volunteers when necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, BA/BS in human services or social work field (preferred)
• 2+ years’ experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, and/or vulnerable populations
• 1+ year experience working with youth and young adult populations

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of human development, harm reduction methods, mental health and addiction recovery
• Willingness to work independently and collaborate with a team
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Flexible and passionate about providing youth specific case management and supportive services
• Possesses a fun personality with plenty of energy and a sense of humor
• Ability to adapt to changes in working environment
• Takes an innovative approach and thinks outside of the box
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., HMIS experience and database experience (preferred)
• Strong written and verbal skills
• •Bi-lingual (Spanish/English) is a plus

Working Conditions

Position will spend time between a remote setting (until notified otherwise), office/desk settings, traveling to meet with participants and providers across the service area, and attend meetings/engagements with key stakeholders. Travel time for position responsibilities may consist up to 25% of time.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Position requires split time between a remote (or office) setting and traveling to engagements via car or public transportation. Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time with repetitive motion and positions.  Employee must be able to operate a motorized vehicle.  Some lifting may be required (up to 20-25lbs). Engagement with walk-in and ongoing participants in low barrier environments (25%).

Other Details

• Application Deadline: This job is open until filled, or the hiring manager determines that they can no longer accept applications.
• Compensation: The hiring pay range is between $44.000-48,000 annually.  Depending on the position, the starting hourly pay rate or annual salary is based on a step system.  A candidate’s starting pay determination is made based on meeting the basic position requirements, and current completed education, credentials and/or work experience.  Please Note: The step system is set and not open to pay negotiation.  Before moving forward in the selection process, interested applicants are encouraged to discuss starting pay eligibility with the Human Resources (Talent) Department.
• Website: www.friendshipplace.org

Background Checks

The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check, CFSA Child Abuse/Neglect Background Check, FBI fingerprinting and drug testing.

Direct Reports

None

Specific Requirements:

Employee must have his/her valid driver’s license to carry out job duties and responsibilities.