Runaway Homeless Youth Residential Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title : RHY Residential Specialist

About Lighthouse :

Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community.

With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability.

Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100+ homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.

Position Summary :

The RHY Residential Specialist is an at-will position that reports to the Program Manager. This position will work with the youth enrolled within our co-located residential programs for young people under 18 who are experiencing unaccompanied homelessness.

Sanctuary is a 3-week residential crisis intervention program for youth ages 10- 17, while A Step Forward is a transitional living program for youth, ages 16-17, where youth can stay for up to two years.

The RHY Residential Specialist will be committed to implementing trauma-informed care with a Positive Youth Development approach in providing direct services to youth and families.

The RHY Residential Specialist is responsible for the observation, care, general upkeep, and safety of the shelter environment while supporting youth in pursuit of their goals toward safe, stable housing.

Responsibilities & Duties

Initiate and facilitate daily living skill development groups, interpersonal skill development, meal preparation and service, chore completion and recreational activities

Coordinate and monitor shift activities among youth mentors, volunteers, and interns to engage youth in daily operation

Ensure monitoring of daily activities in compliance with the case management and clinical individualized treatment plan for each youth

Provide feedback to the RHY management team on interns, volunteers and peer mentors assigned to the shift, upon request

Assist in the maintenance of the physical environment for safe operations in partnership with the RHY management team and facilities department

Conduct and ensure face to face and / or telephone crisis intervention is available 24 / 7 / 365 with appropriate outcome planning for each caller

Conduct intake interviews to identify and access agency services and / or coordination of referrals

Ensure youth entering the RHY program receives an orientation conducted in a manner that respects the educational, language and special needs of each youth and / or family

Consult with interdisciplinary teams to ensure youths needs are met and incompliance with evidence-based practices, program regulation, and federal, state, and local laws

Coordinate transportation of youth to outside activities and required destinations, in compliance with legal regulations and agency policies

Provide and monitor the proper use of prescription and over the counter medications, first aid and emergency procedures, as needed

Ensure the provision of appropriate foods in keeping with federal, state, and local regulations for food handling, meal preparation and food storage

Maintain accurate and thorough written records of all intake completion, HMIS and service log entries, daily operational activities including group notes, client, and general log entries, contact records, client registries, etc.

Other Core Responsibilities

Maintain approval to transport clients and provide transportation services as needed.

Ensure the proper maintenance of client related files and records.

Consistently implement service and data collection tools.

Comply with attendance and punctuality policies, as well as all other Lighthouse policies and procedures.

Enforce program rules, policies, and procedures and uphold agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.

Assist with front-desk operations, answering phones, and crisis calls as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or extreme levels of poverty in the US.

High School Diploma

1-2 years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to human / social services

Ability to pass a rigorous background check including child welfare screenings and clearances

Reliable transportation to transport clients, as needed, and maintenance of automobile insurance

Valid driver’s license, Lighthouse reserves that right to require a driving record check with respect to any employee where driving is an essential function of the position.

Knowledgeable in with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps,

Flexibility and the capacity to prioritize tasks in a rapidly changing environment

Ability to multitask effectively in a fast paced environment

Ability to work with a challenging and diverse population

Ability to work evenings and / or weekends

Preferred Qualifications

Associates or current enrollment in a human services program, or in a related field

2+ years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human / social services with some youth experience

An understanding of the social constructs impacting those experiencing economic instability,

Knowledge of the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas

HMIS experience

Ability to self-regulate and work independently while coordinating with other staff

An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving

Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT training

Proven ability to work effectively with racially and ethnically diverse clients and teams

Experience in managing and leading teams

Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.

Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral.

Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.

Possess high emotional intelligence skills.

Unwavering personal integrity.

Ability to work in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills.

Lighthouse is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any qualified individual based on race, creed, religion, national origin, color, status as a veteran, gender or gender identity, sex, age, sexual preference or orientation, marital status, disability, income, weight, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume online via JobScore.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

No phone or e-mail inquiries, please.