Job Description

An Engagement Specialist for a Youth Transitional Housing Program plays a vital role in supporting young people as they transition from homelessness or unstable living situations to independent living. Below are typical responsibilities for this role:

• Build trust and rapport with youth participants to foster meaningful connections.
• Conduct outreach to identify and engage at-risk or homeless youth in the community.
• Develop individualized engagement strategies to encourage participation in programs and services.
• Collaborate with case managers to assess participants’ needs and goals (e.g., education, employment, mental health).
• Help youth develop life skills, such as communication, time management, and financial literacy.
• Assist participants in navigating available resources (e.g., housing, healthcare, education).
• Plan and facilitate recreational, educational, and skill-building activities to promote social engagement.
• Organize group workshops, volunteer activities, or mentorship programs to foster community involvement.
• Coordinate with external partners (schools, job training programs) to provide additional services.
• Act as a liaison between youth and service providers, ensuring their needs and voices are represented.
• Provide crisis intervention or emotional support as needed, connecting youth to appropriate services.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment where all participants feel valued.
• Track engagement metrics and maintain detailed case notes on participants’ progress.
• Report on program outcomes, challenges, and successes to supervisors and funders.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute to program development and evaluation.
• Develop partnerships with local organizations to enhance service offerings.
• Engage with youth councils or advisory groups to incorporate participant feedback into program improvements.
• Promote awareness of the project within the community to attract new participants and foster support.

This role demands empathy, excellent communication skills, and the ability to build positive relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the specialist must be comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment focused on improving participants’ long-term outcomes.

Qualifications

BS in Health Science (Preferred) OR 3 years’ experience working with youth and or homeless population.

Additional Information

Job Type: Full Time - Contract

Pay: $32.00 - $35.00 per hour

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift

• Day shift

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Washington, DC 20020: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required).