Youth Services Aide at Safe Horizon, Inc.

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionSummaryStreetwork Project is an innovative outreach-counseling program for homeless youth in Harlem, which utilizes a harm reduction approach. Youth Services Aide provides comprehensive services to adolescents and young adults impacted by homelessness and involved in street activities (gangs, violence, drug use/sale and survival sex). Services provided by the Youth Services Aide include assessment, referrals, outreach, crisis transportation, daily living services (food, shower, respite), triage counseling, recreational activities and support groups. The Youth Services Aide coordinates with Safe Horizon supporting programs and local agencies to provide short and long term care necessary to meet the wide range of needs related to homeless adolescents. Responsibilities: Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients. Coach and guide staff in their client practice that reflects these approaches.Intake and assessment for individuals seeking assistanceProvide ongoing safety assessment and risk management, crisis intervention, crisis counseling, emotional support.Engagement of adolescents into program structure (harm reduction philosophy, rules, mutual respect)Milieu counseling; Mediation for internal conflictsFacilitate access to daily living needs (food, clothes, hygiene supplies, space to rest)Provide support to case managers on behalf of clients with both internal and external partners to increase client’s access to benefits and resources; provide accompaniment as necessary and requested by clientsProvide supportive role in group facilitation and conducting of educational presentations on HIV/AIDS, risk reduction and topics related to sub-populations of homeless youthParticipate in weekly case conferencing meetings and clinical group processMaintain routine administrative responsibilities to include the preparation of correspondence, maintaining files, mail, email, and telephone.Participation in staff trainings, staff meetings, and staff group process workshopsParticipate in weekly supervisionMaintain Cleanliness and organization of the drop-in space.Monitor and conduct all safety procedures for the drop-in space Secondary Job Functions:Petty Cash reconciliationIdentification of new resources appropriate for populationProvide wellness and recreational (engagement) activitiesCoordinate services with other Streetwork staff and on-site legal, medical, and psychiatric service providersManage events in the Drop-In Center, monitor entrance to the program, oversee concrete support to clients.Supervisory Reports: None Interacts with:All Streetwork program sites and staffAll internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case planAll external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the clientKnowledge and Skills:Required:Compassionate approach to others and openness to new ideasDynamic energy, able to multi-task and negotiate multiple demands on attentionNon-judgmental approach and ability to empathize with othersClear and concise verbal and written communication skill, excellent interpersonal and organization skillsGenuine interest in working with disenfranchised youth and young adultsUnderstanding of and ability to work from harm reduction perspective addressing substance use and mental health issuesDemonstrated ability to work independently Qualifications High school diploma or equivalency plus relevant training and experience in human services or related field, including some prior experience working with victims of crime ORTwo years of high-quality work at a Streetwork Project site Desirable: Personal experience with street survival activities (homelessness, gangs, drug economy, sex industry) with at least three years separation from involvement in these activities as well as a deep understanding of the relationship between personal experiences and professional standards.Other:Basic understanding of computers and systems for managing case records