Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist (6267)

LSF is seeking a talented Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

The Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist will be responsible for direct face-to-face community outreach services to street runaway homeless youth (RHY) in the Street Outreach Program (SOP). Outreach includes but is not limited to: Gateway Services, through the provision of food, water, clothing, hygienic products, housing/shelter assistance and other essential needs of street RHY as deemed necessary upon contact. The Youth Outreach Support Services Specialist must be able to serve as a Mentor to youth while recruiting or retaining them to the SOP by providing access to additional resources (medical, substance use and trafficking prevention), prosocial role modeling, and encouragement. This is a direct service delivery position.

• Identifies and coordinates Gateway Services and other essential needs, including referrals, screenings and assessments for sex or labor trafficking/exploitation or other negative physical/emotional impacts for runaway/homeless youth.
• Performs direct face-to-face outreach efforts through street-based interviews, intakes, assessments and support for street RHY who need access to housing, education, employment, and other assistance that lead to sustainable independence.
• Provides case management, coaching and mentorship to youth while determining eligibility for the provision of support and services for youth and supervises the process.
• Assures that relevant statistical data and reports of outreach and engagement with street RHY are collected, processed, and submitted for inclusion in monthly/quarterly reporting to the appropriate agencies.
• Expands program activities by collaborating with other community providers serving street RHY populations, including working with law enforcement to help alleviate tension between youths’ and police, where possible.
• Coordinates activities and services with both appropriate LSF staff and mainstream social services agencies staff.
• Builds knowledge, establishes relationships, and maintains collaborative efforts with community partners and stakeholders serving the street RHY population.
• Attends all pertinent community meetings to promote the program.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Able to stand for long periods of time.
• Comfortable and willing to work in high-risk community settings at nontraditional hours.
• Flexibility in working hours beyond 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Must possess a clean/valid Florida Driver License, reliable transportation and proof of Insurance (transcript of driving record will be requested from the Department of Motor Vehicle at the time of hire)

High School Diploma required. Post-secondary education preferred (Human Services, Marketing, Communications).

At least one year experience working in social services and/or community outreach. Knowledge of street runaway homeless youth populations is preferred.

• Good written and oral communication skill.
• Maturity and good judgement.
• Organized, disciplined and able to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Knowledge of issues, needs and concerns of the target population(s).
• Knowledge of the community to be served along with being able to provide linkage/referral, and follow-up services.
• Mediation and/or problem-solving skills

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

• Reports to Outreach Mentoring Coordinator or Director.
• Meeting or exceeding Contract deliverables relative to community outreach and education.
• Team player with LSF co-workers.
• Accuracy and timeliness in completing reports.
• Adherence to LSF personnel policies and procedures.

Lutheran Services Florida is mandated to perform background screenings for employment in accordance with the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse as outlined in Section 435.12, Florida Statutes. Additionally, pursuant to House Bill 531 (2025), Lutheran Services Florida must ensure that all job vacancy postings and advertisements include a clear and conspicuous link to the AHCA Clearinghouse website and its requirements. For more information on background screening requirements please visit: https://info.flclearinghouse.com