Street Outreach Program Advocate

Basic Function and Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the RHY Director, provide outreach, counseling and support services to youth clients ages 16-21 in the UAY Street Outreach Program. Work includes coordination with collaborative providers, SOP and UAY staff, and program participants. Primarily provides individual counseling, advocacy, resource connection and case management through a trauma informed, strength-based approach. This is a full-time direct service position. Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Characteristic Duties:

1. Participate in outreach to youth experiencing homelessness in both rural and urban settings in Johnson, Washington, and Cedar counties. Build rapport with youth to help them resolve their current housing crisis.


2. Provide resource basic needs kits, referrals, skill building, and advocacy to a caseload of up to 15 youth experiencing homelessness.


3. Assess a youth’s current living situation and risk factors for human trafficking, substance misuse, and other vulnerabilities to begin connecting them to appropriate intervention programs.


4. Assist participants in obtaining safe shelter and or safe and stable housing.


5. Make appropriate community referrals, network, and advocate for youth experiencing homelessness.


6. Help youth create goal plans to identify their barriers and navigate support systems.


7. Collaborate with the SOP Peer Mentor to provide excellent case management.


8. Provide transportation for youth to shelters during regular working hours.


9. Maintain updated electronic calendar, with locations of outreach, meetings, and other appointments.


10. Maintain client case files, completing required paperwork, case notes, and reports.


11. Work collaboratively with other UAY staff, through participation in weekly staff meetings, case management meetings, and cross team processing.


12. Demonstrate use of clear personal and professional boundaries.

Related Duties:

1. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Program Director.


2. Develop and maintain knowledge of resources, services, and opportunities available to youth and families.

Qualifications: UAY believes in the power of diversity; people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be someone who is empathetic and works well with young people. The candidate should be tenacious, resilient, a self-starter, and energetic.

Minimum of 1-year prior experience working with youth or in a youth services setting. Additional consideration for those with a degree (not required) in human services, social work, counseling or a related field, or 5 years prior experience; also, persons who are bi-lingual in Spanish, French, and/or English.

Must have a valid driver’s license.

Compensation: Full-time position. Some nights and weekends are required. Starting at $42,000 plus full benefits that include health insurance, flex spending, life/disability, paid time off, and retirement.