Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator

Job Description

Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator

Location: Marquette Cornerstone Office, with travel to:

Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa Counties

Supervised by: Director of Homeless Services

Supervises: No Supervisory Responsibility

Position Type:
Full-Time (40 hrs./week)

Salary: $23/hr.

General

Summary:

The Youth Street Outreach Housing Navigator will provide direct support and advocacy to homeless youth aged 18-24, guiding them through the process of securing stable housing, practicing navigation, diversion, and connecting them with essential services. This position will serve youth in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties, working within the community to engage, support, and empower youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

This role will help youth navigate housing options and access vital resources to ensure long-term stability.

• Actively engage with youth and young adults who are unhoused or at risk of becoming homeless in a variety of community spaces, such as parks, streets, shelters, or public locations across Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, Alger, Marquette, Menominee, Delta, Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties.
• Build trust-based relationships to encourage youth to seek help and accept support for housing and other essential services.
• Conduct proactive outreach to identify and engage at-risk youth before they experience homelessness, focusing on diversion strategies to prevent youth from entering shelters or unsheltered situations.

• Assist youth in navigating housing systems and available resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing options within the designated counties.
• Employ diversion strategies to identify safe, viable alternatives to shelter placement, such as reconnecting youth with family, friends, or other support networks when appropriate.
• Assist youth in understanding housing options and eligibility, providing guidance through the application process for various housing programs.

• Develop personalized service plans with youth, focusing on housing stability, education, employment, health, and life skills.
• Advocate on behalf of youth with housing providers, service organizations, and local government agencies to ensure access to resources and services.
• Provide individualized support throughout the housing application and placement process, including assisting with documentation, interviews, and other requirements.

• Offer referrals to other essential services such as mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, healthcare, job readiness programs, and legal aid.
• Provide ongoing case management support, checking in regularly with youth to assess progress, offering guidance, and ensuring a smooth transition to permanent housing.
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