Youth Engagement Specialist; Street Outreach – TAY

The Youth Engagement Specialist is responsible for conducting street-based outreach and engagement with Transitional Age Youth (TAY) ages 18–24 who are experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or are at risk of exploitation or trafficking. This role focuses on building trusted relationships with runaway and homeless youth in unsheltered environments and connecting them to immediate safety, shelter, and supportive services.

The Youth Engagement Specialist will provide trauma-informed engagement, resource navigation, and referrals to emergency shelter beds, youth-specific services, and community resources within San Joaquin County and the State of California. The position plays a critical role in identifying and supporting youth who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, sexual abuse, exploitation, or human trafficking.

Through relationship-centered outreach, the Youth Engagement Specialist helps young people transition from street homelessness into safe shelter and supportive services y’s Community Services and partner organizations.

• Mission-Driven Leadership – Be at the heart of an organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable.
• Strategic Influence – Shape policies and initiatives that uplift lives and drive systemic change.
• Collaborative Environment – Work alongside a passionate team, community partners, and dedicated stakeholders.
• Sustainable Impact – Lead an organization committed to long‑term solutions for housing, healthcare, and social support.

• Conduct regular street-based outreach to identify and engage Transitional Age Youth (18–24) experiencing homelessness in encampments, public spaces, service locations, and other community settings within Stockton.
• Build trusting and supportive relationships with youth through consistent, respectful, and trauma-informed interactions.
• Provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and immediate support to youth experiencing homelessness or exploitation.
• Identify youth who have experienced or are at risk of sexual abuse, exploitation, or human trafficking and connect them to appropriate services.
• Distribute outreach materials and provide information on emergency shelter beds, youth services, and supportive resources.

• In conjunction with the Youth Outreach Specialist, plan and host outreach events designed to engage unhoused youth and increase awareness of available services.
• Represent St. Mary’s Community Services at community events, resource fairs, schools, partner agencies, and youth-serving organizations.
• Conduct presentations and information sessions to increase awareness of youth shelter beds and available social services.

• Connect youth to emergency shelter beds y’s Community Services and assist with intake coordination.
• Provide referrals to community-based organizations offering housing, mental health services, substance use treatment, education, employment programs, and healthcare.
• Promote and connect youth to statewide and local support resources including:
  • 211 services, including Coordinated Entry System
  • Emergency youth helplines
  • Crisis and trafficking support hotlines
• Support youth in accessing Medi-Cal, behavioral health services, and other benefits when appropriate.

• Maintain accurate outreach logs, engagement notes, and referral documentation in accordance with agency policies using the Homeless Management Information System.
• Track outreach contacts, service referrals, and successful shelter intakes.
• Support data entry and reporting related to outreach and engagement activities as required by funders and…