Youth Outreach Navigator

Description

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care.

Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.

The Youth Navigator provides street outreach, case management, and aftercare services to youth ages 12–17 who are connected with the Zepf Runaway Youth Shelter, the Safety Net, or are experiencing homelessness. This role engages youth who are runaways, homeless, or at risk of or survivors of human trafficking, offering support, resources, and advocacy to promote safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.

This position will require a comprehensive understanding of cultural and linguistic competencies around working with people with diverse beliefs, ethnicities and backgrounds. The Youth Navigator works primarily in the community. This individual should be capable of maintaining a flexible schedule.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 10:00am - 6:00pm

• Provide linkage/referral to housing, mental health, medical, dental or other services to all youth associated with Safety Net, the Street Outreach Program, and Safety First Program
• Provide case planning and reunification for youth who are returning home or placement
• Provide crisis intervention & de-escalation to youth/families when indicated.
• Provide street-based education and outreach, as well as prevention services.
• Provide community youth with needed survival aids, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, nourishment.
• Provide 24/7 access to Safety Net Runaway & Homeless Shelters.
• Provide follow-up support and aftercare services.
• Help identify youth for at risk or survivors of human trafficking through screeners
• Provide case management and identify needs for individuals homeless, runaways, or at risk or survivors of human trafficking.
• Assists clients with developing skills that lead to independence including life skills, employment assistance, transportation, ect.
• Development of viable social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snap Chat with daily oversight and response.
• Document, prepare, and disseminate required reports, as assigned, including reporting required by funding and oversight bodies.
• Conduct outreach to area providers to coordinate care and ensure best practices.
• Completes required documentation in accordance with timelines and standards required by the agency, regulatory bodies, and payers.
• Assists in the development of Street Outreach calendar of events in the community
• Assists in the development of Drop In Center and Safety Net calendar of events and activities and leads those activities
• Demonstrates leadership skills that lead to acceptable/expected levels of productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of team members in expecting and providing excellent services and care to clients.
• Carries out policies and procedures of the agency; may participate in community work, staff development, agency-wide projects; serve on agency committees/teams, attend meetings, and performs other related duties as requested.
• Training requirements include CPR, CPI, new hire, Sanctuary and annual boosters in addition to any required trainings assigned during employment
• Must be able to safely drive in all weather conditions in support of client needs
• Other duties as assigned

• Professional approach to all functions and relationships with all levels of staff, clients, other agencies, and the public. Strong written/oral communication skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate notes
• Ability to comply with all confidentiality laws and ethical standards
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing programming and patient needs while maintaining a calm demeanor
• Ability to relate well with all levels of staff and the public

• Demonstrate knowledge of the agency mission, vision, goals and philosophy as well as the policies and procedures.
• Strives for high client satisfaction by providing leadership and/or assistance to coworkers and clients through the integrated care process.
• Demonstrate consistent professionalism.
• Demonstrate…