Summary:
Streetwork Project is an innovative outreach-counseling program for homeless youth in Harlem, which utilizes a harm reduction approach. Under this umbrella, Case managers provide comprehensive services to adolescents and young adults impacted by homelessness and involved in street activities (gangs, violence, drug use/sale and survival sex). This position will focus on providing support and services to LGBT youth. Services provided include assessment, case planning, case facilitation and management, counseling, referrals, outreach, crisis transportation, daily living services (food, shower, respite), triage counseling, recreational activities and support groups. The Case manager coordinates with Safe Horizon supporting programs and local agencies to provide short- and long-term care necessary to meet the wide range of needs related to homeless adolescents.
Responsibilities:
- Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
- Engagement of adolescents into program structure (harm reduction philosophy, rules, mutual respect)
- Intake and assessment for individuals seeking assistance and screen for housing eligibility
- Provide case management to a caseload of LGBTQ youth
- Assist Youth in applying to Supportive housing and other permanent housing options
- Coordinate with Housing Navigators and Housing Advocate & Benefits Coordinator in follow up with clients and gathering of documentation for processing
- Provide ongoing support to youth in housing following exit of shelter/drop-in. Serve as an advocate and liaison for clients negotiating the shelter system and other social service programs
- Enrollment of clients for Public Assistance & Food-stamps
- Coordinate with social worker in assessing clients’ eligibility and assist with processing for SSI benefits
- Completion of application for SSI for youth who are eligible
- Complete psychosocial reports on youth for Supportive Housing & SOAR screening tools for SSI
- Escort homeless youth to appropriate services and provide transportation as part of case plan
- Facilitate LGBTQ support group, plan outings and socialization events for the LGBTQ youth
- Conduct surveys with LGBTQ youth to assess program’s progress meeting objectives; Triage counseling; Mediation for internal conflicts
- Support Drop-in staff in providing youth access to daily living needs (food, clothes, hygiene supplies, space to rest)
- Provide supportive and crisis intervention counseling utilizing a traum based intervention (ARC) for youth with more complex mental health needs and challenges.
- Collaborate and coordinate with on- site mental health providers to ensure clients access to care.
- Advocacy on behalf of under 18-year-old clients for Administration for Children’s Services support
- Street outreach to homeless and street involved young people, as assigned
- Facilitate Drop-in presentations related to aftercare and independent living skills
- Preparation of case records, prepare monthly and quarterly statistical reports
- Maintain routine administrative responsibilities to include the preparation of correspondence, maintaining files, mail, email, and telephone.
- Participate at staff trainings, staff meetings and staff group process workshops & clinical case conferencing; Participate in weekly supervision.
Secondary Job Functions:
- Petty Cash reconciliation
- Identification of new resources appropriate for population
- Provide wellness and recreational (engagement) activities
- Coordinate services with other Streetwork staff and on-site legal, medical, and psychiatric service providers
- Manage events in the Drop-In Center, Monitor entrance to the program, oversee concrete support to clients, provide transportation to NYC Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs and/or oversee meal preparation
Interacts with:
- All Streetwork program sites and staff
- All internal Safe Horizon programs and departments that can comprehensively support the client and case plan
- All external agencies and organizations that can provide appropriate services to the client
Qualifications:
- Experience working in a social services setting, OR
- Personal experience with street survival activities (homelessness, gangs, drug economy, sex industry) with three years separation from involvement in these activities. Deep understanding of the relationship between personal experience and professional standards.
- Experience working with youth who have Co-occurring Disorders
- Bachelor’s Degree, creative arts, liberal studies or relevant experience related to working with youth or working in social service settings with target population.
Desirable:
- Experience in implementing Evidence Based Interventions in trauma informed care in work with youth.
- At least 1 year working with the homeless population, youth, or harm reduction
Knowledge and Skills:
Required:
- Compassionate approach to others and openness to new ideas
- Dynamic energy, able to multi-task and negotiate multiple demands on attention
- Non-judgmental approach and ability to empathize with others
- Clear and concise verbal and written communication skill, excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
- Genuine interest in working with disenfranchised youth and young adults
Desirable:
- Understanding of harm reduction perspective
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently
Other:
- Basic understanding of computer and systems for managing case records
If hired, I agree to abide by all of Safe Horizon’s rules and regulations, and understand that, if employed, my employment may be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, at the option of either the company or me. I further understand that no representation, whether oral or written by any representative or agent of the organization, at any time, constitutes a contract of employment.
AmeriCorps, Peace Corps and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Technology Statement:
Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service. Safe Horizon will discuss potential solutions with candidates and may assist where needed and agreed to in advance.
Please follow this link to view complete EEO Law and complaint filing information:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf)
Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal.
Hiring Range: $23.36 - 24.74 Hourly
Full-time Hours: 35 Hours per week
Full-time Benefits: Vacation Time, Paid Sick Time, Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 403(b) Retirement Plan, Company Life Insurance, Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Tuition Assistance Program, Commuter Benefits Program, Gym Reimbursement, Parental Leave, Employee Learning Center
Safe Horizon was named one of City & State New York Top Workplaces of 2025 (https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2025/10/2025-top-workplaces/408656/?oref=csny_powerlist_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%202025%20Top%20Workplaces%20list%20alert%20-%20Oct%2014%2C%202025&utm_term=newsletter_csny_alert#safe-horizon)
Preferred
-
Experience working with youth who have Co-occurring Disorders
-
Experience working in a social services setting
Preferred
-
Resource Coordination
-
Interpersonal
-
Computer Skills
Preferred
-
Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity
Preferred
-
Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
