Position Overview:
The Youth Peer Navigator provides crucial support and guidance to youth experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other challenges, with a strong emphasis on educational stability through collaboration with Project Rise and other community partners. This position focuses on connecting youth with resources, offering mentorship, and empowering them to make informed choices that enhance their educational outcomes and overall stability. The role involves significant partnership with 2-1-1, Akron Public Schools (APS)/Project Rise, alternative education programs, youth providers, and grassroots organizations to create a comprehensive support network. Given the peer-based nature of this role, preference will be given to applicants in their 20s who can closely relate to the experiences and challenges of the youth population being served.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Direct Support
- Encourage engagement with supportive services, including educational and cultural resources offered by Project Rise and other community agencies.
2. Educational Advocacy and Collaboration with Project Rise and Schools
- Collaborate closely with APS/Project Rise to identify and support students experiencing homelessness, helping them maintain educational stability.
- Partner with APS/Project Rise and alternative schools to assist youth in accessing resources such as tutoring, transportation, and other supports that reduce barriers to school attendance and success.
- Advocate for youth within the educational system, ensuring they receive high-quality, supportive educational experiences in a safe environment.
3. Resource Connection and Navigation
- Connect clients with essential resources, including housing, healthcare,legal services, and job readiness programs.
- Develop knowledge of local resources, youth providers, and grassroots organizations to provide tailored referrals and direct services.
- Help youth understand their rights and advocate for their needs within educational, legal, and social services systems.
4. Documentation Support
- Maintain accurate, confidential client records, documenting interactions and services provided, including collaboration with APS/Project Rise.
- Support case managers by sharing relevant information to create comprehensive care and education plans.
- Track and report client progress, communicating updates and challenges to the supervisory team, APS/Project Rise staff, and other relevant partners as needed.
5. Collaboration and Training
- Work alongside multidisciplinary teams, including APS/Project Rise coordinators, case managers, social workers, and other community partners, to provide holistic support for youth clients.
- Collaborate with APS/Project Rise, alternative schools, and youth providers to ensure wraparound support.
- Engage in professional development opportunities related to homelessness, educational support, and youth advocacy.
- Provide support to other staff by sharing best practices, promoting teamwork, and assisting in training new staff and volunteers.
Qualifications:
– Education: High school diploma or equivalent required
– Experience: Personal or professional experience with homelessness, housing instability, or youth support services is strongly preferred.
– Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for working with youth and supporting educational success.
- Familiarity with local community resources and educational supports, especially within the Akron area.• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, with a commitment to client-centered, trauma-informed care.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and commitment to
confidentiality.
Additional Requirements:
– Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as needed.
– Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.
– Background check and any certifications required by the organization.