Youth Outreach & Support Specialist - Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Job Description

Job Description

The Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI) is a Nonprofit that assists homeless individuals, adults, and youth with clinical needs and permanent housing. MIRCI is continuing to improve opportunities for the homeless in the Midlands and surrounding areas and is seeking a Youth Outreach & Support Specialist for the Transitional Living Program.

Job Function :

Under the general supervision of the TLP Coordinator, the Youth Outreach and Support Specialist is responsible for identifying and engaging with youth aged 17-22 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and connecting them with services provided by the TLP. This role combines field-based outreach with in-program support and service navigation to help youth stabilize and move toward independence.

Employee Classification :

Considered a regular, full-time, exempt position.

Examples of Work :

• Conduct targeted outreach in the community to identify and engage youth experiencing homelessness, including areas such as schools, shelters, drop-in centers, libraries, transit stations, and other known youth gathering spots.
• Build rapport with youth through consistent, non-judgmental, and strengths-based interactions.
• Conducts a VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decisions Assistance Tool) on all new clients to connect them to the proper intervention and services.
• Educate youth about available services within the Transitional Living Program and help them navigate eligibility and enrollment.
• Distribute basic needs supplies (e.g., hygiene kits, food, resource information) during outreach as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison with community partners and referral sources to increase awareness of TLP services.
• Assist youth during the intake and orientation process, helping them understand program expectations, goals, and available supports.
• Contribute to reports and evaluations related to outreach outcomes and program impact.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of outreach activities, youth interactions, and support services provided.
• Input data into required program databases and case management systems (e.g., HMIS, Apricot) in compliance with agency standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and positive youth development principles.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

Knowledge of the techniques of interviewing and counseling.

Comfortable working in field-based settings and managing a flexible, community-focused schedule.

Ability to establish and maintain effective contact with individuals, families, and representatives of other professional disciplines.

Ability to be credentialed and maintain a license in HMIS

Minimum Requirements :

Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or related human services field.

Preferred experience working with vulnerable youth and / or in homeless youth services, Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) programs, or transitional housing settings.

Necessary Special Requirements :

Must have a valid SC driver's license and a good driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout the service area.

Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR / 1st-Aid.

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

MIRCI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. This job ad is intended to attract candidates and is not a full job description.

Benefits :

401(k)

401(k) matching

Disability insurance

Employee assistance program

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Paid sick time (15 days per year)

Paid vacation time (15 days per year)

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Breavemnet Leave

Paid Jury Duty Leave

13 Paid Holidays per year