Bilingual Resilience Coach

About Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY)

Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region. Through the holistic integration of its Pillars of Opportunity, Sasha Bruce is able to provide safe homes, life skills, and workforce development to meet the unique needs of homeless youth. For more than 45 years, Sasha Bruce has implemented innovative interventions aimed at bringing an end to youth homelessness in the DC region. Today, its programs in DC and Prince George’s County, MD, reach over 6,500 runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected youth, and their families.

About the PG Drop In Center

The Sasha Bruce Prince George’s County Drop-In Center, also known as the Bruce Empowerment Zone, was established in 2021. It works to reduce the length of time that a young person aging from 14-24 experiences home insecurity in the Prince George’s County region. By working constantly doing outreach, the Drop-In Center fosters a safe and trusting environment where youth can receive care. In addition to providing survival services, the Center supports youth in their journey towards stable housing and economic independence. Services provided include:

• Free meals and snacks;
• Hygiene supplies;
• Referrals to services such as mental health counseling;
• Substance abuse support;
• Vital records attainment;
• Public benefits attainment support;
• College and career services; and,
• Case management

Additionally, the BEZ is piloting an exciting demonstration project called the Resilience Project that will pilot giving direct cash assistance to youth for different periods of time.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of Prince George’s County Drop In Center Program Director, the Bilingual Resilience Coach will assist with the daily operation of a youth drop in center for at-risk, homeless and unstably housed youth ages 12-24. They will specifically work with clients who are accepted into the Resilience Project by supporting their financial management of the funds, care coordination, social service navigation and general provision of supports to clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in a Social Work, psychology, or a human services related field OR High School Degree and at least 3-5 years of experience working with at risk youth, vulnerable populations - preferably homeless populations;
• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English); history working with Latino and LGBTQ populations a plus;
• Working knowledge of services and resources in Prince George’s County preferred;
• Working knowledge and experience of supporting clients access benefits preferred;
• Understanding of harm reduction philosophy, trauma-informed provision of services and positive youth development strategies; and,
• Strong communication and organizational skills required.

Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a full-time, exempt level position. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation; pass the required clearances; and provide any additional information regarding previous records, if necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Works closely with potential and active clients who are in need of prevention-based financial assistance, this includes screening for eligibility and prioritization and completion of intake with clients, and assessments (entry, yearly and outcome surveys);
• Provides crisis intervention, support and coaching to youth in the project including providing financial counseling, budgeting support and regular check ins to discuss needs, concerns and any questions;
• Develops, monitors, and updates clients’ Individual Case Plans in collaboration with youth; meets with clients to discuss progress with case goals, barriers and other related topics;
• Facilitates group life-skills and other workshops and activities/events to facilitate peer connections with others in the Resilience Project; assists team in the development of monthly calendar of recreational and sociocultural activities for the center;
• Makes referrals for the following services: educational and vocational programs, career development programs, housing, medical and dental services, legal services, mental health services;
• Maintains familiarity with local services (both within and outside the Agency) that might serve as resource with a focus on education, employment, mental health, legal and housing services;
• Collaborates with other team members at the Drop-In Center to coordinate supportive services for clients and provides concretes support to clients, including preparation and/or service of food, access to shower and laundry facilities, support with mail, respite, hygiene supplies, vital documents, computer lab and other related supports;
• Supports outreach efforts for the Drop In Center including attending events, facilitating informational workshops, tabling, traditional outreach, workshops, and other efforts as outlined in outreach schedules and discussed with manager or during team meetings;
• Complete service documentation in client case records within 24-48 hours of the service; this includes via HMIS and other internal tracking systems;
• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files, written documentation, reports to track client progress and outcomes;
• Participate in staff meetings, team consultations, trainings, conferences, regular supervision and community outreach events as required; taking special care to ensure that 40 hours of required training are completed annually;
• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, or their designee; and,
• Must have a commitment to ending youth homelessness, racial equity, inclusion, and issues central to Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s mission.