Youth Street Outreach Specialist

Position Title: Youth Street Outreach Specialist
Reports To:
Program Manager
Status:
Full-Time or Part-Time, Grant-Funded
Locations:
Marion/Polk County, Oregon
Position Overview
The Youth Street Outreach Specialist provides community-based peer support to youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 experiencing homelessness. This role operates in alignment with the Oregon Department of Human Services Youth Experiencing Homelessness Program.
The YEHP Peer builds authentic relationships with youth in community settings and through street outreach. The role focuses on reducing barriers to stability, increasing access to basic needs and housing resources, and supporting youth in identifying self-determined goals related to education, employment, recovery, and connection. This position blends outreach, engagement, peer support, documentation, and systems navigation.
Core Responsibilities
Community-Based Outreach and Engagement
Identify and engage unsheltered and unstably housed youth in the community
Conduct street outreach in areas where youth gather
Build trust through lived experience and authentic connection
Conduct initial assessments of youth basic needs
Provide youth-determined support
Peer Support Services
Offer strengths-based, non-clinical peer support
Support youth in navigating housing systems and emergency shelter options
Assist youth in accessing food, clothing, showers, hygiene supplies, and urgent physical needs
Connect youth to health care, recovery services, and culturally specific resources
Support youth in repairing or strengthening relationships with chosen family when appropriate
Support education, employment, and long-term stability planning
Drop-In Support (Where Applicable)
Provide engagement and support within Youth Era drop-in spaces
Ensure inclusive and affirming practices for LGBTQIA2S+ youth
Support safe, welcoming, and youth-driven environments
Assist with meal distribution and resource coordination
Data, Documentation, and Reporting
Enter complete, accurate, and timely HMIS data
Document services in Youth Era’s data systems
Ensure demographic and service data is captured at intake
Support quarterly reporting requirements
Participate in monitoring and site visits as required
Collaboration and Systems Navigation
Coordinate with shelters, housing providers, CCOs, and community partners
Participate in case coordination meetings when appropriate
Advocate for youth within systems
Maintain professional communication with ODHS partners as directed
Required Qualifications
Ability to build authentic relationships with youth from diverse backgrounds
Strong boundaries and ethical peer practice
Ability to work independently in community settings
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with youth experiencing homelessness
Experience with street outreach
Familiarity with HMIS or other data systems
Knowledge of Oregon housing and shelter systems
Experience supporting LGBTQIA2S+ youth
Lived experience related to homelessness, housing instability, foster care, behavioral health systems, or related systems
Certified Traditional Health Worker (THW) Peer Support Specialist or ability to obtain certification within required timeframe
Key Competencies
Youth-centered engagement
Cultural humility and responsiveness
Trauma-aware support practices
Strong documentation and accountability
Self-direction and time management
Collaborative communication
Compliance Expectations
This role is subject to:
Fingerprint-based background check requirements
Compliance with insurance and safety standards
Mandatory reporting laws
ODHS monitoring and site visits
Accurate reporting under YEHP requirements
Desired Outcomes
The YEHP Peer supports outcomes aligned with the grant agreement:
Decreased risk factors associated with homelessness
Increased access to basic needs and health care
Increased emotional support and connection
Improved youth stability and navigation of systems
Stronger youth voice and self-determination
Application Process
Our hiring process typically includes three stages: an initial phone interview, a Zoom interview with hiring supervisors, and a final interview (usually in-person). An onsite meet-and-greet may also be required. This process may vary at management's discretion.Learn more about us at
www.youthera.org
.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Youth ERA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic. This applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, compensation, and training.

Youth Era is an Oregon-based non-profit that improves the lives of young people and the systems that serve them. By bringing together young adults, organizations, and system partners, we reach thousands of youth each year through direct support, program development, and systems-level change.
Our Benefits
We offer 100% employer-paid comprehensive medical, dental, and vision group health insurance.
Enjoy 12 paid holidays, including your birthday!
Take advantage of our 403b retirement plan.
Access our employee assistance program.
Generous paid time off plan.
Professional development assistance.
Do you have firsthand experience with mental health, addiction/recovery, incarceration/juvenile justice, Oregon Youth Authority, foster care, education, or LGBTQ+ communities? We're looking for people with that lived experience to join our team.
Applicants are requested to submit a cover letter, which allows them to demonstrate how their lived experience and qualifications align with the position.
Research shows that women and BIPOC individuals are often hesitant to apply for positions unless they feel confident they can fulfill every task outlined in the job description. At our organization, our priority is to find the most qualified candidate for the job. We recognize the value of diverse experiences and perspectives, and we're committed to considering any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience.