Volunteers of America (VOA) and the YouthREACH Program envision a community where no young person experiences homelessness, and all young people have the opportunity to thrive. Youth and young (YYA) adults who access our services have a long history of inequities and disparities; including but not limited to homelessness, economic instability, high rates of chronic health and mental health conditions, traumatic events, lack of social support, etc. Our clients, typically, have developed numerous skills that have helped them survive and meet their needs, while facing homelessness.

The Street Outreach worker will be responsible for providing outreach, engagement, crisis intervention, case management, and referral assistance to runaway, homeless and at-risk youth and young adults. Services are directed at meeting basic health and safety needs, assisting YYA to return home or to find other safe living circumstances and to provide community education and advocacy on behalf of YYA. This position is split between on-the ground outreach and providing case management services for the YYA encountered during outreach, as well as in the Crosswalk drop-in-center.

VOA serves people of many ages, racial and ethnic backgrounds, abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, and religious beliefs; therefore, we seek a workforce, which reflects this diversity. VOA is committed to the successes of YYA and breaking the cycle of homelessness.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time position with 40 work hours per week. Core work hours fall between 8am and 8pm Monday through Friday. However, schedules may vary depending on the needs of the YYAs and sometimes may require long work hours and varied shifts, as well as evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the essential duties/responsibilities listed below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties/responsibilities of this job. The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:

Provide street-based outreach to YYA in the Spokane region, as part of an outreach team. (Outreach is provided in accordance with the YouthREACH Street Outreach Plan, and safety of the Outreach Team is paramount).

Engage with area YYA who are living in unsafe situations by working with YYA and staff and utilizing creative strategies to develop trusting relationships.

Assist YYA in getting their needs met through referrals and distribution of supplies.

Be knowledgeable of area resources for YYA and how to help YYA access those resources.

Identify new resources within the community to assist with getting YYA needs met.

Identify and communicate trends among area YYA for the purposes of advocacy and improving service delivery for these YYA. 

Participate in community activities and events for the purposes of increasing awareness of YYA needs and educating the community regarding services and resources available through the YouthREACH program.

Provide Case Management services to YYA including but not limited to:

Answer and respond to calls on the crisis phone during work hours.

Provide crisis intervention and lower-level case management when necessary.

Access emergency services such as medical, law enforcement, shelter and detox services for YYA.

Assist YYA with paperwork to apply for services in the community.

Schedule appointments and