Housing Specialist

New Avenues for Youth; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% employee cost share health/dental/

Job summary

New Avenues for Youth is seeking a full-time, temporary mentor to work with houseless youth through January 1, 2027, in Portland, ME. The role offers $21.00 per hour and a schedule of Monday–Friday, 9am–5:30pm.

Qualified candidates bring lived or earned experience with high-risk youth, strong empathy, advocacy, and a commitment to equity. CPR certification and a valid driver's license are required, with insurance coverage provided for program use.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience or lived experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related human services field a plus.
• Two years of experience working with high-risk youth.
• Must have access to an automobile, a valid driver’s license and active auto insurance.
• Must be willing to CPR training and certified.

Responsibilities

• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, supporting them in developing and working towards goals.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help youth navigate systems, access resources, and coordinate with providers.
• Support Growth and Learning: Engage in case planning and skill building to foster greater independence.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate records to ensure programs have the data they need.

Skills

Compassionate Listener

Reliable Advocate

Growth-Oriented

Equity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related human services field

Job description

This is a temporary position expected to run through January 1, 2027.

$21.00 an hour.** **** Full-time, temporary through January 1, 2027**

Monday through Friday 9am to 5:30pm

Who You Are:

Experienced: You have lived experience or work experience dealing with challenges related to houselessness. Your experience is a source of strength and fuels your compassion and care.

• Compassionate Listener: You offer empathy without judgment, creating a safe space for young people to share their stories and struggles.
• Reliable Advocate: You are committed to showing up consistently, building trust, and following through on your promises to young people.
• Growth-Oriented: You embrace continuous learning, seeking new knowledge and skills to better support yourself and the youth you serve.
• Equity: You understand how systemic oppression impacts the lives of youth in programs and the systems that you will support youth in navigating. You approach this world with humility and a deep sense of growth and learning.

What You’ll Do:

• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, supporting them in developing and working towards goals, growing skills, helping them manage crises
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own journey to housing independence.
• Support Growth and Learning: Engage in case planning and skill building to help youth move towards greater independence
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.

Qualifications:

• A minimum of two years of relevant work experience, lived experience, or both. A Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related human services field a plus.
• Minimum of two years of experience working with high-risk youth.
• Experience, ability and commitment to working with sexual minority and culturally diverse staff, participants and community.
• Reimbursed use of personal automobile for transporting self and clients for work purposes
• Must have access to an automobile, a valid driver’s license, and active auto insurance on that vehicle.
• Must be willing to be CPR training and certified

Medical, vision, and dental insurance available at a 50% employee cost share.