LEAP Program Navigator

Ali Forney Center; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

401(k) with employer match

Generous PTO and paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Professional Development opportunities

Job summary

The Ali Forney Center is seeking a LEAP Program Navigator to support LGBTQ+ youth across AFC programs with life skills, education, and workforce readiness. You will guide individualized plans, coordinate workshops, and foster meaningful engagement with volunteers and partners.

Working collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, you will promote stability, self-sufficiency, and positive outcomes while ensuring trauma-informed and affirming care in a fast-paced, in-person environment with

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or vocational training with three or more years of related experience.
• Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of related experience.
• Associate's Degree with two years of related experience preferred.
• Experience working with adolescent and/or young adult populations is required.
• Knowledge of the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness is essential.
• Computer literacy, including basic software applications such as Google Suite, internet use, and email communications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and individualized assessments with youth to identify life skills, educational, vocational, and workforce development needs, goals, strengths, and barriers.
• Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) and goal plans focused on education, employment readiness, vocational exploration, and independent living skills.
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and support to youth participating in vocational and educational programming.
• Make appropriate referrals to internal and external educational, vocational, workforce development, internship, and supportive service programs.
• Coordinate with interdisciplinary care teams to support youth in obtaining identification documents, stable housing, medical and mental health care, public benefits, and other services necessary for educational and employment success.
• Escort and accompany youth to workforce development activities, career fairs, college access events, trainings, interviews, higher education programs, and community-based opportunities as needed.
• Facilitate and support life skills, educational, and workforce development groups and workshops for youth residing in or accessing services through Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.
• Support youth in developing practical independent living skills, including communication, professionalism, time management, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy.
• Foster a welcoming, affirming, trauma-informed environment for LGBTQ+ youth and provide crisis support and referrals when needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of services, participation, attendance, referrals, progress notes, and program deliverables in accordance with requirements.
• Attend and participate in weekly supervision, team meetings, case conferences, cross-departmental collaborations, training sessions, and external partnership meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or vocational training

Bachelor's Degree

Associate's Degree

Job description

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATIONThe Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.SCHEDULE: Flexible schedule; must be available on weekendsLOCATION: Ali's Place and other AFC program sites throughout New York CityWORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: In person; One Remote Day; some travel throughout New York City is requiredPOSITION SUMMARYThe LEAP Program Navigator ensures AFC youth across programs are informed of, engaged in, and connected to LEAP programming and opportunities. The Navigator provides individualized support related to life skills development, education, workforce readiness, and vocational goals while facilitating groups, coordinating workshops and events, and supporting meaningful engagement between youth participants and volunteers. Working collaboratively across programs and interdisciplinary care teams, this role promotes youth participation, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency through trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming approaches.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESConduct intake and individualized assessments with youth to identify life skills, educational, vocational, and workforce development needs, goals, strengths, and barriers.Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) and goal plans focused on education, employment readiness, vocational exploration, and independent living skills.Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and support to youth participating in vocational and educational programming.Make appropriate referrals to internal and external educational, vocational, workforce development, internship, and supportive service programs.Coordinate with interdisciplinary care teams to support youth in obtaining identification documents, stable housing, medical and mental health care, public benefits, and other services necessary for educational and employment success.Escort and accompany youth to workforce development activities, career fairs, college access events, trainings, interviews, higher education programs, and community-based opportunities as needed.Facilitate and support life skills, educational, and workforce development groups and workshops for youth residing in or accessing services through Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.Support youth in developing practical independent living skills, including communication, professionalism, time management, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy.Foster a welcoming, affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment for LGBTQ+ youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and provide trauma-informed crisis support and appropriate referrals when additional intervention or stabilization services are needed.Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of services, participation, attendance, referrals, progress notes, and program deliverables in accordance with agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.Track daily participation, workshop attendance, outcomes, and other program metrics required by grants and program contracts.Attend and actively participate in weekly supervision, team meetings, case conferences, cross-departmental collaborations, training sessions, and external partnership meetings.Provide relevant LEAP program updates and communicate participant progress, barriers, and emerging needs to supervisors and care teams; support coverage and operations at AFC program sites as needed.QUALIFICATIONSHigh School Diploma or vocational training with three or more years of related experience; OR Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of related experience; OR Associate's Degree with two years of related experience preferred.Experience working with adolescent and/or young adult populations is required.Knowledge of the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness is essential.Computer literacy, including basic software applications such as Google Suite, internet use, and email communications.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSAcquaintance with the local employment market, education systems, workforce programs, and community resources.Strong accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.BIPOC transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.Bilingual (Spanish+) candidates are encouraged to apply.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDSWork is primarily in person at Ali's Place and other AFC program sites, with some travel throughout New York City required.Must be able to work evenings and weekends.Role includes accompanying youth to off-site workforce, education, training, interview, and community-based activities as needed.Must be able to respond appropriately to youth who may require crisis support, intervention, or stabilization referrals.CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIESAFC Core Competencies• Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations• Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration• Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability• Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environmentsRole-Related Competencies• Individualized assessment, service planning, coaching, and youth engagement• Workshop and group facilitation in life skills, education, and workforce development• Knowledge of education, employment, workforce, and community resources• Accurate documentation, data tracking, and timely follow-through• Cross-team collaboration, crisis support, problem-solving, and prioritizationBENEFITS & TOTAL REWARDSMedical, Dental, and Vision Insurance401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid HolidaysEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Professional Development OpportunitiesMission-driven, inclusive workplace cultureThank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications.Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.