Youth Outreach Navigator

ZEP; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The Zepf Center seeks a Youth Navigator to provide street outreach, case management, and aftercare services to youth aged 12–17 connected with Safety Net, Street Outreach, or Shelter programs in Lucas County.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed care, cultural competence, and flexible scheduling to meet youth needs, with a Monday–Friday, 10:00am–6:00pm schedule and community-based work across Northwest Ohio.

Qualifications

• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with residential/homeless services is required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs is expected.
• Social media savvy is required.
• Proficiency with the Agency’s electronic health record is needed.
• Must hold and maintain an Ohio driver’s license with a good record.
• Ability to relate to a broad socio-economic cross-section and resolve conflicts.

Responsibilities

• Provide linkage/referral to housing, mental health, medical, dental or other services for youth in Safety Net, Street Outreach and related programs.
• Provide case planning and reunification for youth returning home or placement.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation to youth and families when indicated.
• Conduct street outreach and education to youth, with prevention services.
• Disseminate essential supplies to youth in need and ensure access to shelter services.
• Maintain 24/7 access to Safety Net Runaway & Homeless Shelters and provide aftercare support.
• Document and report as required by funding and oversight bodies.
• Coordinate outreach with area providers to ensure coordinated care.
• Develop and oversee social media presence for engagement and outreach.
• Assist in calendar development for Street Outreach and Drop In Center activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Note taking

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic Health Record

Job description

Description

Zepf Center has been serving the Lucas County community for 50 years. We are the leading provider of behavioral health and substance use disorder services in Northwest Ohio. Services include adult and child psychiatric, substance abuse, case management, residential, Crisis Care, and therapy programs, as well as career development and wellness services. Zepf Center also offers primary care medical services to our patients to contribute to their continuum of care. Zepf Center is a trauma-informed agency and environment for both patients and staff.

The Youth Navigator provides street outreach, case management, and aftercare services to youth ages 12–17 who are connected with the Zepf Runaway Youth Shelter, the Safety Net, or are experiencing homelessness. This role engages youth who are runaways, homeless, or at risk of or survivors of human trafficking, offering support, resources, and advocacy to promote safety, stability, and long-term wellbeing.

This position will require a comprehensive understanding of cultural and linguistic competencies around working with people with diverse beliefs, ethnicities and backgrounds. The Youth Navigator works primarily in the community. This individual should be capable of maintaining a flexible schedule.

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 10:00am - 6:00pm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide linkage/referral to housing, mental health, medical, dental or other services to all youth associated with Safety Net, the Street Outreach Program, and Safety First Program
• Provide case planning and reunification for youth who are returning home or placement
• Provide crisis intervention & de-escalation to youth/families when indicated.
• Provide street-based education and outreach, as well as prevention services.
• Provide community youth with needed survival aids, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, nourishment.
• Provide 24/7 access to Safety Net Runaway & Homeless Shelters.
• Provide follow-up support and aftercare services.
• Help identify youth for at risk or survivors of human trafficking through screeners
• Provide case management and identify needs for individuals homeless, runaways, or at risk or survivors of human trafficking.
• Assists clients with developing skills that lead to independence including life skills, employment assistance, transportation, ect.
• Development of viable social media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and Snap Chat with daily oversight and response.
• Document, prepare, and disseminate required reports, as assigned, including reporting required by funding and oversight bodies.
• Conduct outreach to area providers to coordinate care and ensure best practices.
• Completes required documentation in accordance with timelines and standards required by the agency, regulatory bodies, and payers.
• Assists in the development of Street Outreach calendar of events in the community
• Assists in the development of Drop In Center and Safety Net calendar of events and activities and leads those activities
• Demonstrates leadership skills that lead to acceptable/expected levels of productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness of team members in expecting and providing excellent services and care to clients.
• Carries out policies and procedures of the agency; may participate in community work, staff development, agency-wide projects; serve on agency committees/teams, attend meetings, and performs other related duties as requested.
• Training requirements include CPR, CPI, new hire, Sanctuary and annual boosters in addition to any required trainings assigned during employment
• Must be able to safely drive in all weather conditions in support of client needs
• Other duties as assigned

Specific/Individual Competencies:

• Professional approach to all functions and relationships with all levels of staff, clients, other agencies, and the public. Strong written/oral communication skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate notes
• Ability to comply with all confidentiality laws and ethical standards
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing programming and patient needs while maintaining a calm demeanor
• Ability to relate well with all levels of staff and the public

Organizational Competencies:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the agency mission, vision, goals and philosophy as well as the policies and procedures.
• Strives for high client satisfaction by providing leadership and/or assistance to coworkers and clients through the integrated care process.
• Demonstrate consistent professionalism.
• Demonstrate teamwork.
• Abide by the agency and/or professional code of ethics Strives to improve own and agency operations
• Incorporates CQI techniques into daily work activities.
• Participates on CQI process teams and/or supports CQI initiatives
• Zepf Center is committed to providing a culture of trauma-informed care through the Sanctuary Model

Requirements

Position Qualifications:

• Starting educational requirement is high school or equivalent. Bachelor’s Degree Preferred
• Experience with residential/homeless services required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
• Social media savvy required
• Proficiency with Agency’s electronic health record
• Strong oral/written communication skills
• Must hold and maintain an Ohio Driver’s License with good record
• Must possess excellent problem/conflict resolution skills and ability to relate to and communicate with a broad socio-economic cross-section of individuals

Those eligible to drive company vehicles must have a valid driver's license and be eligible for coverage as defined by the agency commercial insurance carrier. Those who drive personal vehicles in the course of business must be able to provide proof of insurance.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO