Youth Outreach & Support Specialist - Transitional Living Program (TLP)

Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation days

Sick leave

Holidays

EAP

Health insurance

HSA

Life insurance

Disability

401(k) match

Job summary

MIRCI in Columbia, SC is seeking a Youth Outreach & Support Specialist for the Transitional Living Program (TLP). You will identify and engage youth ages 17–22 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, connecting them with essential resources and services to support long-term stability and independence.

Under supervision, you’ll conduct outreach in the community, complete VI-SPDAT assessments, and guide youth through eligibility and enrollment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or related human services field.
• Preferred experience with vulnerable youth and/or homeless youth services, RHY programs, or transitional housing settings.
• Ability to travel throughout the service area and maintain licensure/credentialing in HMIS.

Responsibilities

• Identify and engage youth aged 17–22 experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Connect youth with Transitional Living Program services and resources for long-term stability.
• Conduct VI-SPDAT assessments to determine appropriate interventions.
• Educate youth about program eligibility and enrollment; assist with intake and orientation.
• Maintain accurate records and input data into HMIS/Apricot per agency standards.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Communication

Interviewing

Field-based work

HMIS credential

Education

Master's degree (Social Work/ Counseling/ Psychology/ Public Health)

Tools

HMIS

Apricot

Job description

MIRCI is a progressive nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clinical services and housing support to adults and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability throughout the Midlands and surrounding communities. MIRCI is seeking a Youth Outreach & Support Specialist to join our Transitional Living Program (TLP). This position plays an important role in identifying, engaging, and supporting youth ages 17–22 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability by connecting them with essential resources, supportive services, and opportunities for long-term stability and independence.

Job Function:

Under the general supervision of the TLP Program manager, the Youth Outreach and Support Specialist is responsible for identifying and engaging with youth aged 17-22 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, and connecting them with services provided by the TLP. This role combines field-based outreach with in-program support and service navigation to help youth stabilize and move toward independence.

Employee Classification:

Considered a regular, full-time, non-exempt position.

Examples of Work:

• Conduct targeted outreach in the community to identify and engage youth experiencing homelessness, including areas such as schools, shelters, drop-in centers, libraries, transit stations, and other known youth gathering spots.
• Build rapport with youth through consistent, non-judgmental, and strengths-based interactions.
• Conducts a VI-SPDAT (Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decisions Assistance Tool) on all new clients to connect them to the proper intervention and services.
• Educate youth about available services within the Transitional Living Program and help them navigate eligibility and enrollment.
• Distribute basic needs supplies (e.g., hygiene kits, food, resource information) during outreach as appropriate.
• Act as a liaison with community partners and referral sources to increase awareness of TLP services.
• Assist youth during the intake and orientation process, helping them understand program expectations, goals, and available supports.
• Contribute to reports and evaluations related to outreach outcomes and program impact.
• Maintain accurate and timely records of outreach activities, youth interactions, and support services provided.
• Input data into required program databases and case management systems (e.g., HMIS, Apricot) in compliance with agency standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and positive youth development principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of the techniques of interviewing and counseling.
• Comfortable working in field-based settings and managing a flexible, community-focused schedule.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective contact with individuals, families, and representatives of other professional disciplines.
• Ability to be credentialed and maintain a license in HMIS

Minimum Requirements :

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Public Health, or related human services field.
• Preferred experience working with vulnerable youth and/or in homeless youth services, Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) programs, or transitional housing settings.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid SC driver's license and a good driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout the service area.
• Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR/1st-Aid.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

MIRCI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. This job ad is intended to attract candidates and is not a full job description.

Benefits:

MIRCI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15 days of paid vacation per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period. Vacation may be used after 90 days of employment; time off before then is unpaid.
• 15 days of paid sick leave per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period. Sick leave may be used as it accrues.
• 13 paid federal holidays
• Paid jury duty, bereavement, and parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability, critical illness, and life insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan through John Hancock with an employer match of up to 6%

MIRCI is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.