Youth Client Services Specialist

Job Summary

The Youth Client Services Specialist provides person-centered, trauma-informed, and low-barrier support to youth residents (ages 18–24) experiencing homelessness. Grounded in best practices such as Housing First, Positive Youth Development, and Harm Reduction, this role focuses on increasing stability, accelerating housing access, and connecting youth to vital community resources. The Specialist conducts specialized youth intakes, co-creates client-led service plans, facilitates daily programming, and maintains accurate documentation aligned with grant funding and DFSS compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Youth Engagement, Intake & Service Planning

• Welcome youth entering through the DFSS Centralized Shelter Intake system into a safe, low-barrier, 24/7 shelter environment.
• Conduct comprehensive intake and biopsychosocial assessments within 24 hours of entry to identify immediate safety, healthcare, and legal needs.
• Collaborate with youth to develop a youth-led Individualized Service Plan (ISP) focusing on housing goals, life skills development, and wellness priorities using SMART goals.
• Complete Coordinated Entry System (CES) housing assessments and actively guide youth toward transitional living, family reunification, or permanent housing pathways.
• Provide consistent emotional engagement and build trust with hesitant youth utilizing motivational interviewing and harm reduction strategies.

Daily Programming & On-Site Supportive Services

• Facilitate and support daily shelter programming, including life skills workshops, restorative healing circles, job readiness training, and recreational or wellness activities.
• Assist youth in resolving systemic barriers, such as obtaining vital identification documents, addressing criminal records, or retrieving educational credentials.
• Connect youth to external benefits (SNAP, SSI, Medicaid), healthcare providers, legal aid, and employment opportunities to build independent income.
• Coordinate "warm handoffs" to long-term providers and permanent housing destinations upon exit, providing each youth with a personalized housing stability plan.
• Engage youth in post-exit opportunities, including peer mentorship and alumni programming to foster a long-term sense of belonging.

Case Documentation, Funding & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete progress notes and documentation within HMIS and other required tracking systems.
• Ensure all data entry supports DFSS performance indicators, specifically tracking participant exits to stable housing, income increases, and completed CES assessments.
• Participate in shift handoffs, case file reviews, and audits to guarantee data integrity and strict continuity of care across shelter operations.
• Complete all required Medicaid-related service documentation to support agency billing processes and ensure compliance with Medicaid, managed care organizations (MCO), and agency requirements.

Crisis Response & Trauma-Informed Advocacy

• Respond to youth crises utilizing de-escalation tactics and trauma-informed approaches that respect the client's prior lived experiences and self-determination.
• Advocate fiercely for youth facing language, physical, mental, or emotional barriers within housing, healthcare, or legal systems.

• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education & Experience  

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Case Manager or previous knowledge and experience in providing services to at-risk youth, runaway youth, or members of the homeless community.
• Lived experience or a shared cultural background with the target youth population is highly valued and considered a strong asset for this role.

Skills & Competencies

• Demonstrated understanding of Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care frameworks.
• Proficiency in motivational interviewing techniques.
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills, with an ability to adapt to a fast-paced youth shelter setting.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Participation as a team player and sensitive to issues of diversity.  
• English proficiency required; bilingual capabilities (Spanish or French Creole) preferred to ensure language accessibility.
• Proficiency with MS Office products, email systems, and HMIS databases.
• Knowledge of Medicaid-funded behavioral health, case management, or supportive service documentation requirements preferred.

Physical Requirements & General Agency Expectations

• Exerting up to 15 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time while working on-site at the shelter.
• Maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with KLEO policies and procedures, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Comply with strict client confidentiality, professional ethics, and agency policies.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, professional development trainings, community fairs, and fundraising events as directed by leadership.