Peer Youth Counselor

Prince Georges County - Drop-In Center Peer Youth Counselor

About Our Organization:

Sasha Bruce Youthwork is one of the largest and most experienced providers of services to youth in the Washington DC area. Our mission is to improve the lives of runaway homeless abused neglected and/or at-risk youth and their families. We achieve this by providing shelter counseling life skills training and positive youth development activities to approximately 1500 youth and 5000 family members each year. With more than 45 years of experience meeting the growing needs of youth and families through innovative programs Sasha Bruce Youthwork is always willing to listen and ready to help.

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Job Summary:

The Peer Youth Counselor at the Prince Georges County (PGC) Drop-In Center provides services to adolescents and young adults impacted by homelessness and street involvement (e.g. gangs violence drug use/sales and survival sex). Services include assistance with case management referrals outreach crisis transportation basic daily living support (e.g. food showers and respite) triage counseling recreational activities support groups and life skills education. The Peer Youth Counselor works closely with the PGC Drop-In Center Director Case Manager and partner agencies to provide both short and long-term care that meets the broad needs of homeless and disconnected youth.

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Duties and Responsibilities:

Collaborate with team members to coordinate supportive services for clients

Provide concrete support including food preparation access to showers/laundry mail services respite hygiene supplies vital documents and computer access

Assist with orientation and intake for new clients

Participate in crisis intervention and individual counseling

Support harm reduction and trauma-informed interventions including conflict mediation

Engage youth using principles of positive youth development and trauma-informed care

Support events at the site including holiday activities and guest speakers

Facilitate or co-facilitate wellness and recreational activities educational presentations and life skills groups

Provide information and advocacy to help youth access community resources

Escort clients to services and provide transportation per case plan

Conduct street outreach to homeless and street-involved youth as assigned

Perform administrative duties including file maintenance case notes correspondence mail email and answering phones

Prepare and cook nutritious meals in accordance with dietary and safety guidelines

Maintain cleanliness and sanitation in the kitchen dining areas and shared facility spaces

Monitor the front entrance and oversee movement within the facility for safety and compliance

Demonstrate respect for clients staff and community members

Maintain confidentiality in all client and staff interactions

Participate in staff training meetings workshops and weekly supervision and case conferencing

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Qualifications:

Transition-aged youth up to 26 years old with lived experience in street survival activities (homelessness gangs drug economy sex industry) with at least one year of separation from those activities

High school diploma or GED required

Genuine interest in supporting disenfranchised youth and young adults

Willingness to learn harm reduction trauma-informed care and positive youth development strategies

Flexible schedule including availability for some evenings and weekends

Bilingual (English and Spanish) skills are a plus

Experience working with multicultural and diverse populations

Experience supporting LGBTQ youth is a plus

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities with dynamic energy

Basic computer skills and familiarity with database systems for case management

Preferred:

Residency in or knowledge of Prince Georges County and its social service resources

Additional Information:

This is a full-time non-exempt position reporting to the Program Director. All candidates must possess a valid drivers license pass required Maryland clearances (and applicable clearances from other states) and provide additional documentation related to past records as required.