Lead Youth Residential Specialist (Afternoons)

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse MI is a growing non-profit, established in 2019 when Lighthouse of Oakland County and South Oakland Shelter joined forces to offer a stronger collective response to poverty in our Metro Detroit community. With over 80 years of combined experience, Lighthouse serves as a beacon of hope to our neighbors who need it most by offering assistance with emergency basic needs alongside housing programs and supportive services designed to support long-term economic stability. Lighthouse owns and operates Spero Housing Group, a subsidiary non-profit dedicated specifically to developing and operating high quality affordable and supportive housing for persons of low and moderate income, as well as HandUp, a community and crowdfunding platform serving 100+ homeless service agencies and their clients across the United States.

Position Summary

The Lead Youth Residential Specialist is a full-time position that reports to the Youth Programs Manager. This position works within Lighthouse’s Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) department, and will specifically support our Sanctuary and A Step Forward programs. Sanctuary is a 3-week residential crisis intervention program while A Step Forward is an up to 24-month transitional living program for unaccompanied youth under age 18.

This Lead Youth Residential Specialist role is a key leadership position that supervises and supports a team of residential specialists, volunteers, and interns during the afternoon hours (primarily 4p-12a). The ideal candidate will have a strong background in and ability to uphold Positive Youth Development, trauma-informed, low barrier, and harm reduction philosophies in working with youth. This leadership role will play a critical role in promoting a strong, healthy team culture by providing consistent on-site coaching, training, and other support needs for staff.

Schedule

Primarily 4p-12a Monday-Friday; some flexibility in hours and/or days is possible

Staff Management Responsibilities

• Supervise a team of residential staff, volunteers, and interns in the implementation of services for youth experiencing housing instability (up to 6 FTE).
• Assist with recruiting, training, and onboarding staff in partnership with the Program Manager and Daytime Lead Youth Residential Specialist.
• Assist Program Manager with scheduling to ensure full shift coverage.
• Provide ongoing coaching and facilitate regular 1:1 and team meetings to promote consistent staff development and support.
• Work with RHY Department leadership to lead and motivate a team toward operational and strategic goals and visions.

Program Management Responsibilities

• Maintain and implement knowledge of program licensure and funding requirements.
• Uphold program rules, policies, and procedures and agency values to maintain a safe, client-centered, and inclusive environment for clients, staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Assist with managing inventory of supplies and purchasing
• Oversee weekly menu planning, grocery ordering, and evening food preparation.
• Work with department leadership to establish, understand, and monitor key performance outcomes.
• Help design, manage, and oversee life skills curriculum and groups
• Assist with identifying and engaging partner organizations for program development and opportunities for youth.
• Lead the design and implementation of group outings and other enrichment activities for young people in Lighthouse’s care.
• Collaborate with program counseling and case management staff to support effective service delivery and overall advancement of youth progress toward goals.
• Co-manage processes for the upkeep and support of a safe residential environment, including work orders, IT support needs, and basic facility maintenance.
• Ensure effective tracking of client activities and proper recordkeeping practices.
• Assist with daily operations as needed to ensure continuity of services, including answering crisis phone calls, assisting with client intakes/exits, and supporting other day-to-day needs.
• Assist with rotating on call support and shift coverage to ensure 24 hour care

General Responsibilities

• Maintain approval to transport clients and provide transportation services as needed.
• Foster and coordinate inter-agency collaborative solutions and referrals to help clients connect with shelter, meet their goals, and attain long-term stability.
• Participate in internal and external task-forces and committees working to assist the homeless population.
• Maintain SafeServ Manager Certification for use in overseeing nightly meal preparation.
• As needed, provide regular reports to assist in monitoring program quality and compliance.

Minimum Qualifications

• Lived or professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or extreme levels of poverty in the US.
• BSW from a 4-year accredited college or university or bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 3+ years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human/social services
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• An appetite for innovation and creative problem-solving
• Ability to pass a rigorous background check including child welfare screenings, FBI fingerprint check, and other clearances.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends
• Reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a 4-year accredited college or university
• 5+ years’ experience in a role directly or indirectly related to a human/social services
• 2+ years’ experience working within a youth residential setting
• Familiarity with Child Caring Institution licensure requirements
• Knowledge of the social services landscape in Oakland County and surrounding areas
• Harm Reduction, Trauma Informed Care, Housing First, and SPDAT training
• Strong commitment to racial and gender equity and proven ability to work with diverse youth populations, including youth of color, youth who identify as LGBTQIA+, youth with disabilities, and youth with systems involvement.
• Experience in managing and leading teams
• Ability to build consensus and resolve conflict; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations.
• Exceptional communication ability, both written and oral.
• Ability to listen and accept feedback constructively.
• Unwavering personal integrity and ability to set clear healthy boundaries.
• Ability to lead in a fast paced, demanding, constantly changing environment
• Experience with ServSafe and food preparation activities

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Physical Demands:

The incumbent typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties. The noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office. Incumbent may encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear; frequently required to use repetitive hand motion, handle or feel, and to stand, walk, reach, bend or lift up to 20 pounds. Contact with the public in office environments may risk exposure to irrational/hostile behavior, contagious diseases, or contact with domestic animals. The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.