Youth Engagement Specialist – Youth Drop-In Center

Program Overview

Through this initiative, SAMU First Response will operate a Daytime Drop-In Center in Washington, DC, designed to serve youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing housing instability. This project aligns with Solid Foundations, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, and seeks to expand access to year-round, youth-friendly spaces where young people facing housing crises can access specialized resources and supportive services to move toward stability and wellbeing.

Services offered will include, but are not limited to: housing support, case management, mental health and substance abuse recovery services, harm reduction, income and benefits enrollment, sexual and emotional wellness services, life skills development, physical health support, work readiness, employment services, independent living skills, financial literacy, and assistance securing permanent housing. Coordination with DC’s behavioral health, disability, and substance abuse systems, as well as other youth homeless service providers, is required. The program actively participates in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (CAHP) system.

Role and Responsibilities

The Youth Engagement Specialist plays a crucial role in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for youth ages 18-24 accessing the Drop-In Center. This position focuses on building positive relationships with participants, fostering engagement in programming, and ensuring the center operates as a youth-friendly space that promotes safety, personal development, and empowerment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serve as the first point of contact for youth entering the Drop-In Centers, providing a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Foster positive, trusting relationships with youth, using strength-based and trauma-informed approaches.
• Support daily operations of the Drop-In Centers, ensuring a safe, organized, and youth-friendly space.
• Engage youth in structured activities, educational workshops, and recreational opportunities that promote life skills, emotional wellness, and community connection.
• Model and teach conflict resolution, effective communication, and de-escalation techniques to help youth navigate interpersonal challenges.
• Monitor common areas, proactively addressing safety concerns and intervening in situations that require de-escalation or staff support.
• Collaborate with case managers, clinicians, and program staff to support participant engagement, adherence to center rules, and participation in supportive services.
• Encourage youth to take advantage of educational, employment, housing, and wellness resources available through the program.
• Document participant interactions and incidents as required by program policies and funder guidelines.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Assist with special events, workshops, and youth leadership activities.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working with youth or young adults, preferably in residential, community, or youth development settings.
• Strong knowledge of youth development principles, trauma-informed care, conflict resolution, effective communication, and de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to build rapport and maintain professional boundaries with diverse youth populations.
• Commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all participants.
• Experience working with youth experiencing housing instability, behavioral health challenges, or other risk factors is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance on all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating clients with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment, and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

On-site or Remote: On-site

Location: Washington, DC

Project/Program: SAMU Youth Housing Stability & Drop-In Center Program

Travel Required: Within the DMV

Application Deadline: ASAP, rolling