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Job description
Intake & Outreach Specialist
The Ali Forney Center (AFC) protects LGBTQ+ youth from homelessness and helps them build the tools needed to live independently. Founded in 2002, AFC provides housing, healthcare, and educational support to thousands of youth each year. AFC creates an affirming, supportive environment where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive.
Position Summary
The Intake and Outreach Program is responsible for creating a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth, both prospective and current clients. This role will focus on outreach and engagement, intake management, documentation and reporting, and team collaboration.
The Intake & Outreach Specialist is responsible for creating a welcoming, affirming, and supportive first point of contact for LGBTQ+ youth seeking services at the Ali Forney Center. This position supports youth engagement through outreach, intake coordination, assessment, referrals, documentation, and client navigation.
The Intake & Outreach Specialist ensures that prospective and current clients receive timely access to services while maintaining accurate records, supporting program compliance, and strengthening community partnerships. This role requires a trauma-informed, culturally responsive approach when working with LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Key Responsibilities
Intakes, Assessment and Data
Serve as the initial point of contact for prospective clients by creating a welcoming, affirming, and non-judgmental environment.
Complete client intakes, assessments, screenings, and documentation in accordance with AFC policies and program requirements.
Assess immediate client needs and coordinate appropriate referrals to internal and external resources.
Schedule, track, and follow up on client intake appointments.
Create and organize client charts prior to assignment to case management services.
Facilitate new client orientation and provide information regarding AFC programs and available resources.
Complete client admissions, service entries, and exits in required databases, including AWARDS, PTS, and other applicable systems.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation to support program reporting, audits, and contract compliance.
Generate reports from AWARDS and participate in ongoing quality assurance activities.
Track and report outreach activities, including community events, street outreach contacts, and client engagement outcomes.
Outreach, Client Engagement and Advocacy
Conduct street outreach to engage LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Attend community tabling events, resource fairs, Pride events, and other outreach activities as assigned.
Develop and maintain community partnerships to increase access to resources and services for youth.
Support the planning and coordination of client engagement events and resource-focused activities.
Provide client escorts to assist youth in accessing essential documentation and services, including birth certificates, identification cards, and Social Security cards.
Facilitate youth workshops focused on resources, benefits, housing stability, and independent living skills.
Participate in community meetings, advocacy events, rallies, and coalition meetings to support youth-centered initiatives.
Represent AFC professionally and support organizational visibility at community events, including Pride-related activities
Team Collaboration
Provide training and support to staff and interns regarding AWARDS database processes and documentation expectations.
Participate in weekly treatment planning meetings, staff meetings, supervision, and program meetings.
Co-facilitate weekly Intake Assignment Meetings to support effective client placement and care coordination.
Collaborate with Case Management, Support Services, Benefits, Education, Meals & Events, and Development teams to coordinate comprehensive client support.
Assist the Program Manager and Director of Case Management with client assignments, referrals, and care coordination.
Support program audits, data collection, quality improvement initiatives, and reporting requirements.
Assist with special projects and other program responsibilities as assigned.
This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Responsibilities may change based on organizational needs. You may be required to perform other duties as assigned based on the program's need
Benefits & Total Rewards
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) with up to a 5% employer match (vested after five years)
Generous Paid Time Off, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and 12 Paid Holidays
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Professional Development Opportunities
Mission-driven, inclusive workplace culture
Qualifications
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Experience working with adolescents and/or young adults experiencing housing instability, homelessness, or other barriers.
Ability to conduct outreach activities, including street outreach and community-based engagement.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building trusting relationships with youth.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage documentation requirements.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including occasional evenings, weekends, and community events.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of LGBTQ street-involved youth preferred.
Strong commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and social justice
Transgender & gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.
Bilingual (Spanish) speakers are encouraged to apply.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Must be able to remain attentive and supportive throughout your shift when assisting with shift lead and site support
Must be able to meet data deadlines and support with audit preps
Must oversee and attend outreach events on and off site. Traveling with equipment and supplies required.
Core & Role-Specific Competencies
AFC Core CompetenciesMission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practiceCultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populationsYouth CenteredTrauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaborationClear communication, professionalism, and accountabilityAdaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments - Role-Related CompetenciesTrauma-Informed Client EngagementIntake & Assessment SkillsOutreach & Community EngagementDocumentation & Data AccuracyCollaboration & TeamworkOrganization & Time ManagementProblem Solving & Decision MakingAdvocacy & Client EmpowermentProfessionalism & AccountabilityAdaptability & FlexibilityCollaboration across teams and effective relationship-building with participants, partners, and staff
Thank you for your interest in the Ali Forney Center. Due to the high volume of applications received, only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. We encourage you to apply for any positions for which you meet the qualifications
Ali Forney Center is an equal opportunity employer committed to a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Worksite address
new york, NY, 10261, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.