Peer Youth Counselor

Prince George's County - Drop-In Center Peer Youth Counselor

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 1,500 youth and 5,000 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.

The Peer Youth Counselor at the Prince George's 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.

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

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 George's County and its social service resources

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