Coordinated Entry Specialist - YHDP

The Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project (YHDP) Coordinated Entry Specialist serves as the front door for youth experiencing housing instability. Working with individuals up to their 24th birthday, this position provides trauma-informed, community-based services by conducting housing assessments and linking eligible youth to available housing resources. Coordinated Entry Specialists also support clients in accessing stable, safe long-term housing and coordinate the necessary services to ensure each young person’s success.

Responsibilities

Administrative Leadership and Management

• Follow all program policies and procedures to deliver solution-focused housing interventions that expedite housing placement for clients.
• Practice a Housing First philosophy when working with all clients, ensuring low barriers to entry.
• Implement and maintain a thriving, low-barrier access point for youth seeking housing.
• Complete comprehensive, quality assessments for youth—including in-person assessments as needed.
• Enter and manage data in HMIS and other HUD-compliant databases, following all required standards.
• Prepare and submit documentation (e.g., month-end reports) as required.
• Develop and sustain community partnerships that enhance service delivery and promote client success.
• Engage in community outreach to increase program referrals (e.g., distributing brochures, organizing informational sessions, presenting at events, staffing exhibit booths).
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including meetings, professional memberships, and trainings as directed by the Senior Director of Youth Housing.
• Collaborate actively with colleagues of all demographics to ensure efficient, effective client service.
• Maintain open communication with your supervisor regarding service outcomes, concerns, and questions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Preferred Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) in social work, psychology, public administration, or a related human services field.
• At least one (1+) year of experience working in nonprofit social service settings; one (1+) year of management experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with at-risk teen populations required; lived experience with housing instability preferred.
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities, creating efficiencies, and guiding strategic investment in people and systems.
• Strong commitment to the principles of youth support and advocacy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate and advocate for positive outcomes in diverse, multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to write clearly and persuasively.
• Ability to quickly build rapport and trust with youth in crisis.
• Flexible and self-motivated, with the capacity to multitask while meeting deadlines and paying attention to detail.
• Well-developed organizational and assessment skills.
• Team-oriented mindset, working collaboratively with colleagues of all backgrounds.
• Ethical and professional behavior, modeled consistently.
• Valid Missouri Driver’s License and current car insurance required.
• Travel required (with or without accommodation) to attend trainings, meetings, and provide direct care as needed.
• Flexibility in work hours to accommodate client needs.

This is a remote position but the candidate must live in the State of Missouri.