Youth Services Navigator in Norfolk, Virginia at YWCA South Hampton Roads

ABOUT THE POSITION

YWCA South Hampton Roads is seeking a part-time Youth Services Navigator to provide direct support to children and youth residing in our shelter programs. The Navigator serves as a consistent and supportive presence for youth experiencing housing instability, family crisis, trauma, and significant life transitions.

Working under the supervision of the Youth Services Manager, the Navigator helps youth stay engaged academically, build healthy routines and social-emotional skills, participate in enrichment opportunities, and connect with resources that support their well-being and development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Build positive, supportive relationships with children and youth residing in YWCA shelter programs through regular check-ins, mentoring, encouragement, and age-appropriate engagement.
• Identify youth strengths, interests, needs, and barriers and work with youth, caregivers, and YWCA staff to develop individualized goals and supports.
• Provide academic assistance, including homework help, literacy activities, study support, and connections to tutoring and other educational resources.
• Facilitate and support enrichment activities focused on social-emotional learning, life skills, creativity, leadership, healthy relationships, recreation, and positive youth development.
• Engage parents and caregivers as partners, providing information and connections to resources that support their child's development and well-being.
• Collaborate with the Youth Services Manager, shelter staff, case managers, volunteers, and community partners to coordinate services and respond to emerging youth needs.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of youth participation, services, referrals, progress, and program outcomes while protecting participant confidentiality.

• High school diploma or GED required; some college coursework in Education, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Youth Development, Family Studies, or a related field preferred.
• At least one year of experience working with children or youth in a shelter, school, after-school program, recreation program, childcare setting, mentoring program, nonprofit, or similar environment preferred.
• Relevant volunteer, internship, or community-based experience working with children and youth may be considered.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with youth across varying ages, backgrounds, and developmental levels.
• Understanding of positive youth development and trauma-informed practices, or willingness to learn through YWCA training.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Must successfully complete required background checks and YWCA training requirements.