LEAP Program Navigator

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

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.

SCHEDULE: Flexible schedule; must be available on weekends
LOCATION: Ali's Place and other AFC program sites throughout New York City
WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY: In person; One Remote Day; some travel throughout New York City is required

POSITION SUMMARY

The LEAP Program Navigator ensures AFC youth across programs are informed of, engaged in, and connected to LEAP programming and opportunities. The Navigator provides individualized support related to life skills development, education, workforce readiness, and vocational goals while facilitating groups, coordinating workshops and events, and supporting meaningful engagement between youth participants and volunteers. Working collaboratively across programs and interdisciplinary care teams, this role promotes youth participation, stability, and long-term self-sufficiency through trauma-informed and LGBTQ+ affirming approaches.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Conduct intake and individualized assessments with youth to identify life skills, educational, vocational, and workforce development needs, goals, strengths, and barriers.

- Develop and maintain Individual Service Strategies (ISS) and goal plans focused on education, employment readiness, vocational exploration, and independent living skills.

- Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, encouragement, and support to youth participating in vocational and educational programming.

- Make appropriate referrals to internal and external educational, vocational, workforce development, internship, and supportive service programs.

- Coordinate with interdisciplinary care teams to support youth in obtaining identification documents, stable housing, medical and mental health care, public benefits, and other services necessary for educational and employment success.

- Escort and accompany youth to workforce development activities, career fairs, college access events, trainings, interviews, higher education programs, and community-based opportunities as needed.

- Facilitate and support life skills, educational, and workforce development groups and workshops for youth residing in or accessing services through Ali's Place, Emergency Housing, and Transitional Housing programs.

- Support youth in developing practical independent living skills, including communication, professionalism, time management, financial literacy, conflict resolution, and self-advocacy.

- Foster a welcoming, affirming, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive environment for LGBTQ+ youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and provide trauma-informed crisis support and appropriate referrals when additional intervention or stabilization services are needed.

- Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of services, participation, attendance, referrals, progress notes, and program deliverables in accordance with agency, funder, and regulatory requirements.

- Track daily participation, workshop attendance, outcomes, and other program metrics required by grants and program contracts.

- Attend and actively participate in weekly supervision, team meetings, case conferences, cross-departmental collaborations, training sessions, and external partnership meetings.

- Provide relevant LEAP program updates and communicate participant progress, barriers, and emerging needs to supervisors and care teams; support coverage and operations at AFC program sites as needed.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

- High School Diploma or vocational training with three or more years of related experience; OR Bachelor's Degree with at least one year of related experience; OR Associate's Degree with two years of related experience preferred.

- Experience working with adolescent and/or young adult populations is required.

- Knowledge of the psychosocial needs of LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness is essential.

- Computer literacy, including basic software applications such as Google Suite, internet use, and email communications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Acquaintance with the local employment market, education systems, workforce programs, and community resources.

- Strong accuracy and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

- BIPOC transgender and gender non-conforming people are encouraged to apply.

- Bilingual (Spanish+) candidates are encouraged to apply.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

- Work is primarily in person at Ali's Place and other AFC program sites, with some travel throughout New York City required.

- Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

- Role includes accompanying youth to off-site workforce, education, training, interview, and community-based activities as needed.

- Must be able to respond appropriately to youth who may require crisis support, intervention, or stabilization referrals.

CORE & ROLE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

AFC Core Competencies
Mission alignment and commitment to affirming, youth-centered practice
Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse LGBTQ+ youth populations
Trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to service delivery and collaboration
Clear communication, professionalism, and accountability
Adaptability, sound judgment, and ability to respond calmly in fast-paced environments

Role-Related Competencies
Individualized assessment, service planning, coaching, and youth engagement
Workshop and group facilitation in life skills, education, and workforce development
Knowledge of education, employment, workforce, and community resources
Accurate documentation, data tracking, and timely follow-through
Cross-team collaboration, crisis support, problem-solving, and prioritization

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

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.