Universal YHDP Hiring Standards

Projects under the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) HUD grant are a unique opportunity to join a cross-systems, collaborative approach led by youth with lived experience to systems change and improvements in our local youth homelessness response system. Outlined here are the universal standards all partners and project staff are expected to exemplify.

We are looking for candidates committed to:

1. Uplifting youth voices, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity. We seek team members passionate about creating opportunities for young people to lead, contribute, and shape their futures. Candidates should believe in the power of youth leadership and actively work to cultivate an environment where all voices are heard and respected.
2. Ability to lead initiatives while encouraging youth to take active roles in their service planning. Youth partnership is a cornerstone of Miami-Dade's community values (as outlined in the YHDP Community Coordinated Plan, or CCP).

Flexibility and empathy in service provision.

1. Ability to adapt services and interventions based on ongoing assessments and changing participant needs, ensuring that support remains relevant and effective.
2. Familiarity with local systems, services, resources, and specific providers that can be leveraged to support participants’ unique needs. “Bonus points” if an individual has utilized those services and/or has relationships with providers.
3. Ability to coordinate and/or provide referrals and support services - legal, educational, employment, and health services - tailored to each participant’s needs.
4. Knowledge and understanding of different cultures, belief systems, and identities—and the willingness to be vulnerable when one does not know much about a particular identity or lived experience.
5. Attention to detail in documenting processes and maintaining compliance with HUD and local regulations, particularly concerning rent reasonableness, housing quality standards and inspections, and participant rights.

Collaborative mindset.

1. Basic understanding of data and the ability to collect, properly store, and integrate learnings from data and participant feedback to inform best practices.
2. Willingness to share personal insights and to listen/learn from others. Enjoys working on and co-building healthy teams.
3. Ability to navigate complex situations, challenges, and conflicts that may arise in working with youth experiencing homelessness. This may include working odd hours to ensure our participants are adequately supported – especially in a crisis- and participating in various trainings under Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) standards.

Advocacy experience.

1. Experience with advocacy or a clear willingness/commitment to advocating alongside people (and, in rare cases, for them) – and not becoming discouraged or giving up when doors are closed.
2. Passion for advancing social justice and equity, especially regarding marginalized communities. Candidates should prioritize equity and approach their work with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to trauma-informed care.
3. Prioritize inclusion, understand intersectional challenges, and are committed to advancing racial equity and accessible care for all.
4. Passionate about raising awareness, educating others, and breaking down stigmas. Candidates should proactively share information and resources to empower the community and advocate for greater understanding and support.
5. Skilled in mediating conflicts and navigating challenges between tenants and landlords, ensuring that housing remains stable and disputes are resolved constructively. Basic understanding of non-punitive practices and restorative/transformative justice and a commitment to these frameworks.
6. Candidates should bring a genuine respect for all identities and a commitment to creating inclusive, safe spaces. We look for individuals who celebrate diversity, value the unique backgrounds of those they serve, and work diligently to make Pridelines a place where all LGBTQ+ youth feel valued, accepted, and supported.

All positions prioritize the expertise of those with lived experience of homelessness and/or housing insecurity. This ensures that the path towards eradicating this issue is being authentically led by those closest to it.