Malik Alexander
Portland
Summary
Youth services professional driven by a passion for supporting young people as they step into adulthood with confidence, purpose, and practical skills. My work is grounded in youth-centered decision-making, evidence-based program and policy development, and core principles from Positive Youth Development, harm reduction, and equity across both direct service and leadership roles. I value building community with humility and centering lived experience and identity to inform meaningful, inclusive work.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
East Connect Program Manager
New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR
06.2023 - Current
- Directed mobile, school-based, and community youth engagement programming across East Multnomah County, aligning outreach and services with youth development and educational goals.
- Led programming across 28 school sites and 18 community sites, reaching approximately 8,000 youth and family members annually through outreach, education, and engagement efforts.
- Supervised, coached, and developed multidisciplinary outreach, wraparound services, and mentoring staff, fostering reflective practice, accountability, and youth-centered service delivery.
- Designed and supported youth engagement strategies focused on goal setting, skill-building, leadership, transition planning, and community connection, contributing to an approximately 60% increase in youth engagement.
- Built and sustained partnerships with nonprofit organizations, school districts, and public systems to expand meaningful engagement opportunities and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
- Secured and managed Department of Education funding to pilot a school-based program at alternative schools, supporting long-term planning, applied skill-building, and postsecondary readiness.
- Expanded programming to include mentorship, culturally responsive LGBTQIA2S+ programming, harm reduction education, and parenting supports to better meet youth and family needs.
- Implemented partner tracking, youth and community engagement data systems, and feedback mechanisms, contributing to a nearly 200% increase in referrals to internal and external services.
- Oversaw program budgets, contracts, and outcomes; prepared narrative and data reports for city, state, and federal stakeholders.
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest
Portland, OR
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Designed and facilitated culturally responsive curriculum and learning experiences for Native American youth focused on suicide prevention, substance use prevention, leadership development, and wellness.
- Partnered with tribal communities, youth leaders, and educators to co-create programming grounded in cultural knowledge, prevention, and community voice.
- Coordinated outreach events and educational workshops to increase engagement, strengthen relationships, and connect youth and families to resources and supports.
- Delivered trainings and presentations for youth, families, and community partners to build mental health literacy, early intervention skills, and shared responsibility.
- Participated in regional coalitions and advisory bodies to elevate youth voice, improve coordination, and reduce service silos.
- Managed program documentation and reporting across multiple funding streams to support accountability and continuous improvement.
Youth Support Specialist
New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Provided crisis stabilization, safety planning, and resource coordination for approximately 130 youth annually, supporting transitions to housing, school, and community supports.
- Conducted intakes, assessments, and individualized planning to support youth well-being and educational continuity.
- Collaborated with caregivers, schools, child welfare, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure coordinated, youth-centered support.
- Delivered programming grounded in Positive Youth Development and trauma-informed frameworks to build resilience and long-term stability.
- Facilitated Youth Advisory Board activities, elevating youth leadership, feedback, and participation in program design, service projects, presentations, and internships.
Residential Supervisor
New Avenues for Youth
Portland, OR
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Supervised daily operations of a residential youth program, ensuring safety, consistency, and alignment with individualized support plans.
- Led and mentored youth-facing staff delivering skill-building, enrichment, and structured group programming.
- Collaborated with clinical and case management teams to align daily programming with developmental and treatment goals.
- Designed and facilitated 3–5 therapeutic and skill-building groups per week, centering collaboration, social-emotional learning, and youth voice.
Mobile Crisis Case Manager
Adapt Integrated Health Care
Roseburg, OR
02.2021 - 11.2021
- Responded to approximately 200 community mental health crisis calls per month in a co-responder model, providing trauma-informed de-escalation, assessment, and stabilization.
- Collaborated with clinicians, first responders, and community agencies to ensure coordinated crisis response and follow-up care.
- Developed individualized safety and transition plans connecting individuals to behavioral health, housing, and community supports.
- Delivered public education workshops for schools, nonprofits, caregivers, and youth groups focused on mental health literacy, prevention, and access to care.
Youth Mentor Specialist
UCAN AmeriCorps
Roseburg, OR
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Designed and facilitated trauma-informed programming focused on social-emotional learning, life skills, and youth leadership development.
- Provided individualized mentorship and family support, including resource navigation and advocacy within education and community systems.
- Built community partnerships and coordinated volunteers to support youth programming and enrichment activities.
- Developed peer-led restorative justice and harm reduction initiatives centered on youth leadership and accountability.
Youth Coordinator
Casa de Belén
Roseburg, OR
03.2020 - 08.2020
- Provided case management and crisis support for youth experiencing houselessness in an emergency shelter setting.
- Coordinated with schools, families, and community partners to support stabilization, reunification, and educational continuity.
- Supported youth and families through transitions to virtual learning during COVID-19.
Education
B.A. - Psychology, Minor in Public Health and Social Work
University of California, Riverside
Skills
- Nonprofit & Program Management
- Positive Youth Development
- Restorative Practices
- Harm Reduction
- Public Health Education
- Youth Empowerment
- Outreach & Community Engagement
- Systems Navigation
- Curriculum & Program Development
- Collaborative Problem Solving
- Policy Development
- Crisis Management
- Group Facilitation
- Project management
Timeline
East Connect Program Manager
New Avenues for Youth
06.2023 - Current
Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest
07.2022 - 06.2023
Youth Support Specialist
New Avenues for Youth
06.2022 - 06.2023
Residential Supervisor
New Avenues for Youth
11.2021 - 06.2022
Mobile Crisis Case Manager
Adapt Integrated Health Care
02.2021 - 11.2021
Youth Mentor Specialist
UCAN AmeriCorps
08.2020 - 05.2021
Youth Coordinator
Casa de Belén
03.2020 - 08.2020
B.A. - Psychology, Minor in Public Health and Social Work
University of California, Riverside