EMPOWERMENT COACH

Seamen's Society For Children and Families•New York, NY

29d

About The Position

The Seamen’s Society Youth Services Program (YES) provides a holistic approach to working with middle school and high school students in Foster Care. Aligned with the 7 Core Principles of the Fair Futures Initiative our program seeks to surround our youth with individualized and catered attention and support. The department aims to put youth on stable path by focusing on their success in high school, college and career development. The program remains with a youth from 9th grade through age 26, or until they are on a living wage career path. Empowerment Coaches will work solely with youth from 9th grade to 26 years old in our Foster Care program and youth that have been discharged from care. The Coaches will build trusting relationships and provide social and emotional support to the youth. The coach will be there for the youth, help them navigate any challenges, celebrate successes, and plan for the future.

Requirements

Makes a long-term commitment to working with youth.
Computer literate and conversant with social media.
Is strengths-focused, and open to learning new methods of working with youth and willing to hold him/herself to high practice standards.
Can work with diverse populations (including LGBTQ) and cultures, process information and respond empathically.
Can express empathy and genuine caring, while maintaining healthy boundaries.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of working with at risk populations or an Associate’s degree with 4 years of working with at risk populations.
Due to the nature of the work environment work hours will be based on needs of program and may vary including evenings.
Our Agency operates in 2 locations, Staten Island and Brooklyn. The ability to travel between sites may be necessary.

Responsibilities

Work one-on-one with each young person on their coach load to create individual goals. Uses Motivational Interviewing techniques to develop and follow action plans to reach these goals, with consistent support, communication, and follow-through.
Use goal setting tools to develop customized action plans for each youth to help them reach their goals.
Establish strong relationships with adolescents and young adults using effective modeling of pro-social skills.
Work collaboratively with other system providers in the youth’s life including to help ensure that the varied systems are driving towards similar goals in a coordinated fashion.
Communicate regularly with parents/foster parents/adult supports to plan with them for youth success, and to support them in helping the youth in their care, reach their goals.
Encourage youth to attend therapeutic peer groups which focus on skills such as healthy communication, positive peer relationships, dealing with peer pressure, and service learning.
Works closely with the Educational Specialist/Coordinator to help students apply for college.
Works closely with the Career and Internship Specialist to help students secure employment and thrive in the workplace.
Works closely with the Housing Specialist to help the youth secure after care housing solutions.
Visit schools to meet with guidance counselors or other school officials. This includes gathering report cards and attending parent/teacher conferences.
Connect youth to resources, schools, programs and opportunities in line with their goals.
Help students select vocational programs or colleges based on academic, social, and financial needs.
All other related duties as assigned