Life and Career Coach (DYS)

Old Colony YMCA•Lowell, MA

About The Position

The Life and Career Coach has the primary responsibility to outreach and engage youth and staff to implement life skills and employment programming. He/she will develop and instruct employment programming daily. The Life and Career Coach will be a member of and participate in all Team meetings and Treatment Meetings. He/she will reflect and display the values of Character Development which are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Requirements

Bachelor Degree highly preferred in related field of study with minimum of three years experience in career development
Valid driver’s license and car insurance by date of hire is preferred
Familiarity with the community
Knowledge of gang culture in general
Familiarity with the ethnic culture of the target population
Knowledge of local agencies’ programs and services (school, social services, law enforcement, courts/corrections), local units of government, and grassroots organizations
Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and work effectively with agency staff and service providers and with participants and their family members
Work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as necessary
Clearly communicate ideas in both written and verbal form
Understand and relate to the needs of project participants of diverse ethnic, cultural, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds
Work effectively with populations most at-risk to engage and/or become victims of violence
Operate a computer to enter data, maintain records, and generate reports
Network effectively with various types of organizations, including government agencies, law enforcement agencies, schools, social service agencies, courts/probation/DYS/corrections, and grassroots organizations
Work effectively with community residents, diverse population groups, and youth
Prioritize tasks and work independently in the absence of supervision
Ability to operate power tools and equipment
Ability to lift up to twenty pounds

Responsibilities

Helping youth build a sense of identity through the process of self-exploration in areas such as: mental health, self-esteem, achievement, and interpersonal relationships.
Helping youth build a sense of self through the lens of race, ethnicity and social status, as well as considering possible discrimination they may face.
Supporting youth with positive relationship development formation.
Providing skill development that leads to self-sufficiency
Providing opportunities for vocational exploration and possibilities for civic engagement
Providing supportive housing and resources.
Working closely with the educational provider to determine educational and career goals.
Providing daily scheduling support to youth with attainment who are in post-secondary or independent study tracks.
Using expertise in labor market, employment placement and partnership management to secure internships and employment opportunities for youth.
Building strong community partnerships to enhance opportunities for youth to explore interests and talents (arts, recreation, volunteer opportunities)
Supporting youth in vocational programming.
Coordinate program staff efforts to connect youth to resources, including transportation.
Utilize Empower Your Future and other life skills curricula and training
Assess youth life skills functioning and level of self-sufficiency
Conduct groups on nutrition, budgeting, cooking and social interaction.
Work with youth and treatment team to determine youth’s goals, daily itinerary and progress towards independence.
Assist youth and partners to create individualized life plans for each youth.
Provide support to youth as they transition to independent living opportunities.
Adheres to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, and vouchers.
Maintains petty cash, gift cards, bus passes, etc. in a secure environment.
Maintain upkeep and cleanliness and ensure security of the Old Colony Y Social Services assigned site.
Maintain program equipment (i.e. cell phones, computers, recreational equipment, tools, supplies etc.).
Offer support in crisis situations to all Social Services Programs.
Make presentations to outside community groups, schools, colleges and agencies enhancing collaboration.
Develop own professional goals through self-evaluation and seeking out opportunities for growth through trainings, workshops, classes, webinars, etc.