Youth Coach

Center for Alternative•New York, NY

6d•$0 - $60,100•Hybrid

About The Position

CASES' youth programs aim to help New York City's systems-impacted young people, aged 13-24, to lead productive lives. Our approach is distinguished by individualized case management, evidence-based programming, and group activities that build positive peer associations. For many, this is the first time in their lives that they are participating in activities that help them set personal goals and develop the skills they need to reach them. This program will provide continued education support to middle- and high-school aged (13+) youth, and young adults in post-secondary learning or career environments, while simultaneously providing emotional support, establishing career development goals, and assisting with life skills development. CASES is looking for a Youth Coach, are you: Looking to work with young people by engaging them in meaningful conversation, setting goals, and providing support and encouragement? An outside-the-box thinker who can employ creative approaches? Someone who believes that change is possible? Passionate about working from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, youth development lens? Becoming a Youth Coach at CASES could be what you are looking for. As a Youth Coach, you will: Be part of a successful, innovative, and collaborative movement that is changing the landscape of child welfare and the juvenile legal system. Join a community of over 500 passionate professionals across organizations. Make an immediate impact in the lives of young people by helping them carve out a pathway to success, as they define it. We respectfully ask for a minimum 2-year commitment to this role, given the importance of young people having consistent, caring adults in their lives, and the significant investment our team will make into supporting and developing Coaches.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of experience working with young people; OR
An Associate or other accredited vocational degree, and 3+ years of experience working with young people; OR
A “credible messenger” (has a background in foster care, criminal legal system, or other systems-involvement), with some post-secondary experience (e.g., some college), with significant experience (4+ years) working with young people in a professional, paid role.
Ability to work some evening and weekend hours is expected.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience is a major plus!
Ability to form collaborative, working relationships with parents/families, school and agency staff;
Consistent and reliable;
Able to maintain healthy boundaries;
Strong written and verbal communication skills;
Strong time-management, organizational skills, and attention to detail;
Ability to troubleshoot, advocate, and navigate obstacles where there is not always a clear-cut pathway;
Ability to use trauma-informed techniques;
Flexible and can work independently;
Valid drivers license a plus!

Responsibilities

Build relationships with up to 10-15 young people. Coaches employ creative, out-of-the box approaches to engaging youth and do not give up if they are not responsive.
Build relationships and collaborate with the key adults in the young person’s life to support their goals and well-being, including other agency staff (e.g., Case Planners and Specialists), foster parents, school/program staff, and other significant adult figures.
Help young people explore their interests and expose them to opportunities in line with their interests.
Work 1:1 with young people to develop individualized academic and career development goals based on their interests/strengths and take measurable steps towards their goals.
Connect young people to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals.
Help young people persist in academic/career settings, navigate any challenges that arise, celebrate successes, and plan/prepare for the next step on their journey.
Connect young people to peer group supports and build positive relationships.
Use an online platform each week to track contacts, young people’s goals, steps taken towards goals, and other key data. Full support will be provided on how to use Care4 database.
Participate in weekly staff meetings.