Youth Life Skills Coach
About The Position
The position will be working with our Family Foster Care & Residential Care Programs. Coaches meet young people “where they are” and build a trusting relationship with them using an authentic, trauma-informed, strength-based approach. In addition to providing weekly emotional support, Coaches help young people make progress towards their academic, career development, housing/independent living, and other life goals. When a young person is unsure of their goals/interests, Coaches help them explore and expose them to potential opportunities. They then help young people connect to schools, programs, and opportunities in line with their goals/interests, persist in those settings, and plan/prepare for the next step on their journey. Coaches celebrate young people’s progress; if something doesn’t work out, Coaches help young people reflect and connect to the next opportunity.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Social Work, Psychology, Mental Health) and a minimum of 2 years of related work experience with at-risk or child welfare system-involved youth or Associate’s or accredited vocational degree with a minimum of 3 years of related work experience with at-risk or child welfare system-involved youth
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook, some knowledge of Excel
- Ability to file documentation accurately
- Ability to engage with clients
- Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
Responsibilities
- Building relationships with up to 18 youth (age 14 and older) at any given time and work 1:1 with them to develop individualized academic and career development goals based on their interests and strengths and assist the youth with taking measurable steps towards achieving their goals.
- Maintain, at a minimum twice monthly, face to face contacts with the youth and weekly contacts (via phone, text, email), with the ability to employ creative, out-of-the box approaches to engage youth and do not give up if they are not responsive.
- Connect youth to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities that are in line with their goals and provide educational advocacy.
- Collaborate with case planners, tutors, educational specialist, housing/employment specialist, care managers, teachers, guidance counselors, birth parents, foster parents, and any additional supports in the youth's life.
- Ensure that any youth who is aging out of care can access and maintain stable, affordable housing and build independent living skills.
- Connect youth to resources and supports and accompany them to appointments as needed.
- Assist, encourage and support the youth in reaching their identified goals.
- Complete administrative responsibilities, including weekly entry of contacts, steps taken towards goals and other key data in CONNECTIONS and Fair Futures on-line Platform.
- Other related duties as assigned by supervisor or administrator.
Benefits
- A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
- 403B retirement benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
- Free employee assistance program through National EAP
- Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
- Trainings to support professional and personal development
- Employee wellness program
- Employee recognition activities
- $1,000 Hiring Incentive after 500 worked hours
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
