JOB SUMMARY:

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.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/PHYSICAL 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

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT 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.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.

FACILITY/HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.).

INTERDIVISIONAL/COMMUNITY/VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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.
  Requirements: