The Supervised Independent Living Coach is a full-time, trained professional who will be matched with up to 14 youth in-care ages 18-21. The youth live in their own apartments supervised by a HeartShare St. Vincent’s Services staff and will be enrolled in the American Dream Program coaching program where they will be assigned a SILP Coach. 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.
Coaches will receive training in trauma, youth engagement, coaching, and how to navigate the educational, career, and housing systems and resources in NYC. They also have access to an array of voluntary professional development supports, including 1:1 technical assistance and membership to a learning community with Coaches from other foster care agencies (see below). We respectfully ask a minimum 1-2-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
The Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP) Coach is a critical position within HSVS’ American Dream Coaching Program. The Coach will provide quality, data-driven, individualized educational, employment, and housing support to HS graduates and youth in college currently or formerly in foster care. The Coach will work with the case planning team, students, families, and school staff to connect students with the services they need to raise their level of educational achievement, secure employment, prepare for housing if eligible, and ensure that key transitions receive proper attention. The Success Coach will give particular focus to helping their youth achieve the best possible educational, employment, and housing outcomes. The Coach will be responsible for following the Fair Futures Goals and Steps model, Bottom Line curriculum resources, monitoring data, using data to help inform interventions, and inputting data into HSVS’ Fair Futures Platform.
The SILP Coach will be expected to create a calm, trauma-informed environment, and use a non-judgmental, strengths-based, and collaborative approach to working with the youth. The SILP Coach will report directly to the Director of Youth Development. The SILP youth will live in a housing placement located in Brooklyn.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Build relationships with the youth living in the Supervised Independent Living Program (SILP).
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Coordinate with Youth Previous Coach from previous Foster Care Agency to implement a smooth transition into the American Dream Program Coaching Program.
- Develop collaborative relationships with the case planning, Permanency Units, Education, and Youth Development programs.
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Support a roster of youth enrolled in the SILP program.
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Actively prepare, participate, and advocate in youth's educational team meetings and appointments.
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Assist families and staff in understanding and advocating for youth's educational needs.
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Develop relationships with potential employers and school opportunities.
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Connect youth with community partners and champions while in care and as they prepare to transition out of care.
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Organize, facilitate, and/or identify academic and vocational groups and exploration opportunities (i.e. job fairs, college tours, shadowing opportunities).
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Conduct monthly in-person check-ins in-person at the Youth Residence, in the community, or at the agency. Complete at least three touch points with the youth per month.
- Provide crisis intervention and behavior management.
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Maintain accurate, up-to-date educational and employment data for the youth served on the Care4 Plattform. Complete progress notes, and goals and steps worksheets on a monthly basis.
- Partner with Workforce team to help youth explore job and internship opportunities as well as help them prepare for job interviews.
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Employ HSVS' trauma-sensitive practices within the coaching model.
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Support projects and initiatives for the Youth Development team.
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Plan youth development team monthly events and workshops to prepare the youth for adulthood and ensure youth are attending.
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Distribute stipends, MetroCard’s, and ensure all financial aid matters for SILP youth enrolled in a post-secondary setting is completed monthly. This may include check request to pay their tuition, ordering their textbooks, and etc.
Requirement:
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Bachelor's degree required.
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Full-time 35-40 hours per week with flexibility to work evenings and travel across the boroughs.
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Experience required working in the education and foster care systems.
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Experience required supporting Individualized Education Plans and 504s.
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Experience preferred working with vocational and alternative high school programs.
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Experience preferred working with post-secondary programs.
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
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Experience working with youth with serious emotional disturbance
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Experience working with families of youth with serious emotional disturbance
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Experience leading workshops and facilitating groups (adults and youth).
Computer Skills - - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and databases including Microsoft Access.
Operating Skills - - flexibility in working on assignments, stays on task and meets deadlines, strong analytical skills, creative and critical thinker, and ability to stay organized. Experience and confidence with recruiting, training and managing teams, working with data, and ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
Personal & Interpersonal Skills - - self-motivated, team player, able to relate with teens and young adults, able to manage stress, and able to see value in and promote diversity in others. Passionate about delivering friendly, flexible, compassionate, and effective services to youth in foster care. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external partners.
Benefits:
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Rewarding Work in a team environment;
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Paid vacation, sick, personal days and holidays;
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403(B) retirement plan with employer contribution;
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Health, dental, vision and life insurance;
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Employee Assistance Program (EAP);
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Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit);
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Employee Appreciation Programs and Events;
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Tuition Assistance Program;
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Professional Development opportunities;
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Gympass Discount
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Verizon Wireless Discount;
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BJs Membership discount;
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Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more.
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