Life and Career Coach

The Old Colony YMCA's Lowell STRIVE is a Treatment and Pre-Independent Living Program funded by the Department of Youth Services (DYS) and the Program's goals are to help youth engage in clinical services, education, develop independent living skills and participate in pro-social recreational activities in order develop self-awareness so they can lead meaningful and successful lives. We are currently in need of a Life and Career Coach whose primary responsibility is to outreach and engage youth by meeting regularly and help identify and develop youth's independent living skills such as resume writing, interview skills, budgeting, obtaining State IDs and driver's licenses. The Life and Career Coach will also provide direct monitoring of youth in the Program when not engaged in skill development as well as participate in all Team and Treatment Meetings.

Typical job responsibilities will include:

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.

Education and experience requirements:

Bachelor Degree in related field of study highly preferred with minimum of three years of experience in career development Master's degree in human services field (Psychology, Counseling Social Work, etc.) preferred. Valid driver's license and car insurance Familiarity with the community Knowledge of gang culture in general 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 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

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$23.00 - $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Military leave On-the-job training Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift Evening shift Monday to Friday Weekends as needed

Experience:

Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Driver's License (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Lowell, MA 01854: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person