Forward journey coach (Residential) (Bilingual spanish/French)

Academic

• Re-engage disconnected youth and help them re-enroll in an academic setting.
• Assess the fit between youth and their current academic setting and help them transfer into a better-fit high school or high school equivalency program, if needed.
• Visit the youth’s school/program bi-monthly and build relationships with school staff.
• Review transcripts and academic data, provide educational advocacy, and discuss progress towards graduation/HSE obtainment.
• Ensure young people are attending school and have the supports and resources they need to be successful (e.g., tutoring, IEPs, 504 Plans, special accommodations).
• Expose and assist students to post-secondary pathways and planning such as college, accredited vocational programs, and internships starting in the 9th grade (or as early as possible).
• Maintain school stability.

Career Development

• Assist youth with obtaining working papers, if needed.
• Conduct career exploration activities with youth.
• Assist all youth to select at least one career development experience each year that aligns with their interests and academic background.
• Work with the youth and Career Development Specialist to identify potential longer-term career pathways.
• Connect youth to the Career Development Specialist, if needed, for workforce development programs, vocational programs, and job application assistance.
• Connect youth to agency-based job readiness and/or internship programs (e.g., YA WORC or Mentored Internship Program).
• Provide persistence coaching to youth enrolled in any external program by checking in regularly.

Housing & Independent Living

• Coordinate with Housing Specialist to ensure youth submit housing applications (by age 18 when appropriate).
• Accompany youth to interviews and housing visits, when needed.
• Assist youth with obtaining furniture, support through the move-in process, and provide continued support with housing stability.

II.

Qualifications

Education/Degree

Bachelor’s Degree; Extensive experience working with youth.

Other skills and requirements

• Experience in Education and Foster Care (preferred).
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), strong empathy, and passion for child welfare.
• Ability to respond to the developmental needs of children across different age groups.
• Ability to work with families with histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, abuse, and diverse cultural/socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to work compassionately and without judgment with individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ or are exploring their identity.
• Strong time management, diligence, resilience, and teamwork experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel; experience with CONNECTIONS preferred.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License required and/or timeframe for obtaining one.
• Commitment to the mission and programs of SCO Family of Services.
• Bilingual applicants strongly encouraged to apply.