Fair Futures College Coach

The Fair Futures College Coach are full-time, trained professionals who are matched with 15-20 young people ages 14 and older in foster care. 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.

Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions of Position:

• Uses positive approaches when handling difficult situations. Avoids gossip and negative discussions. Remains flexible and adapts to change.
• Serves as role model for program participants.  Abides dress code.  Always conducts self in a professional manner.
• Remains sensitive and responsive to cultural differences of program participants and staff.
• Participates in in-service trainings and on-site workshops as required for professional growth and development.  Attends external trainings and workshops at direction of management.
• Represents the organization both within and outside of the work environment in a manner that promotes the mission, vision and values of the agency.  Personally, adheres to organizational mission, vision and values, in addition to all other agency policies and procedures.
• Manage a caseload of 15-20 students in foster care in college and provide compassionate, supportive, and trauma-informed coaching.
• Conduct a monthly in-person\face to face weekly check-ins with all Scholars on their caseload at the agency, at the Scholars’ residence, school, or in the community.  Complete at least four contacts with youth on their caseload each month.
• Implement the Fair Futures goals and steps model, and bottom line resources in monthly check-ins, and coaching sessions.
• Entering data and progress notes on the Fair Futures Platform and Connections by assigned deadlines.
• Participate and engage in weekly, monthly, and ongoing virtual and in-person agency-wide, Youth Development, and Education Team, ACS, Fair Futures, CUNY, FCSI, Advocates for Children, College Access and College Success, professional development, and DOE related meetings, training, events, programs, and workshops.
• Maintaining relationships with school staff, and external stakeholders such as ACS, Fair Futures Coalition, FYCSI, ACS College Choice and etc.
• Support youth with applying to scholarships, funding, employment, educational, and housing opportunities as needed.
• Plan and implement in-person workshops, events, and activities for youth throughout the year.
• Re-engage disconnected youth and help them re-enroll in an academic setting.
• Expose students to post-secondary pathways, such college and/or accredited vocational programs, and certificate programs.  
• Provide college persistence coaching, including ensuring students are receiving all of the financial and academic supports they need to succeed each semester.
• Work with the young person and Career Development Specialist to identify potential longer-term career pathways based on the young person’s interests, strengths, and academic/vocational plans.
• Connect the young person to the Career Development Specialist, if needed, to explore workforce development programs, vocational programs, and for assistance with job applications.
• Connect young people, as needed, to agency-based job readiness and/or internship programs (e.g., YA WORC or the Mentored Internship Program).
• Ensure that the young person coordinates with a Housing Specialist to ensure that all young people’s housing applications are submitted as early as possible.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required. 
• Must have flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
• Experience working with students and families in foster care is strongly preferred.
• Ability to navigate complex educational issues, be resourceful, and work independently.
• Experience required with special education, education team meetings, and student advocacy.
• Experience required with leading workshops and training.
• Flexibility with traveling throughout the five boroughs.
• Experience preferred in college access and college success programs.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are a must.
• Computer Skills - excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office and databases including Microsoft Access.
• Operating Skills - flexibility in working on assignments, staying on task and meeting deadlines, strong analytical skills, creative and critical thinker, and ability to stay organized. Experience and confidence with 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. Engaging public speaker. Ability to manage events and workshops.

Benefits

At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect: 

• Rewarding Work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
• Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Professional Development opportunities.
• Wellhub Discount
• Verizon Wireless Discount.
• BJs Membership discount.
• Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more

HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.  

About HeartShare

Who WE ARE:

For over one hundred years, HeartShare has dedicated itself to improving the lives of people needing special services and support. The HeartShare team, now 2,100 employees and growing, helps individuals develop to their fullest potential and lead meaningful and enriched lives.

To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook

HeartShare Human Services of New York | Homepage

HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.