Forward Journey Education Coach (Queens)

JOB TITLE:Education (Forward Journey) CoachDEPARTMENT:Education and Parent Support ServicesLOCATION:Brooklyn/Queens/Brentwood

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Forward Journey Coach works with youth on a one-on-one basis to develop individualized academic, career development, and housing goals based on youth interests and strengths. Support includes connecting youth to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals. Coaches provide ongoing social and emotional support including connecting youth to peer support groups that foster positive relationships.

REPORTS TO:Forward Journey Coach SupervisorSUPERVISES:N/A

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

As part of SCO’s Forward Journey Initiative, the Forward Journey Coach works with youth on a one-on-one basis to develop individualized academic, career development, and housing goals based on youth interests and strengths. Support includes connecting youth to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals. Coaches provide ongoing social and emotional support including connecting youth to peer support groups that foster positive relationships.

Key program components include:

• Community-based:Staff meet youth wherever is best for them (e.g., home, school, community).
• Systemic approach:Incorporates multiple aspects of the youth’s natural ecology (community, peers, family, school).
• Comprehensive:Addressing the full range of a youth’s needs and goals (academic, career, housing, relationships).

Forward Journey Coach duties will include, but not be limited to:

Overall:

• Build relationships with youth and provide ongoing social and emotional support.
• Work 1:1 with youth to develop individualized academic and career development goals (including financial literacy) based on their interests and strengths and take measurable steps towards their goals.
• Connect youth to quality schools, programs, resources, and opportunities in line with their goals.
• Help youth succeed in these settings, navigate any challenges that arise, celebrate success, and plan/prepare for the next step on their journey.
• Collaborate with Case Planners, Tutors, Specialists, Foster Parent, and Parents, as needed, to help youth achieve their goals and ensure their overall well-being.
• Connect youth to Peer Group supports and build positive relationships.
• Transport youth to/from school when necessary.
• Complete PYA Tasks including PAT Tool.
• Complete Youth Voice Questionnaire for youth (14-up).
• Facilitate My Journey Groups for youth.
• Facilitate PYA Monthly Workshops.
• Attend and complete all Fair Futures trainings.
• Input child information into all required data platforms and systems.
• Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor.

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 encouraged to apply.