Guardian Scholars Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:        Guardian Scholars Coordinator (Career or Education)
STATUS:     Full-time; Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO:    Guardian Scholars Supervisor (Career) or Clinical Services Manager (Education)

APPLY TO: melissa@promises2kids.org 

Under the direction of the Guardian Scholars Supervisor (Career) or Clinical Service Manager (Education), the Coordinator will be responsible for a caseload of approximately 30-40 high need foster youth preparing to exit the foster care system and/or pursing higher education, providing whole-person and comprehensive case management services including: completing career assessments, providing referrals to community partners, ensuring basic needs are met, and maintaining regular contact.  Additionally, this position will support the Guardian Scholars team in program specific administrative tasks such as check requests, database maintenance, and event planning.

Guardian Scholars aims to equip foster youth with essential resources, help them graduate high school and enroll in college and/or training programs, support them on their journey through high school and higher education or career.  Guardian Scholars provides current and former foster youth with a partial financial support, mentoring, and individual support with the goal to increase their chance of academic success, graduation, employment, and ability to become a contributing member of society. 

RESPONSIBILTIES:
    Under the supervision of the Guardian Scholars Supervisor or Clinical Services Manager support a caseload of approximately 30-40 high need foster youth, meeting in-person monthly.
    Become an expert in the local vocational training and certificate program, the in demand vocational careers, and local companies currently hiring entry level employees with growth opportunity.
    Become an expert in on-campus support programming for foster youth.
    Develop relationship and complete referral with foster youth liaisons and partners supporting foster youth.
    Daily usage of Successful Transitions for youth goal setting, follow-up and progress.
    Work collaboratively with Youth2Youth Peer Advocates (former foster youth).
    Maintain evaluation and assessment tools to ensure programmatic data and outcomes can be collected and analyzed for outcome management. 
    Support youth trainings and workshops, as needed.
    Ensure youth database is up to date with accurate files, notes, and documentation. 
    Support community volunteer mentor assigned to students and ensure in-person meetings and relationship development.
    Address any youth issues as they arise including crisis, personal, professional, and educational support needed, mentor relationships, basic needs, etc. 
    As part of the team, support youth development program components including but not limited to Women’s and Men’s Leadership Network, Speaker’s Bureau, care packages, mentorship, internships, Education Summit, and student training and events.
    Assist in grant writing and fundraising activities as it pertains to Guardian Scholars.
    Maintain knowledge of current laws, regulations, and resources pertaining to educating foster youth and make referrals.
    Assist with student recruitment to ensure agency participation goals are met.
    Provide support to volunteer mentors to ensure their effectiveness with youth and satisfaction with the program.
    Attend evening and weekend Promises2Kids and Guardian Scholars events/meetings.
    Complete regular research and assessment to regularly improve the program.
    Represent Promises2Kids in a professional and friendly manner at all times and develop a full understanding of Promises2Kids’ mission and role in the community.
    Additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
    Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or related field.
    1 year experience in case management and experience working with at-risk populations.
    Proficient in public speaking and giving presentations.
    Proficiency in computer skills, including entire MS Office Suite.
    Demonstrate professional writing skills. 
    Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a variety of people and represent Promises2Kids in a positive and professional manner to all staff, visitors, donors, and the community.
    Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and to complete and report on assignments.
    Ability to work under pressure, set priorities and meet deadlines. 
    Able to work as part of a close-knit team.
    Ability to handle sensitive information with confidentiality, diplomacy and tact.
    Ability to pay attention to detail and also remain oriented to the “big picture” and established goals.
    Excellent organizational, management, and problem-solving skills.
    Must be able to successfully pass the child abuse clearance, fingerprinting, and background check.
    Must possess reliable personal transportation and meet insurance requirements.