Youth Transitions Coordinator

Does the idea of a young adult who ages out of foster care without support stir up a sense of injustice inside of you?

Are you looking for a role where you can providethekind of stable, long-term connection that changes the trajectory of a life?

If so, you may be the perfect fit for our role as Youth Transitions Coordinator for Fostering Hope. Our innovative program helps youth from foster care beat the odds to become successful adults. We use a Trauma‑Informed approach thatbucksmany of the common assumptions about how a program should operate. Our program is rooted in science but resembles family. We measure a youth’s progress in years, not weeks or months.

We track small victories, knowing what they are leading to. And we capture lots of data so we can show the rest of the worldwhat’spossible with time and love (like a graduation rate of 100%!).

We are looking for someone who is undeterred:someone whocan stay steady when a young adult ignores a text or defies advice, because you have the x-ray vision to see the trauma and pain hiding behind the stubbornness andself-sabotage. T his person will work on a team of four plus a host of volunteers who specialize in working with about 30 teens and young adults in foster care before and after aging out without permanency.

The ideal candidate is highly relational. They have the desire and ability to build lasting relationships with teens/young adults who have experienced trauma and to help coach nonprofessional volunteers, worksupervisorsand others to do the same. Relational stability matters to the participants; ideally, the candidate is able tostay in thispositionat least two years.

• We do everything in the context of safe, supportive relationships that build trust over time.
• We are not programmed; rather we are reproducing the experience of a supportive family.
• We aim to create a safe place for our young adults to fail and learn from their choices and experiences.
• We ask/empower participants to guide both their individual goals as well as the direction of everything we do.
• Our freedom to work with participants beyond their mid‑twenties allows them to lead the process.

Create/maintain an environment where participants can develop competency in relationships, employment, housing and transportation. A major focus is helping young adults build relational wealth- the social capital and community connections that they need to thrive. As a member of the care team,you willgrow and sustain a pre- and post-emancipation support system that supplements that of the child welfare system andutilizesthe aid of community volunteers.

The Coordinator monitors activities and progress of a group of youthin the process of building their capability to live independently-yet-connected to the community.

• Professional training in human services (social work, vocational rehab, psychology). Criminal justice and ABA-only experiencedoesn’t transfer well.
• At least 3 years’ experience in working with youth who have experienced trauma in their backgrounds.
• Ability to focus on the relationship as the provided service
• Familiarity with or openness to supporting faith-based volunteers in meaningful service
• Experience in strengths-based support/mentoring/coaching/training

• Knowledgeable about the impact of trauma on a teen/young adult’s beliefs and performance
• Patience with non-linear progress; comfortable with the slow and often messy nature of healing and growth.
• Ability to see oneself as the instrument for bringing about change in the relationship with others. Seeks to increase awareness of impact on others.
• Ability to maintain emotional calm and others’ perspectives during challenging situations
• Can articulate needs and challenges--and work with a team to create solutions.
• Can provide direction and organization despite chaotic circumstances
• Ability to worksome weekends and nontraditional business hours--with built in flex time.

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

• Professional training in human services: 2 years (Preferred)
• Working with youth who have experienced childhood trauma: 2 years (Required)

Full-time

$48,000

• Retirement Plan
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

• Please submit a cover letter or email explaining what drew you to apply for this position, and why you believe you are a good fit for our listed qualifications and characteristics. It's how we get to know you! This, along with your resume, can be sent to (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).