Youth Coordinator

ABOUT FAMILY & YOUTH INITIATIVE

Family & Youth Initiative‘s (DCFYI) mission is to create community and lasting relationships for teens and young adults in foster care. Our community-based programming uses events to bring together teens and adults so they can get to know each other. Relationships that start at events lead to adult-teen matches for mentoring, host parenting, and adoption. We believe in the power of relationships. DCFYI volunteers also support youth as they explore and start post­secondary education and/or careers and develop the social and emotional skills and self-confidence needed to lead productive, self-sufficient adult lives.

DCFYI is looking for a Youth Coordinator to ensue positive outcomes for all program participants

WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB

• You believe every young person deserves lifelong family support.
• You’ve seen how youth in foster care or youth who have experienced trauma have the cards stacked against them and you want to play a critical role in changing that for DC youth.
• You believe in giving youth voice and letting youth lead.
• You don’t want a job where you do the same tasks every day.
• You are excited to take ownership and bring ideas to the table to expand and improve our work.
• You are excited to be on a small team where your voice is not just valued, but necessary.

HOW YOU WILL DO THE JOB

As a full-time DCFYI team member, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of youth involvement. You will report to the Executive Director, work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator, and receive support from other staff. The work is highly relational – you will be building relationships, especially with youth participants for the purpose of engaging them and ensuring they get to know and match with adult volunteers. The Youth Coordinator is based in Washington, DC. The position is hybrid. While we work remotely, the Youth Coordinator will be required to come to the DCFYI office at least once a week and also to other venues for weekend program events and other (support, training) sessions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Oversee youth participation and ensure DCFYI is fully serving all participating youth.
1. Present the program and then build relationships with youth to engage and keep them engaged in DCFYI;
2. Maintain consistent contact with all youth.
2. Weekend Program Events
1. Schedule events at least 45 days in advance.
2. Working closely with other program staff and working within safety criteria, plan and manage weekend events that actively foster adult-teen relationships.
1. Plan events that will facilitate relationship building;
2. Create events that are part of a strategic plan, to ensure youth and adults who are ready to be matched get opportunities to build relationships.
3. Attend all program events (one to two a month, almost always on Saturdays);
4. Prioritize youth for event attendance and ensure their participation;
5. Use events to introduce youth to new experiences,
6. Actively facilitate interactions between youth and volunteers.
3. Program Coordination
1. Work with Volunteer Coordinator to ensure all participating youth are appropriately matched with adults.
1. Know each youth’s desires and interests with regard to matching (both what volunteer roles they want to match with and individuals they would like as a match)
2. Help facilitate matching process; participate in matching meetings as appropriate
2. Check in with youth to appraise how matches are going and help facilitate any needed corrections.
4. External Partner Coordination
1. Meet with and make regular reports to social workers.
2. Attend youth team meetings when appropriate.
3. Reach out to social workers and adoption recruiters at least monthly to get new referrals.
5. Serve as DCFYI’s Resource Expert
1. Be knowledgeable of other youth serving programs and resources.
2. Ensure that current information on services and programs for youth who are both in and aged out of foster care is readily available to both youth and DCFYI volunteers.
6. Maintain accurate records
1. Maintain current documentation of youth involvement and status in DCFYI’s database;
2. Document all youth interactions, meetings, conversations with child welfare staff in the database.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background checks.

Family & Youth Initiative is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in hiring or employment.

Requirements

THIS JOB IS RIGHT FOR YOU, IF YOU:

• Are results-oriented.
• Understand the importance of documentation and are committed to accurately tracking and reporting success.
• Have strong relationship skills and are able to build trust, especially with youth but also with volunteers and external child welfare professionals.
• Pay close attention to details and understand how they affect the big picture.
• Are able to effectively manage a robust set of work activities and deadlines.
• Have strong intercultural understanding and are comfortable in a culturally diverse environment.
• Have strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Have outstanding listening skills.
• Believe young people’s voice, listen to their perspective, and support them through decision-making processes.
• Can problem solve without divulging information shared in confidence.
• Are ready to roll up your sleeves and be flexible and adaptable.
• Are prepared to work nights and weekends for meetings and events (comp time provided)

YOUR BACKGROUND SHOULD INCLUDE:

• A Bachelor’s degree (preferred)
• At least two years’ experience working directly with youth who are in foster care or who have experienced trauma
• Experience working with volunteers (preferred)
• Strong computer skills; familiarity with database systems; experience with CRMs a plus

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Background clearances required before new employee can start position
• Must have valid driver’s license and own or have access to car for weekend events and youth visits
• Be fully vaccinated and present proof of COVID vaccination

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $47,000 - $51,000 depending on experience and includes healthcare and paid holiday and sick leave.