EMPOWERMENT COACH | Brooklyn

About the role

The Seamen’s Society Youth Services Program (YES) provides a holistic approach to working with middle school and high school students in Foster Care. Aligned with the 7 Core Principles of the Fair Futures Initiative, our program seeks to surround our youth with individualized and catered attention and support. The department aims to put youth on a stable path by focusing on their success in high school, college, and career development. The program remains with a youth from 9th grade through age 26, or until they are on a living wage career path.

Responsibilities

• Work one-on-one with each young person on their coach load to create individual goals. Uses Motivational Interviewing techniques to develop and follow action plans to reach these goals, with consistent support, communication, and follow-through.
• Use goal setting tools to develop customized action plans for each youth to help them reach their goals.
• Establish strong relationships with adolescents and young adults using effective modeling of pro-social skills.
• Work collaboratively with other system providers in the youth’s life including to help ensure that the varied systems are driving towards similar goals in a coordinated fashion.
• Communicate regularly with parents/foster parents/adult supports to plan with them for youth success, and to support them in helping the youth in their care, reach their goals.
• Encourage youth to attend therapeutic peer groups which focus on skills such as healthy communication, positive peer relationships, dealing with peer pressure, and service learning.
• Works closely with the Educational Specialist/Coordinator to help students apply for college.
• Works closely with the Career and Internship Specialist to help students secure employment and thrive in the workplace.
• Works closely with the Housing Specialist to help the youth secure after care housing solutions.
• Visit schools to meet with guidance counselors or other school officials. This includes gathering report cards and attending parent/teacher conferences.
• Connect youth to resources, schools, programs and opportunities in line with their goals.
• Help students select vocational programs or colleges based on academic, social, and financial needs.
• All other related duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years of working with at risk populations or an Associate’s degree with 4 years of working with at risk populations.
• Due to the nature of the work environment work hours will be based on needs of program and may vary including evenings.
• Our Agency operates in 2 locations, Staten Island and Brooklyn. The ability to travel between sites may be necessary.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Makes a long-term commitment to working with youth.
• Computer literate and conversant with social media.
• Is strengths-focused, and open to learning new methods of working with youth and willing to hold him/herself to high practice standards.
• Can work with diverse populations (including LGBTQ) and cultures, process information and respond empathically.
• Can express empathy and genuine caring, while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Why Join Us?

At Seamen’s Society for Children and Families, we value our team members and are committed to providing a supportive, rewarding, and growth-oriented work environment. As part of our team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being:

• Extensive Training & Career Development – Gain hands-on experience with comprehensive training programs to enhance your skills and career growth.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Holidays – Maintain a healthy work-life balance with our comprehensive PTO package, including: 13 paid holidays throughout the year, Half-day Summer Fridays to make the most of the season, Ample vacation, personal, and sick time so you can recharge and focus on what matters most. Your well-being is a priority for us. Take time to rest and recharge.
• Robust Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance – Stay covered with our significantly subsidized plans designed to fit your needs.
• Company paid Life Insurance & Financial Security – We offer life insurance, a generous 403(b) retirement plan (with agency contribution), and a tax-deferred annuity to secure your future.
• Commuter Benefit Program & Flexible Spending Accounts – Save money on daily expenses with our commuter benefits and FSA options.
• Exclusive Perks & Discounts – As part of our team, you'll gain access to Plum Benefits, the leading Corporate Entertainment Benefits provider. Enjoy exclusive discounts, special offers, and preferred seating for top attractions, theme parks, shows, sporting events, movie tickets, hotels, and more.
• Employee Assistance Program – Receive confidential support services for mental health, financial advice, and personal well-being.
• Internship & Referral Programs – Help build the future by mentoring interns or referring great candidates and earning incentives.