Youth On Their Own (YOTO) supports the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness. We strive to eliminate barriers to education and empower Pima County’s housing insecure youth to stay in school. For over 35 years, we have supported this unique demographic by providing financial assistance, basic human needs, guidance, and more. We also assist our graduates in their pursuit of higher education, workplace readiness, and other opportunities for self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.yoto.org.

OVERVIEW

Program Coordinators support the YOTO student’s effort to graduate high school by engaging youth in YOTO services (academic stipend, basic needs services, etc.) to help reduce their barriers to high school graduation and encourage their continued success. YOTO support services include connection to basic needs items and YOTO’s financial assistance programs, but may also include post-secondary planning and community committee work. Additionally, the Program Coordinator is responsible for the recruitment, retention, onboarding/orientation, and on-going communication with School Liaisons who serve as the link between Youth On Their Own (YOTO) and the student. The Program Coordinator conducts outreach to community partners to assist students in referrals back to community agencies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

I. School Program (85%)

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  Travel to and meet with School Liaisons and student participants at their school on a regular basis.

• Regularly conduct academic trend analyses to identify at-risk student participants; priority given to 12th grade student participants to ensure their high school graduation.

• Assess student applications quickly and accurately to determine program eligibility.

• Maintain a caseload of up to 300 assigned students, schools, and liaisons efficiently. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Build relationships with schools by engaging with YOTO Liaisons and other school staff, regularly checking in, and building an common

• Program Manager and provide ongoing assistance with YOTO policies and processes in order to ensure smooth service delivery for student participants.

• Using current technologies develop a strategy for facilitating communication with and among Liaisons and student participants.

• May assist in other duties related to the administrative aspects of the YOTO program (case notes, tracking youth service requests, etc.).

• Responsible for meeting metrics delineated by the Associate Program Director, Schools related to school visits, liaison contacts, and student engagement and success.

• Present to other appropriate organizations information about the YOTO program to ensure the community is aware of the program and can make referrals of youth experiencing homelessness when appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Conduct outreach to Arizona Department of Child Safety in Pima County to increase referrals of eligible youth enrolled in group homes and the

• Represent YOTO in a professional manner and present information congruent with organizational policies and procedures.

II. College & Career (8%)

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  Meet with School Liaisons and Student Participants at their school as needed for topics related to College & Career.

• Respond to questions from School Liaisons and Student Participants, as well as be able to anticipate guidance and mentoring needs, in terms of post-secondary success (college and career), as needed; support students with filling out, or reviewing, their FAFSA applications if needed.

III. Mini Mall (2%)

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  Provide coverage for the student drop-in center (Mini Mall) when needed.

• Address needs and answer questions from student participant drop-ins, youth drop-ins, and community members inquiring about YOTO services.

• Create a safe and welcoming space for all students and community members by implementing trauma-informed practices, being at all-times LGBTQ+ inclusive, being culturally aware and sensitive, and acknowledging the diverse experiences of those in the Mini Mall.

IV. YOTO Staff Participation (5%)

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  Attend bi‐weekly staff meetings, trainings and periodic retreats.
• Attend regular program department meetings.
• Complete other projects to support the Program team as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position requires prolonged periods of computer use / screen time and intermittent physical activity including bending and reaching.

At least 80% of work will be done on-site at the YOTO office (in Tucson), at YOTO's partner schools, or at other community-based sites. Approximately 20% of work may be completed remotely. A laptop computer will be provided. Home internet access is required.

This job requires significant driving and travel to schools in Pima County.

THE INTENT OF THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS TO PROVIDE A REPRESENTATIVE SUMMARY OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY THIS POSITION. EMPLOYEES MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB-RELATED TASKS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY PRESENTED IN THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION. YOUTH ON THEIR OWN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

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  Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field, or equivalent work/lived experience.
• At least 2 years of experience working with youth ages 12-22; Compassion and understanding for youth experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to communicate calmly and supportively with youth using non-judgmental language.
• Ability to work with and maintain confidential files, records, and correspondence with understanding of timely and accurate maintenance of program data and statistics as necessary.
• Ability to adapt to different situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Ability to communicate and work in collaboration with numerous supporting constituents and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform duties with a trauma-informed care approach.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.
• Ability to work cooperatively and professionally with others.
• Ability to comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Ability to pass a background check with no felony convictions connected to theft or embezzlement or any conviction related to child abuse or misconduct.
• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, access to own auto (mileage reimbursement provided), and proof of auto insurance.
• Ability to receive Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• YOTO requests that all employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine except in the following cases: 1) A medical exemption under the Americans with Disabilities Act or 2) A sincerely held religious belief protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaker preferred but not required (there is an additional $1000 salary increase for individuals who are fluent in English and Spanish).

Youth On Their Own is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We value lived experience and encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of housing or food insecurity.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

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  New hires for this position start at a salary of $39,000/year. Competitive benefits include:
• 401k with up to 4% company match
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums for employees and contributes $100/month for dependents on our health plan
• Life insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums
• Short term disability insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums
• Thirteen paid holidays annually
• Accrued paid vacation time
• Unlimited paid sick time
• Free mental health services
• Professional development funds and tuition reimbursement

TO APPLY

The position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references through this link. No phone calls please.