Job Description

As part of New York’s Close to Home programming, Good Shepherd Services (GSS) operates small, community-based residential Non-Secure Placement (NSP) programs in Brooklyn for justice-involved youth that utilize the Missouri approach to group treatment and the Sanctuary model of trauma-informed care. After release from the residential phase of placement, the GSS Aftercare Program supports and monitors youth and their families. Community Success Coaches work partly in the residential program but mainly in the field. They help develop a plan for the youth’s successful transition into the community to reduce recidivism. They provide the coaching, supervision, and support youth and their families need for the youth to adhere to his/her conditions of release and to thrive in the community.

TITLE: Community Success Coach, NSP

REPORTS TO: Director of Social Services, NSP

LOCATION: 480 Vermont Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 11207/280 Shepherd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11208

HOURS: 35 Hours/Week; Non-Exempt Position requires staff to be available some evening & weekends as directed.

SALARY: $45,000 - $50,000

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Serve as coach and support for 5-6 young adults aged 14-18 who are in ACS custody following Family Court placement and who have been placed in GSS Non-Secure Placement programs, focusing on the aftercare stage.
• Work with youth while they are still in placement.
• Provide intensive in-home supports and guidance to assigned youth and family members.
• Work with youth and family members to develop healthy communication skills and coping mechanisms.
• Work with youth to develop goals and reflect on the current decision-making process.
• Track youth school attendance and attendance at all other required appointments.
• As needed, escort youth to school, court, ACS meetings, and other required engagements.
• Make referrals to appropriate community resources for youth and family members.
• Participate in a rotating on-call schedule and respond to youth and family members during crisis situations.
• Facilitate journaling groups with youth.
• Create opportunities for participants to maximize their potential through engaging programming, high expectations, and quality services, including training in and use of a specified journaling curriculum.
• Meet with the Director for bi-weekly supervision.
• Participate in treatment team meetings, Family Team Conferences, and other meetings as required.
• Communicate with ACS staff as appropriate.
• Use internal and external databases as required, including entering notes into Connections.
• Learn and implement the Sanctuary model of trauma-informed care.
• Learn and implement the Missouri Approach to youth care.
• Participate in agency work groups and committees.
• Participate in all required training and technical assistance sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience and comfort working with court-involved young adults.
• Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.
• Prior exposure to the criminal justice system is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with Brooklyn communities and the challenges faced by young adults living there.
• Experience working with families preferred.
• Familiarity with strength-based/youth development principles.
• Valid NYC Driver’s license strongly preferred.
• Must be able to use public transportation systems, including subways and buses to attend various meetings and make home visits.
• Be able to climb stairs when an elevator is not available.
• Ability to use social media and mobile technology, including tablets and/or notebook computers.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends essential.
• Must be able to complete and pass all components of Safe Crisis Management physical intervention training.
• Ability and openness to utilize restorative practices with youth and families.
• Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth and family development, and trauma-informed perspective.