Youth Opportunity Center Program Coordinator

Dedicated to exclusively serving the needs of at-risk and homeless youth, the Youth Opportunity Center provides a safe place for young people to connect with services. Our staff is committed to meeting youth where they are in life, and assisting them in taking the first steps to self-sufficiency and a successful future.

The role

The Youth Opportunity Center (YOC) Program Coordinator has primary responsibility for the Youth Opportunity Drop-in Center and the Kitchen Operation. The YOC Program Coordinator will be responsible for the Drop-In Center Programing and Meal Plans, including compliance guidelines, and programmatic aspects of the program. YOC Program Coordinator will ensure adherence to national best practices across programming including incorporating Trauma-Informed-Care principles, Harm-Reduction techniques, and Positive Youth Development approaches when interacting with the youth served.

What you will do

• Develop, in conjunction with the YOC Director, the program annual budget.
• Monitor monthly costs to assure that controllable expenses are within budget.
• Communicate and work effectively with coworkers, participants, referral sources, volunteers, and the community at large.
• Hire, train, and supervise all YOC staff including BHIS Youth Advocates, Peer Support Advocates and Interns.
• Maintain responsibility for the diverse activities of the YOC programs, including

• Oversight of all daily drop-in-center programming.
• Provide tours and information to other agencies and community partners.
• Collaborate with Food Bank of Iowa, meeting annual audit requirements.
• Schedule to assure adequate daily staff coverage for all YOC program operations.
• Maintain HMIS System Data - Service point, and ensure accurate data quality regarding client information.
• Coordinate the daily activities of the Youth Opportunity Center Programs.
• Plan leadership and community engagement activities for all participants.
• Coordinate and supervise Peer Engagement Program
• Develop and maintain extensive knowledge of services and resources available for homeless adolescents.
• Document client behaviors and interactions. Provide on-the-spot intervention, assessment of youth’s needs, and referral to community resources.
• Meet with participants jointly for case management to jointly assess progress and adapt the case plan when appropriate with the Emergency Bed Program Coordinator or Youth Advocates when extra support for a participant is needed.
• Provide case management, crisis intervention and emergency services, and document intervention strategies.
• Develop an awareness of symptoms of intoxication and drug usage, and the ability to talk with youth about substance abuse issues and resources using harm reduction techniques.

• Develop knowledge of available community resources and referral procedures to assist youth in appropriate service connection.
• Distribute survival kits, food, and other items to youth whenever appropriate.
• Work with existing agency partnership and form new to continue to build collaborative efforts to best meet the needs of street youth.

What we offer

• A team of bright, collaborative, dependable, and fun colleagues
• An exciting, welcoming workplace
• A clear, mission-driven purpose to create hope and opportunity by putting kids first
• Comprehensive administrative support.
• Employee recognition program
• Retirement offerings
• Opportunities for development
• Programs focused on your personal wellness
• Discounts on pet insurance for your furry family

Full Time Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Supplemental accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity insurance
• Accrued paid time off, plus paid time off for holidays, your birthday, and volunteering
• Employee Assistance Program
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program

For questions about this position, please contact Shawn Savage at ssavage@yss.org

What you will need:

• A Bachelors Degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology or Juvenile Justice OR 5 Years of Supervisor Experience.
• Three (3) years of human services experience is required.
• A strong background in dealing with homeless, runaway, and high-risk youth is preferred. Case Management Experience is a plus.
• This position must have a solid background and understanding of the needs of youth experiencing homeless or precariously housed; Trauma Informed Care; Harm Reduction; Positive Youth Development; behavioral intervention; solution-focused treatment theory; knowledge of counseling dynamics; knowledge of community systems; and crisis intervention techniques.