Futures Coach and Education Program Liaison

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an innovative and comprehensive child welfare and social services agency that provides essential support to families with at least one family member who has a disability and/or chronic medical condition. Children and their families enter into NAC’s services through the city’s foster care system, preventive services, or by way of community referral. All of our clients have access to a wide array of services including medical support, therapies, educational advocacy, housing assistance, recreational/cultural opportunities and intensive coaching.

As such, NAC is looking for a Coach and creative problem solver to join a fun, hardworking “NAC Futures” team. The NAC Futures program is designed to provide foster youth access to long-term support by way of robust academic guidance, career development, and independent living skills. The NAC Futures program seeks to increase graduation rates and post-secondary enrollment, preventing system(s) involvement, and helping young people get on a pathway to becoming successful adults. This coach position is a central component of our NAC Futures program. 

•  Title of Position: Futures Coach and Education Program Liaison
• Position Type: Full-time, 35 hours| Monday –Friday
• Pay Range: Based on Experience 
• Location:  825 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019                                                     
• Department: Education
• Salary: Bachelor's Degree: $50,000 - $55,000 | Master’s Degree: $60,000 - $65,000

Description of Responsibilities: 

·      Engage and support (Coach) at least 15 young people between the ninth grade and 21 years old in specific, individualized ways.

·      Work with young people to develop academic and career goals; connecting youth to quality ‘best-fit’ schools, programs, resources, and opportunities.

·      Schedule and arrange frequent 1:1 meetings between coach and NAC Futures participants.

·      Encourage the involvement of young people with peer-led groups at NAC such as the Youth Advisory Board, Youth Strong, and the College Bound Peer Group among others.

·      Encourage and in some cases facilitate the participation of youth in pro-social groups and activities outside of NAC.

·      Collaborate with NAC’s social workers, therapists, and specialists to provide expanded support to youth and families

·      Conduct home visits, school visits, meet with youth in-person as needed.

·      Connect young people to services and programs at NAC and outside of NAC including mental health, primary care, education support, housing support, workforce support, youth development programs among others.

·      Employ a “strengths-based” and “youth-centered” approach in the development of goals.

·      Participate in NAC case conferences, staff meetings, and other collaborations, as necessary.  

·      Attend trainings and professional development opportunities through NAC, Fair Futures and other entities.

·      Assist with and/or facilitate NAC-based programs, presentations, and workshops about NAC Futures.

·      Collaborate on grant reporting and application opportunities.

·      Maintenance of required notes-keeping and data for NAC and Fair Futures data systems

Required Education and Experience:  

• Associate’s degree or higher in a relevant field. 

Required Skills: 

• Highly developed engagement skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Developed written and oral skills.
• Willingness to travel throughout NYC, as needed.