Program Coordinator – Fostering Adulthood

Does the idea of a young adult who ages out of foster care without support stir up a sense of injustice inside of you? Are you looking for a role where you can provide the kind of stable, long-term connection that changes the trajectory of a life? 

If so, you may be the perfect fit for our role as Youth Transitions Coordinator for Fostering Hope. Our innovative program helps youth from foster care beat the odds to become successful adults. We use a Trauma-Informed approach that bucks many of the common assumptions about how a program should operate. Our program is rooted in science but resembles family. We measure a youth’s progress in years, not weeks or months. We track small victories, knowing what they are leading to. And we capture lots of data so we can show the rest of the world what’s possible with time and love (like a graduation rate of 88%!). 

We are looking for someone who is undeterred: someone who can stay steady when a young adult ignores a text or defies advice, because you have the x-ray vision to see the trauma and pain hiding behind the stubbornness and self-sabotage. This person will work on a team of four plus a host of volunteers who specialize in working with about 30 teens and young adults in foster care before and after aging out without permanency. 

The ideal candidate is highly relational. They have the desire and ability to build lasting relationships with teens/young adults who have experienced trauma and to help coach nonprofessional volunteers, work supervisors and others to do the same. Relational stability matters to the participants; ideally, the candidate is able to stay in this position at least two years. 

These Core Beliefs inform how we interact with all our participants: 

  • We do everything in the context of safe, supportive relationships that build trust over time. 
  • We are not programmed; rather we are reproducing the experience of a supportive family. 
  • We aim to create a safe place for our young adults to fail and learn from their choices and experiences. 
  • We ask/empower participants to guide both their individual goals as well as the direction of everything we do. 
  • Our freedom to work with participants beyond their mid-twenties allows them to lead the process. 

Key Responsibility: Create/maintain an environment where participants can develop competency in relationships, employment, housing and transportation. A major focus is helping young adults build relational wealth- the social capital and community connections that they need to thrive. As a member of the care team, you will grow and sustain a pre- and post-emancipation support system that supplements that of the child welfare system and utilizes the aid of community volunteers. The Coordinator monitors activities and progress of a group of youth in the process of building their capability to live independently-yet connected to the community. 

Qualifications/Experience 

  • Professional training in human services (social work, vocational rehab, psychology). Criminal justice and ABA-only experience doesn’t transfer well. 
  • At least 3 years’ experience in working with youth who have experienced trauma in their backgrounds. 
  • Ability to focus on the relationship as the provided service 
  • Familiarity with or openness to supporting faith-based volunteers in meaningful service 
  • Experience in strengths-based support/mentoring/coaching/training 

Characteristics: 

  • Knowledgeable about the impact of trauma on a teen/young adult’s beliefs and performance 
  • Patience with non-linear progress; comfortable with the slow and often messy nature of healing and growth.  
  • Ability to see oneself as the instrument for bringing about change in the relationship with others. Seeks to increase awareness of impact on others. 
  • Utilizes a trauma responsive, positive youth development approach. 
  • Ability to maintain emotional calm and others’ perspectives during challenging situations 
  • Can articulate needs and challenges–and work with a team to create solutions. 
  • Can provide direction and organization despite chaotic circumstances 
  • Ability to work some weekends and nontraditional business hours–with built in flex time. 

Qualified and interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Applications not accompanied by an individualized cover letter will not be reviewed–that’s how we get to know you! 

Job Type: Full-time 

Benefits: 

  • 401(k) 
  • Dental insurance 
  • Flexible schedule 
  • Health insurance 
  • Paid time off 

Application Question(s): 

  • Please submit a cover letter explaining what drew you to apply for this position, and why you believe you are a good fit for our listed qualifications and characteristics. It’s how we get to know you! Thank you 

Education: 

  • Bachelor’s (Preferred) 

Experience: 

  • professional training in human services: 2 years (Preferred) 
  • working with youth who have experienced childhood trauma: 2 years (Required) 

Ability to Relocate: 

  • Colorado Springs, CO 80903: Relocate before starting work (Required) 

Work Location: Colorado Springs, CO 80903 

If you require alternative methods of application or screening, you must approach the employer directly to request this as Indeed is not responsible for the employer’s application process.
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