Youth Support Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Youth Support Associate (Tutčint)

About Us

Pukúu Cultural Community Services’ mission is to invest in sustainable programs that bridge gaps and improve opportunities for American Indians through culturally based community services, now and for future generations. Pukúu provides emergency support, assistance with fostering, adoption, and education of American Indian youth, and promotes cultural awareness through a variety of community‑based activities.

About the Program

Tarahat Uplifting Trauma‑Informed & Community‑Led Interventions for Native Teens (Tutčint) is an Indigenous youth department within Pukúu Cultural Community Services, operating the Tutčint Youth Empowerment (TYE) Program and the Tutčint Power Fellowship (TPF).

Tutčint Youth Empowerment (TYE) is a youth development program serving Native American and Indigenous youth ages 12–17 primarily within the San Fernando Valley. The program focuses on building consistency, wellness, cultural identity, and academic support through weekly programming and periodic outings. Tutčint Power Fellowship (TPF) serves older youth and focuses on leadership development and youth organizing.

Both programs operate from a culturally grounded, trauma‑informed framework designed to:
·         Increase cultural competency

·         Reduce risk

·         Improve academic success

 

Job Summary

The Youth Support Associate serves as the primary program lead for Tutčint Youth Empowerment (TYE) and provides hands‑on youth support and program operations assistance across both Tutčint programs. This role is responsible for the consistent delivery of weekly youth development programming, youth mentoring support, and day‑to‑day logistics that ensure safe, well‑organized, and engaging program environments.

Working under the direction of the Program Coordinator, the Youth Support Associate plays a critical role in supporting youth participation, maintaining program operations, and strengthening relationships with youth and caregivers. This position regularly works evening hours and occasional weekends and is based primarily at a local park and community program sites.

 

Essential Responsibilities

Youth Program Delivery & Leadership (TYE)
·         Serve as the lead facilitator for weekly Tutčint Youth Empowerment sessions.

·         Assists with the planning and implementation of culturally relevant, trauma‑informed, and developmentally appropriate youth development activities.

·         Create and maintain a consistent, safe, and supportive environment for youth engagement.

·         Build trust‑based relationships with youth participants.

·         Support youth recruitment, attendance, and long‑term program retention.

·         Communicate regularly with caregivers regarding schedules, participation, and youth needs.

Youth Support & Mentoring
·         Develop and maintain individual mentoring plans for TYE participants.

·         Provide youth support, referrals, and follow‑up related to academic goals, wellness needs, and basic resources.

·         Serve as a point of contact for youth support concerns and escalate significant issues to the Program Coordinator.

·         Support youth before and after emotionally impactful programming or activities.

·         Serve as a mandated reporter and immediately report any suspected abuse or violations of participant rights.

Program Operations & Logistics (TYE & TPF)
·         Coordinate day‑to‑day program logistics, including ordering meals, purchasing supplies, preparing materials, and setting up program spaces.

·         Support transportation coordination for youth, including managing Uber rides, gas cards, and gift cards in accordance with organizational procedures.

·         Assist with tracking transportation usage and operational costs.

·         Coordinate guest session logistics such as confirmation, scheduling, and payment processing in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.

·         Support planning and implementation of field trips, outings, and special events.

·         Provide logistical support for multi‑day trips in coordination with the Program Coordinator.

Data, Records & Compliance
·         Prepare and maintain attendance records, sign‑in sheets, surveys, and evaluation tools.

·         Enter required program and participant data into Apricot and other digital data systems.

·         Maintain accurate, organized, and confidential records in compliance with organizational and funder requirements.

·         Ensure timely documentation and flag any data or compliance concerns to the Program Coordinator.

Collaboration & Team Support
·         Work collaboratively with the Youth Organizer to support smooth program delivery across Tutčint programs.

·         Communicate operational needs, updates, and challenges to the Program Coordinator in a timely manner.

·         Participate in team meetings, trainings, and planning sessions.

·         Provide onsite program support during scheduled programming.

·         Participate in organization‑wide initiatives, committees, and events as assigned.

Other Duties
·         Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator or leadership

·         Participate in organization‑wide events, wellness activities and professional development opportunities and other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications & Experience
·         Experience working with youth in community‑based, educational, or social service settings.

·         Demonstrated ability to support youth through mentoring, coaching, or case‑adjacent support.

·         Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.

·         Experience handling program logistics, purchasing, and documentation processes.

·         Strong communication skills with youth, caregivers, and team members.

·         Proficiency with digital data systems and standard office software.

·         Commitment to culturally grounded, trauma‑informed, and youth‑centered practices.

·         Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

·         Willingness to work evenings and occasional weekends.

·         Valid California Driver’s License and ability to travel locally as needed.

·         Desired: AA degree or 3 years of relevant experience. 

·         Desired: Experience working with a Native American organization, community group, or Tribe preferred. 

 

Additional Requirements
·         Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws.
·         Eligibility to work in the U.S.

·         Background clearance.

 

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age at the time of employment. This requirement is in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws. Pukuu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.