Youth Engagement Specialist

Who We Are:

Our mission is to end domestic violence in the moment and for all time.

In 1971, our founder Bea Robinson Mendez, concerned about the lack of services and options for domestic violence survivors, gathered a small group of her friends to figure out a solution. They set up a shelter in a garage and established a hotline number to provide information and support to survivors. Unbeknownst to them, it would become the second domestic violence agency in California and the first bilingual domestic violence shelter in the nation. So began the story of Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence (NDS). Domestic violence is the most prevalent form of gender-based violence, often the most frequently reported crime and arguably the one with the greatest damaging effect on our families, youth, and communities. We are the only stand-alone, domestic violence agency in Santa Clara County, answering approximately 15,000 crisis calls and serving an average of 3,000 survivors of domestic violence annually. Our comprehensive, compassionate, bilingual and multicultural services are available free of charge to all individuals across the gender spectrum and of varying abilities.

Culture and Climate:

NDS has developed a supportive workplace culture where personal and professional connections are valued and facilitated. Our guiding values are: Oneness & Connectedness, Survivor & Community Centered, Compassionate Accountability, Equity & Justice, and Inclusion for Liberation.


Overview:

As the Children & Youth Coordinator you will be at the heart of our youth program, where your passion for making a difference will meet the exciting challenge of supporting the children of survivors of domestic violence. This role demands a blend of creativity, leadership, and empathy, requiring you to design, manage, and implement a variety of youth-centric activities and initiatives. In this role you will have an opportunity to be a role model for children and to help create a safe, warm, friendly, fun environment for children to learn and grow. You will work as a team member, supervising and interacting with children in a drop-in setting, in group support group setting and at the emergency shelter.


Key Responsibilities:

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Plan, develop, and implement trauma-informed youth programs and activities at the Community Office and Emergency Shelter that align with NDS's mission and values.
• Create and implement lesson plans and robust curriculum that address the emotional, social, and developmental needs of children and youth affected by domestic violence.
• Facilitate Teen Talk groups at Bill Wilson Center and other community partner sites, providing safe and supportive spaces for open discussion and skill-building.
• Ensure programming is engaging, inclusive, and responsive to the individual needs of children and teens.
• Provide one-on-one mentoring, guidance, and advocacy to young participants.
• Ensure children's physical and emotional safety at all times.
• Coordinate volunteer participation and provide guidance in youth activities and group facilitation.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures that support safe, inclusive, and culturally competent environments.
• Maintain accurate program and participant records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with agency standards.
• Provide crisis intervention, de-escalation, and conflict resolution when needed.
• Model positive communication and constructive problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate with NDS staff, parents, and community partners to strengthen program impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum age of 21. Minimum of High School Diploma. BA or equivalent experience in early childhood education, counseling, social work, child development, or related field preferred.
• Experience working with youth in a community or educational setting
• Upon Hire complete CA Domestic Violence 40 hour training and gain certification
• Dedication to learning about the needs of children exposed to domestic violence
• First Aid CPR certified, or gain certification within 30 days of employment
• Commitment to services that enrich children's lives and that are developmentally appropriate experiences for our young clients
• Dedication to supporting diverse children in culturally competent ways.
• Experience supervising and working with volunteers.
• Knowledge of youth development theories and practices
• Ability to design and implement engaging and educational programs
• Fluency in Spanish
• Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills
• Strong organizational, communication and time management skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
• Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• This position requires a commitment to the Next Door Solutions mission as well as a commitment to building developmental assets in youth.

Next Door Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requested or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.