Outreach and Aftercare Coordinator

Job Summary : Partners with community organizations, schools, families and various agencies to promote the welfare of children. Coordinates community-wide education and information efforts focusing on child welfare.

In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required training, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

Essential Job Functions:

Outreach

• Support and conduct the outreach activities outlined in the Florida Network's required comprehensive strategic outreach plan to engage families and key stakeholders.
• Conduct meetings with school districts, law enforcement, and the judiciary at least two times per year to discuss available services, identify potential service improvements, and ensure ongoing communication and collaboration.
• Lead informational tables showcasing all YFA services at key community events.
• Distribute approved agency collateral materials with information on YFA's programs at local doctor offices, libraries, schools, law enforcement offices, judicial representatives, and other relevant locations.
• Actively participate in relevant advisory councils and circuit/community committees within each county the agency serves at least quarterly to share information about all YFA services and strengthen community connections.
• Deliver the agency's approved Speakers Bureau presentation at appropriate community events and meetings to engage families and key stakeholders.
• Conduct facility tours for potential community partners, donors, and volunteers.
• Conduct extensive street outreach activities to locate runaway homeless youth and distribute gateway services such as food, water, hygiene products, clothing, and other essential resources.
• Develop a comprehensive resource list for youth and families.
• Partner with community organizations that provide services to the Runaway Homeless Youth (RHY) population to coordinate community-wide education and information targeting to identify and assist RHY.
• Participate in a Point-in-Time Count (PIT Count) community outreach event annually, as established by the local homeless coalition.
• With support of the Communications and Outreach Manager, execute local marketing activities, awareness campaigns, and events.
• Support the Communications and Outreach Mangager and VP of Development with volunteer and donor relations as needed.
• Prepare written materials for the purposes of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provide information, advice, and recommendations for press release content to feature stories and local media to the Communications and Outreach Manager.

Shelter Support

• Participate in the quality improvement process.
• Facilitate small/large groups and the varied group dynamics that may arise.
• Support youth treatment teams and will coordinate with the shelter counselor to create an individualized treatment plan.
• Develop relationships with parents to engage them in successfully supporting their children.
• Fulfill the responsibilities of the Youth Development Specialist as needed.
• Acts as first line role model for clients demonstrating, through word and actions, appropriate behaviors and social interactions utilizing the Youth Development System.
• Perform tasks such as supervision of clients on field trips and group activities.
• May require transporting clients.
• May require working during extreme weather events, such as hurricanes or tropical storms.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience :

• High School Diploma required. Bachelor's degree in education or a human service-related field (preferred).
• 3 years of combined experience in at least 2 of the following specialties: education, human services, and/or community outreach.
• Experience in serving as an advocate for children/parents, building community relationships, and convening workshops (preferred).
• Ability to manage personal reactions to traumatic stories and situations and communicate a sense of trust and safety.
• Ability to understand and empathize with individuals, recognizing the impact of trauma on emotions, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Ability to maintain a wide range of internal and external relationships.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting and show respect to others.
• Ability to work at a high level of autonomy, and exhibit sound decision-making skills and critical thinking.
• Proven problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites.
• Skilled in actively listening to concerns, providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves without judgment or blame.

Physical Requirements : Position requires employee to work with computers daily. Ability to travel in multi-county areas frequently. Ability to lift 25 pounds, bend, stand or sit for extended periods of time.