Student Success Advocate at CARE MS & HS

Careers by E mpowering Futures, Building Communities


Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job-we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.


Our Organizational Culture


At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco, we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be , Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage , we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility , allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative , as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy , treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals.


Position Summary


Under the supervision of the CARE Director, the Student Success Advocate (SSA) supports youth and families by providing counseling, case management, outreach, and group facilitation services. The SSA works with a caseload of up to 15 middle and high school students, in addition to offering support during dropin hours and responding to crisis situations. Responsibilities include intake and assessment, goal planning, referrals, documentation, and ongoing family engagement. The SSA also contributes to group programming, school collaboration, and development of the high school summer program.


The school site location is CARE Program, 1601 Lane St, San Francisco, CA 94124. The schedule is Monday-Friday, 9:00am-2:30pm, with occasional evenings and weekends based on school and program needs. The position follows the SFUSD school calendar; the SSA is not scheduled during district holidays such as Thanksgiving, winter break, and spring break.


Job Responsibilities

Program & Student Support

• Provide individual case management for up to 15 youth, including intake, assessment, goal setting, planning, and progress monitoring.

• Support youth through oneonone meetings, advocacy, crisis response, and resource referrals.

• Facilitate or support weekly boys' and girls' groups as needed.

• Staff dropin hours and offer support to students seeking immediate assistance.

Collaboration & Coordination

• Work closely with the Student Support Team to match students with appropriate services.

• Build effective relationships with school staff, including administrators, counselors, teachers, and support personnel.

• Participate in Student Assistance Program (SAP), Student Success Team (SST), and other relevant school meetings.

• Maintain regular communication with families to share updates, identify needs, and coordinate support.

Program Leadership & Implementation

• Serve as a program leader in the afterschool program when required, supervising groups of up to 15 students.

• Support the planning and implementation of the high school summer program.

• Contribute to site evaluation activities, including Quality Assessment processes and program surveys.

• Collaborate with the CARE team on school and community events, workshops, and initiatives.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and timely case files, progress notes, and required documentation.

• Submit quarterly evaluations, intake forms, and closing summaries.

• Report case updates to the CARE Director and maintain compliance with program standards.

Training, Compliance & Organizational Expectations

• Complete required safety and elearning trainings before beginning onsite work.

• Attend staff meetings, professional development sessions, and required trainings.

• Follow YMCA policies related to safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.

• Demonstrate organizational values including caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility.

• Maintain professionalism and collaborative teamwork across all interactions.

Work Environment & Physical Demands


Work is performed in a school-based setting and involves frequent interaction with students, school administrators, teachers, counselors, and other support staff. The role includes individual and group student support, participation in school meetings, and involvement in community and school events. The position also requires limited offsite travel for home visits and family outreach. Some work will also occur during planning and implementation of summer programming.


Physical Demands

• Ability to travel within the community, to conduct home visits and attend outreach activities.

• Ability to move throughout a school campus, including walking between classrooms, offices, and meeting spaces.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods during counseling sessions, meetings, and group facilitation.

• Ability to supervise and engage with student groups of up to 15 youth, which may involve light physical activity.

• Ability to participate in school and community events, which may require walking, standing, or carrying materials.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.

• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA of Greater San Francisco promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.

• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.

• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description


The hourly rate for this position ranges from $25.00 to $27.00 based on experience, qualifications, and salary benchmarking. Compensation is aligned with grant funding approval and budget availability for the position as required.

Qualifications

• 23 years of age or older.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional or lived experience.

• Skill in group facilitation and classroom or youth group management.

• Ability to use data tracking systems (e.g., CMS, Salesforce, EMS).

• Knowledge of youth development practices and conflict resolution approaches.

• Availability Monday-Friday (typically 9:00am-2:30pm) with occasional nights and weekends.

• Experience mentoring youth, facilitating groups, supporting attendance interventions, or collaborating with educators and school staff.

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

• Ability to coordinate multiple activities and manage several tasks simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• BA/BS in Social Work, psychology, education, or related field OR equivalent professional and community experience

• Proficiency in Spanish