The Teen Advocate is responsible for assisting and empowering homeless and unstably housed teens and young adults to develop a vision for their future that includes educational and career goals and the skills necessary to pursue their vision. The Teen Advocate is responsible for creating opportunities in school and outside the classroom for young people experiencing homelessness to develop educational, leadership, and technical skills to address the hurdles they face and the confidence to overcome future challenges.
· Develops and assists in the delivery of teen outreach programs aimed at fostering college, technical and career readiness in middle and high school aged youth served by company
· Implements college and career planning activities with students
· Develops and implements out-of-school-time programs with input from a program planning committee consisting of housing agency staff, company colleagues, parents, youth, and community partners
· Develops and implements educational programming to ensure student’s success in reading, writing, leadership and creative problem-solving
· Develops and implements unique cultural and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) educational opportunities through company’s Enrichment Program Partners
· Supports current partnerships and develops new partnerships with local school districts, shelters, and community organizations and other resources available to teens and older youth, such as local libraries, colleges, and other youth programs
· Advocates for best practices regarding mental health supports for youth enrolled in the company’s teen outreach program
· Facilitates group activities that teach youth about education and employment opportunities and career pathways
· Provides one-on-one support to help students develop individual goals and connect to school and community-based learning and employment opportunities
· Supports outreach programming with company’s shelter and housing partners; working with housing agency staff to ensure safety and supervision of all youth during on-site activities and field trips
· Maintains supportive and professional relationships with families and students who leave the housing agency
· Works with company colleagues regularly to develop required reports and outcome measurement strategies such as surveys, portfolios, journals, and interviews to track successes, challenges, and youth needs
· Manages the Hope through Learning Award (HTLA) program, including continual support and counsel to the award winners throughout their higher education and/or career training experience
· Oversees the development and management of mentorships and job shadowing opportunities for company’s HTLA awardees
· Bachelor’s degree in education or related field required
· Three – five (3-5) years’ experience teaching or leading teen programming, preferably with some background in mentoring and/or college and career readiness
· Previous experience working with at-risk youth strongly preferred
· Act 33/34 and FBI Clearances
· Valid PA driver’s license and clean driving record is required
· Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to relate positively and respectfully to children of all ages, parents, volunteers, and other professionals
· Communicates effectively with teens, and is also skillful at building positive relationships with parents, volunteers, community organizations and other professionals
· Understanding of the significance of out-of-school-time programming in the lives of underserved children and proven ability to provide a safe, structured, and enriching environment
· Sensitivity regarding the psychological and behavioral impacts of trauma on children and parents
· Passionate about ensuring that all youth have equal access to a quality education
· Commitment to racial and social justice, equity, and inclusivity
· Patience and perseverance when working with hard-to-reach families
· Flexibility – must be willing to work with a transient population that changes throughout the year
· Has an empowerment mindset and seeks to nurture rather than “fix”
$50-$55k
Hybrid, in office twice per week
