Job Description

FaithBridge Youth Opportunities is a program assisting former foster and homeless youth to achieve their dreams for the future through vocational training, financial assistance, and supportive care. Youth Opportunities operates under FaithBridge Foster Care, Georgias largest Christ-centered foster care agency (a non-profit organization) located in metro Atlanta. THIS LIFE COACH WILL RESIDE IN SOUTHWEST GEORGIA, serving areas including Albany, Americus, Columbus, LaGrange, and surrounding areas.   TO BE CONSIDERED, APPLICANT MUST SUBMIT RESUME, COVER LETTER and STATEMENT OF FAITH.  

At the heart of the Youth Opportunities Program is the role of the Life Coach. The Youth Opportunities Life Coach is our unique version of the case management role serving youth who have aged out of foster care or who may be homeless. A Life Coach works closely in support of the needs of youth between the ages of 17 and 26 who are pursuing their post-secondary education or vocational training. The Life Coach assists in managing their intake and admission to FaithBridge Youth Opportunities. The Life Coach walks alongside the youth as they seek to enroll in school, obtain vocational training, seek employment, gain necessary life skills, and begin to live life as a successful adult. 
 
A Life Coach also is responsible for administering and ensuring the youths monthly support needs are met and documented in the appropriate data system. They help ensure each youths safety and well-being through weekly meetings and frequent check-ins with youth   Life Coaches promote youth stability through coaching, 24/7 support, service coordination, spiritual guidance, and crisis intervention. Life Coaches advocate for each youths best interest by attending meetings related to the youths care or case.

Core Responsibilities and Expectations  

1. Maintains and abides by all FaithBridge policies and procedures.
2. Advocates for best interest of youth vocation and education goals as well as their housing, well-being, and safety.
3. Participates in after hours on-call rotation.
4. Assess and ensures youth receive timely and appropriate services as needed such as medical, dental, educational, mental health, social and behavioral counseling. 
5. Coordinates and assists youth with transportation needs.
6. Monitors the need for and facilitates discharge planning when appropriate.
7. Communicates with Youth Opportunities team regarding progress and direction of case as appropriate.
8. Supports a healthy relationship with the youths prior foster family and birth family and other supportive adults. 
9. Knowledge of de-escalation techniques. Assists youth to manage periodic disruptions in their plans and is sensitive to youth their needs while in the community.
10. Assesses the impact of youth living independently and provides necessary intervention and support as needed.
11. Provide Christian support and Faith Based mentorship to youth.
12. Utilizes clinical and consulting skills to provide coaching and support to youth. 
13. Ability to recognize a client for self-harm/suicide/homicide risk and make appropriate referrals, seek the support of the leadership team, and follow safety plans. 
14. Demonstrates a working knowledge of trauma and how that impacts youth.
15. Assist youth in securing appropriate housing, employment, and financial stability including effective budgeting including increasing contributions to their savings account.
16. Responsible to help approve reimbursement requests from youth related to their living needs and provide necessary documentation to supervisor and accounting department. 
17. Communicate and collaborate with the youths team members including those in the school, extended foster care case managers, service providers, etc., in support of their needs to support their progress on their goals.
18. Demonstrates ability to navigate high stress situations and conflict resolution using emotional and spiritual maturity.
19. Completes required documentation, including service plans, assessments, progress notes, financial reconciliations etc. within the required timeframes.
20. Works in collaboration with church partners and the Community of Care to meet the needs of the youth in Youth Opportunities care. 
21. Communicates with Ministry Team Leaders when youth are placed, moved, have any incidents, or need support or volunteers.

EQUIPMENT USED: FaithBridge provided cell phone and laptop, access to office printer/copier. It is expected that staff utilize a personal vehicle with mileage reimbursement.

QUALIFICATIONS :
Education and Experience:  Degree in Human Services Field (i.e.., Social Work, Psychology, Behavioral Science, Counseling, Ministry/Theology, or other related degree). MA/MS preferred. BA/BS required. Clinical Experience: Strong experience working with youth over 18 with some clinical knowledge, particularly in the areas of trauma, family-systems, substance abuse and life skills. Strong coaching/counseling and crisis intervention skills.  Experience with the foster care system preferred.
 
Skill Requirements:  Strong interpersonal skills, maturity and sensitivity to cultural and individual differences in clients, staff, and the communities in which we serve.  Effective oral and written communication skills.  Ability to work within a team.  Ability to handle job related matters in a professional, diplomatic, and confidential manner.  Knowledge of community resources and services. Ability to organize and execute responsibilities in an independent manner. Knowledge of normal business computer skills. Competent in the use of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Experience working with case management software desired.
 
Physical Requirements:  Hearing and speaking ability which allows for effective oral communication of information. Ability to physically transport self and clients to various locations. Physical and emotional stamina to effectively handle job related issues and stress.

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