Youth Development Coordinator

Youth Development Coordinator

About Graham Windham

In full partnership with families & communities, Graham Windham strives to make a life-altering difference to children, youth and families affected by abuse, neglect and delinquency by providing each child we serve with a strong foundation for life: a safe, loving, permanent family and the opportunity and preparation to thrive in school and in the world. With over 600 full-time employees serving children and families in multiple programs throughout Westchester County, Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Harlem, Graham Windham provides an exciting & enriching work experience. 

Graham Windham is one of the first organizations in the New York City to implement Solution – Based Casework. Solution – Based casework helps children and families to be the solution to the seemingly insurmountable problems in their lives, from generational cycles of poverty, abuse, and neglect to unemployment, domestic violence, and severe health problems. By recognizing and reinforcing their innate strengths and ability to cope, we at Graham Windham empower them to take the lead in making change in their lives.

About Preparing Youth for Adulthood Program (PYA): SLAM 

The Youth Development Housing Specialist is responsible for assisting youth apply and secure stable housing in partnership with ACS, case planning and the SLAM team. This includes integrated programming of Youth Development services through permanency programming, community living and life skills, medical, mental health, vocational and educational services. The Youth Development Housing Specialist will more specifically monitor and track the housing application process and advocate for all Graham youth to ensure appropriate housing as part of their living wage career path and PYA goals.

About the Position

The Youth Development Housing Specialist supports youth plus eligible for housing apply and secure stable housing, as they work towards a living wage career and Preparing Youth for Adulthood (PYA) goals.

Duties & Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Works with youth in partnership with SLAM and case planning team to provide counseling through the lens of youth development in the areas of housing, workforce development, life skills, mentoring, and leadership development. 
• Explore options, apply to and secure NYCHA, Supportive housing, Section 8 vouchers and other housing opportunities for eligible youth ages to 21  plus years old  
• Owns the process for first month's rent and security deposit for each obtained apartment. Schedules and coordinates furniture shopping with each young person as they obtain their apartments. 
• Support youth around addressing rental-arrears including exploring one-shot deals and other community, state, and city resources 
• Collect, document and track housing data on a monthly basis in Care4 for all youth 17.5  to 21 plus  years of age that are housing eligible   
• Complete the Preparing for Adulthood Discharge and PYA Checklist and share it with the case planning team   
• Provides Case planning, SLAM, Mental Health, and other stakeholders with progress report on a youth's housing status and process
• Takes lead and builds relationships with city, state and federal government agencies to resolve issues and ensure adolescents successful navigation of governmental systems (such as Administration for Children's Services, Department of Education, Office of Children & Family Services, etcetera)
• Establishes partnership with key individuals in housing departments at ACS to ensure a collaborative relationship that supports each youth. 
• Collaborate with case planning to ensure the agency is in compliance with regulatory bodies including the New York Administration for Children's Services (ACS)
• Attends FTC, ACS housing Academy, Fair Futures Learning Communities meetings, and other training related to housing.    
• Organizes and conduct housing workshops for youth and community partners related to the housing process, preparing for housing, and next steps after housing are acquired   
• Travel to Graham sites is required  
• Assist youth in the purchase of all items for their apartment. 

Housing Specialization:

• Ability to negotiate & advocate for housing services for foster care youth.
• Act as a resource for caseworkers in keeping up-to-date with all NYC, NYS or Federal housing initiatives.
• Attend ACS YD housing Committee meetings and report back to Graham's foster care and SLAM team.
• Work to link youth to proper living arrangements.
• Process all housing applications.
• Provide trainings to the agency staff on housing related issues for foster care youth as needed
• Other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Qualifications  

BSW or Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related area required; Minimum of two years of experience working with youth; Knowledge of foster care and ACS mandates; Knowledge of CONNECTIONS preferred; Proficiency in a second language and possession of a valid NYS driver's license a plus; Flexibility to work evenings, extended hours and occasional weekends as necessary; Self-motivated; Exceptional time management, writing and organizational skills; Ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues and community based resources; Ability to make connection to community based organizations and resources. 

Full-time position; Salary commensurate with experience.  Graham Windham offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, holiday pay, retirement savings plan, and much more.

EOE