Independent Living Program Coordinator

The Transition Age Youth Program serves current and former foster, probation placement and unhoused youth ages 15-25. We provide an array of programs and services including case management, counseling, skills building, a drop-in resource center, and subsidized supportive housing. Our mission is to support and empower youth in making a successful transition into adulthood.

Job Summary:

The Independent Living Program Coordinator provides coordination of care and counseling to TAY youth. Responsibilities include establishing positive and professional working relationships with youth, providing comprehensive case management services, providing trauma-informed mental health services, and acting as a liaison with outside agencies and community partners. Additional duties include completing comprehensive intake assessments and goals sheets with clients, weekly, every other week, and/or monthly meetings with clients to work on their goals, weekly counseling sessions to build coping strategies, creating and facilitating life skills workshops, connecting youth with necessary referrals to outside agencies in order to achieve their goals, and working in the drop-in center 1-2 days per week.

Knowledge of:

• Preferred, but not required:
  1. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, crisis intervention, positive youth development, de-escalation training, and multi-cultural/diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
  2. Familiarity with community resources, including social services agencies, health and wellness providers, and crisis intervention providers.
  3. Experience working in a non-profit setting and/or working with grant-funded programs.
  4. Experience with MediCal billing and electronic medical records (AVATAR).

Skills and Qualifications:

• Undergraduate work and/or BA/BS in social services field (social work, sociology, psychology) + 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish, preferred).
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently or as a team.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Maintaining effective working relationships and professional communication.
• Must have a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and a good driving record covered by agency insurance and be willing to transport clients as needed.
• Fingerprinting for licensing, criminal record clearance, and necessary physical exams are required.
• Ability to work flexible hours between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Wages & Benefits:

Our total compensation package includes a comprehensive medical and dental insurance plan for full time employees, 403(b) retirement plan, paid holiday, sick time, and 17 days of paid vacation, pro-rated for positions less than 40 hours a week.

Encompass Community Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. We are committed to excellence through diversity and strive to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all clients and employees.

If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal Street Suite 200 office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.