Life Coach - Back to Our Future 2.0 - UCAN : Job Details

DescriptionPosition Title: Life Coach - Back to Our Future 2.0 Department: Violence Intervention & Prevention Services (VIPS) Reports to: Program Manager / Lead Clinical Supervisor Program Overview: Back to Our Future 2.0 (B2OF 2.0) is a community-based initiative focused on reengaging youth, ages 14-21, who are disconnected from school and have been impacted by violence, justice system involvement, or other barriers. The program connects youth to intensive wraparound supports including mentorship, academic reengagement, mental health care, and workforce development to disrupt cycles of trauma and disconnection. Position Objective and Summary: The Life Coach will serve as a critical point of connection and trust for youth enrolled in B2OF 2.0. Through trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based coaching, the Life Coach will support youth in identifying their goals, navigating barriers, and reconnecting to education and positive supports. This role focuses on empowerment, healing, and academic reengagement. Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Build trusting, consistent relationships with youth aged 14-21 who have been disengaged from school and impacted by violence.
• Conduct regular (weekly or more frequent) one-on-one coaching sessions using motivational interviewing, goal setting, and trauma-informed care.
• Collaborate with youth to co-create Individual Reengagement Plans focused on education, mental wellness, and personal development.
• Support youth in reenrolling in school or high school equivalency programs and advocate on their behalf with schools and other systems.
• Provide crisis response, advocacy, and referrals to additional services (mental health, housing, substance use, etc.) as needed.
• Partner with a multidisciplinary team including educators, mental health professionals, outreach workers, and family engagement staff to coordinate services.
• Participate in weekly team meetings, supervision, and professional development trainings.
• Maintain accurate documentation, case notes, and data tracking per program standards and funder requirements.
• Conduct home visits and community-based meetings, ensuring accessibility and flexibility in meeting youth where they are.

Education/Job Experience/Certification:

• An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or a related human service field OR .
• An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in any field, with two years of documented clinical experience in a mental health setting under the supervision of a QMHP OR.
• An individual with a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of five years of documented clinical experience in mental health or human services.
• Demonstrated track record of accountability.
• Excellent relationship-building skills as well as customer service skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work with a team, respond well to supervisor direction, be flexible and dependable, and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the service population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Work is performed in the office and in the field. A valid driver's license, access to a vehicle, proof of liability insurance, and/or reliable means of transportation are required.
• Working knowledge of the complex needs of returning citizens and individuals affected by gun violence.
• Knowledge of computers, including Word, Excel, and the Internet.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule (including evenings and weekends).
• A background check is required before being hired.

Special Knowledge and Qualifications:

• Experience working with high-risk populations in the field of Violence Prevention.
• Experience providing comprehensive trauma-informed case management Lived experience similar to the youth served.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English or other languages common in the service area).
• Passion for educational equity, youth healing, and community transformation.