Job Description
Job Description
POSITION: Program Coordinator/Mentor (SEASONAL)
REPORTS TO: Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is part of a seasonal team responsible for the Urban Affairs Coalition's Summer Youth Employment and Spark Youth Engagement (SYE) program.
The Summer Youth Employment program provides paid summer internships and support to youth ages 14-24 through the city of Philadelphia’s summer youth employment program. The six-week program runs from late June through mid-August and includes career exposure, on-the-job mentoring and professional development.
The Spark Youth Engagement Program offers career exposure and career awareness activities for in school youth and is offered year-round. Initiatives under Spark Youth Engagement include career exposure, professional development, and mentoring with the goal of entering the workforce.
The Program Coordinator/Mentor will provide direct support to the Program Manager in all aspects of the program from recruiting and enrolling placement sites to supporting the enrollment process for youth. This position requires extensive field time and travel in the Greater Philadelphia area. The Program Coordinator/Mentor will be expected to provide their own transportation via public transportation or personal vehicle.
The Program Coordinator/Mentor will oversee youth participant activities to ensure program placement sites are programmatically and contractually compliant with program guidelines. S/he ensures that youth participants are properly supervised and engaged in constructive activities in a positive learning environment. S/he will assist in training and serve as counselors, role models, career advisors, and mentors to youth. S/he will assist the youth program participants with the completion of contextual-learning projects during professional development sessions. In addition, s/he will facilitate pre-planned professional development workshops. The Program Coordinator/Mentor will provide administrative support in the collection of youth participant participation logs, distribution of program materials, debit cards, and other tasks associated with the program.
This is a seasonal position beginning no later than June and anticipated ending in August.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate with Program Manager to conduct outreach, recruitment and enrollment sessions for youth applicants as well as placement sites;
- Manage data entry and file maintenance, ensuring all accurate data collection and completion of all appropriate paperwork including background check clearances;
- Coordinate with Program Manager to ensure that all youth and placement sites are properly enrolled and meet program requirements, youth are placed at sites appropriately, and questions and concerns are fully addressed;
- Responsible for the placement of youth participants at sites, in coordination with other key staff;
- Coordinate with Program Director, Data and Information Manager, Program Manager and other key staff to ensure accurate and timely responses to inquiries from youth, their families, and placement sites regarding program details and requirements;
- Perform other related duties as required to ensure program quality and funder compliance.
- Conduct ongoing site visits (both scheduled and spontaneous) to assess program quality, supervision of youth participants, and adherence to contractual obligations;
- Serve as a resource and mentor for youth, supporting their professional development and adherence to appropriate workplace conduct;
- Collect and submit assigned caseload of youth participants' participation logs for processing by established deadlines, and ensuring they are properly completed;
- Facilitate and assist with professional development sessions and completion of contextual learning projects;
- Administer and assist with employer and youth participant evaluations, and all other youth-related activities;
- Maintain records and submit all required programmatic documentation and reports.
- Conduct initial and ongoing placement site visits and individual meetings to assess placement site suitability, projected slot requests/service levels, contractual adherence to health, labor, and safety laws and regulations, as needed;
- Serve as a positive and responsible role model for youth participants;
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Must be a flexible, communicative, and agile team player, able to coordinate and share resources and data;
- Leadership ability and knowledge of how to effectively mentor youth and young adults 14-24 years old;
- Ability to motivate youth participants to meet their work obligations and complete a high-quality contextual learning project;
- Ability to encourage youth-led project exploration and discussion to ensure the program experience is meaningful;
- Must take proactive steps to advocate for the program appropriately and professionally;
- Must be willing to travel frequently throughout the Philadelphia area as required on a daily basis;
- Strong inquiry and conflict resolution skills;
- Must be able to multi-task to meet programmatic benchmarks and deadlines;
- Good organization skills and detailed-oriented;
- Good verbal and written communication skills; customer-service oriented;
- Must be a self-starter and possess good time management skills.
EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE:
- High school diploma/GED required; Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred;
- A minimum of 2-4 years’ experience working with youth and young adults ages 14-24;
- Experience mentoring and/or teaching youth and young adults ages 14-24 preferred;
- Experience working in the nonprofit, education, and/or retail/marketing sectors preferred;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office software, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Google preferred.
Special Note: This position requires a criminal background check, child abuse clearance, and FBI fingerprint-based background check.