Youth On Their Own (YOTO) supports the high school graduation and continued success of youth experiencing homelessness. We strive to eliminate barriers to education and empower Pima County’s housing insecure youth to stay in school. For 40 years, we have supported this unique demographic by providing financial assistance, basic needs (food & hygiene supplies), guidance, and more. We also assist our graduates in their pursuit of higher education, workplace readiness, and other opportunities for self-sufficiency. Learn more at www.yoto.org.
- Winner of the 2024 Copper Cactus Award for Best Place to Work
- 100% employee workplace satisfaction in anonymous monthly surveys
- Almost entirely funded through private philanthropy (no federal funding)
OVERVIEW
Program Coordinators support the YOTO student’s effort to graduate high school by engaging youth in YOTO services to help reduce barriers to high school graduation and encourage their continued success. YOTO support services include connection to basic needs items and YOTO’s financial assistance programs but may also include post-secondary planning and community committee work. Additionally, the Program Coordinator is responsible for recruitment, retention, onboarding/orientation, and on-going communication with School Liaisons who serve as the link between Youth On Their Own (YOTO) and the student. The Program Coordinator conducts outreach to community partners to assist students in referrals back to community agencies.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
I. School Program (85%)
- Travel to and meet with, and build relationships with School Liaisons, school staff and student participants at their school on a regular basis.
- Assess student applications quickly and accurately to determine program eligibility.
- Maintain a caseload of up to 300 assigned students, schools, and liaisons efficiently. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Build relationships with schools by engaging with YOTO Liaisons and other school staff, regularly check in, and build a common understanding of YOTO at the school site.
- Respond to questions from YOTO Liaisons and student participants quickly and professionally.
- Coordinate services in a timely manner for students (track requests, ensure students receive requests, etc.).
- Accept and process student applications, academic stipends and other financial assistance payments.
- Recruit School Liaisons in schools where there is no Liaison by working with appropriate school personnel at the school site.
- Create and conduct educational sessions with new and returning School Liaisons.
- Keep administrative records (case notes, tracking youth service requests, etc.) organized.
- Meet metrics delineated by the Program Manager, Schools related to program targets, school visits, liaison contacts, and student engagement and success.
- Present to other appropriate organizations information about the YOTO program to ensure the community is aware of the program and can make referrals of youth experiencing homelessness when appropriate. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Conduct outreach to other appropriate community agencies and government departments to increase referrals of eligible youth to the YOTO Program.
- Represent YOTO at tabling events, speaking events, resource fairs, community events, and organization fundraising events.
- Represent YOTO in a professional manner and present information congruent with organizational policies and procedures.
II. College & Career (8%)
- Meet with School Liaisons and Student Participants at their school as needed for topics related to College & Career.
- Respond to questions from School Liaisons and Student Participants, as well as be able to anticipate guidance and mentoring needs, in terms of post-secondary success (college and career), as needed; support students with filling out, or reviewing, their FAFSA applications if needed.
- Help translate youth facing materials to Spanish to increase access to services and provide YOTO services navigation and guidance in Spanish for Spanish-speaking youth.
III. Mini Mall (2%)
- Provide coverage for the student drop-in center (Mini Mall) when needed.
- Address needs and answer questions from student participant drop-ins, youth drop-ins, and community members inquiring about YOTO services.
- Create a safe and welcoming space for all students and community members by implementing trauma-informed practices, being at all-times LGBTQ+ inclusive, being culturally aware and sensitive, and acknowledging the diverse experiences of those in the Mini Mall.
IV. YOTO Staff Participation (5%)
- Attend bi‐weekly staff meetings, trainings and periodic retreats.
- Attend regular program department meetings.
- Complete other projects to support the Program team as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Deeply held passion for and commitment to the mission of Youth On Their Own.
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field, or equivalent work/lived experience
- At least 2 years of experience working with youth ages 12-22; Compassion and understanding for youth experiencing homelessness.
- Bilingual English/Spanish speaking required.
- Ability to pass a background check with no felony convictions connected to theft or embezzlement or any conviction related to child abuse or misconduct.
- Ability to receive Fingerprint Clearance Card. Being subject to sex offender registration in any state or federal jurisdiction automatically precludes individuals from obtaining a Level 1Fingerprint Clearance Card and employment with YOTO.
- Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, access to own auto (mileage reimbursement provided), and proof of auto insurance.
COMPETENCIES/KNOWLEDGE-SKILLS-ABILITIES (KSA’s):
A. Organizational Competencies
All YOTO employees are expected to meet specified competencies in the following areas:
- Youth Focus: Ensure the safety of our community within your abilities and resources and treat our many, diverse youth with thoughtful listening and respect.
- Youth Safety: Create a safe and welcoming space for all students and community members by implementing trauma-informed practices, being at all-times LGBTQ+ inclusive, being culturally aware and sensitive, and acknowledging the diverse experiences of those in our space.
- Accountability: Be accountable for knowing the scope of YOTO Programs and for maintaining stakeholders' trust through credible information, quality programming, and services and fiscal integrity.
- Equity and Fairness: Interact with youth, community partners and co-workers with fairness and equity and deliver services free of bias or prejudice.
- Communication: Communicate in a respectful manner both written and orally, in person, and through electronic means, with linguistic and cultural proficiency.
- Participation: Staff must attend bi-weekly staff meetings, training, and periodic retreats. Staff must also attend regular department meetings as outlined by their supervisor.
B. Job Specific Competencies
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Communicate calmly, supportively, and respectfully with youth using non-judgmental language. Collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including team members and external partners. Maintain professional, cooperative, and respectful working relationships.
- Trauma Informed and Youth-Centered Care: Applies a trauma-informed care approach in all interactions and services. Demonstrates empathy, patience, and understanding when working with youth populations.
- Adaptability & Professionalism: Adapt to changing situations with composure and professionalism. Demonstrate sound judgment and maintain a calm demeanor in dynamic or challenging environments.
- Teamwork & Collaboration: Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team. Supports organizational goals through cooperative and professional engagement with colleagues and partners.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- This position requires prolonged periods of computer use / screen time and intermittent physical activity including bending and reaching.
- At least 80% of work will be done on-site at the YOTO office (in Tucson), at YOTO's partner schools, or at other community-based sites. Approximately 20% of work may be completed remotely. A laptop computer will be provided. Home internet access is required.
- This job requires significant driving and travel to schools in Pima County.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
New hires for this position start at a salary of $43,000/year.
Competitive benefits include:
- 401k with up to 4% company match
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums for employees and contributes $100/month for dependents on our health plan
- Life insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums
- Short term disability insurance - YOTO pays 100% of premiums
- Minimum of 15 paid holidays annually (20 in 2026)
- Accrued paid vacation time
- Unlimited paid sick time
- YOTO provided cell phone
- Free mental health services
- Professional development funds and tuition reimbursement
THE INTENT OF THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS TO PROVIDE A REPRESENTATIVE SUMMARY OF THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES PERFORMED BY THIS POSITION. EMPLOYEES MAY BE ASKED TO PERFORM OTHER JOB-RELATED TASKS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY PRESENTED IN THEIR JOB DESCRIPTION. YOUTH ON THEIR OWN RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ANY TIME.
Youth On Their Own is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We value lived experience and encourage applications from individuals with lived experiences of housing or food insecurity.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest (cover letter), resume, and a minimum of two professional references via the job posting site (please do not email staff directly). The position will remain posted until filled.