Self Determination Coordinator

The Self-Determination Coordinator’s role is grounded in YWFC’s approach to personal and structural transformation and is guided by the organization's guiding principles of Sisterhood, Self-Sufficiency, Spirituality, and Social Justice.

In this role, you will:

Work to ensure that participants of YWFC’s programs have the support, resources, access, and advocacy needed to support them in their healing journey’s.   

Work closely with other members of the team and program participants, playing a critical role in supporting young women in finding their voice, building self-determination and in engaging in the work.  

 Conduct initial intakes and assessments, working with young women to identify their needs and strengths, assisting them in developing personal and professional goals, and providing support in accessing community resources such as housing, child care, educational programs, etc.

Desired Qualifications:

The Youth Advocate role should have experience working with system involved young women and girls, knowledge of local programs and services, personal experience successfully navigating systems, and a deep commitment to social justice and the leadership of poor, system involved young women of color.

Key Duties Include:

• Build meaningful relationships with young women and girls and TGI youth onsite at the Center and off-site at program locations including juvenile hall, jail, and alternative sentencing programs supporting youth with systems navigation.
• Work with young women and girls and TGI youth to develop leadership plans that address their strengths, risks, needs, and goals.
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with staff of organizations working with participants, including, but not limited to Probation Departments, Public Defender's, community-based agencies, School districts, Social Workers, etc.
• Monitor referrals and provide support to women on an ongoing basis.
• Maintain an active presence in relevant community initiatives and collaborative efforts.
• Support court advocacy services when needed.
• Attend workshops in juvenile hall, group homes and in the jail on a periodic and as needed basis.
• Work as a part of the YWFC’s leadership and advocacy teams supporting young folks connecting to YWFC after detention through leadership programs, ensuring activities are cohesive and coordinated amongst program staff and the Executive Director

We strongly encourage candidates who hold marginalized identities and nontraditional professional backgrounds to apply. Young Women’s Freedom Center does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we’re not able to respond personally to every candidate. We do review every submission carefully and we will contact those who we’d like to interview.