Groundwork for Success Coach (PT)

Groundwork Inc. is looking for a highly-motivated, organized, detail-oriented professional to provide day-to-day support and tracking to students involved in Groundwork for Success, a leadership development, work experience, and college preparation program for high school students from the high-poverty community of East New York, Brooklyn. For the past two years, we have operated a high-performing pilot program serving two dozen teens each year, and have recently received multi-year funding to significantly expand program capacity.

Groundwork is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of children and families in the East New York section of Brooklyn, New York. Groundwork expects to continue its significant growth in the coming years, and the GWS Coach will be an integral part of sustaining this growth. The coach will assume a leadership role in the ongoing development of the program’s operational systems, curriculum, student intake and recruiting, staff training, and fundraising support. The Coach will manage a caseload of up to 45 students, and will be responsible for keeping students in touch with the college preparatory process throughout high school. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution at the early stages of an exciting organization. The Coach reports to the Groundwork for Success Director and also works closely with other staff including the Managing Director, other Coaches, Family Resource Center Director, instructors, and support staff.

About Groundwork:
Groundwork helps neighbors build powerful communities. We identify small neighborhoods, typically public housing developments and the blocks that surround them, and work with community members and institutions to provide high-quality educational programs and support services to the children and families who live there. Our after-school and summer programs for elementary and middle school children give them the skills and confidence they need to become engaged, educated citizens. Our work experience and college preparation programs for teenagers teach youth to become leaders while guiding them to success in academics and in life. Our programs for adults offer parents and other community members the resources they need to support their families and build organized community power.

We believe that this combination of education, support and empowerment helps families transform their lives and their communities.

Job Duties:
• Manage three teams of up to 15 students in after-school, weekend, and summer programming, including internships, tutoring, academic and personal counseling, peer support groups, topic workshops, local and out-of-state trips, and related activities designed to prepare participants for timely graduation from high school and success in college. Coach should be prepared to work regular Saturday and early evening hours.
• Prepare a yearly contract with each student and his/her parents that identify goals for academic and work performance, and work with participants to ensure fulfillment of contract obligations. Identify problem areas and help link students to appropriate Groundwork or community resources.
• Meet with students individually at least once per month, more frequently if the student’s situation demands more intensive support. Forms small senior advisory groups and meet with them on a weekly basis to support the college application process.
• Plan and facilitate weekly team peer group meetings..
• Assure coordination with partnering schools. Advocate for students at their schools to help resolve disciplinary problems or other concerns.
• Assist students in course selection and college planning. Support academic success through proper planning, and encourage students to meet their contract goals. Ensure students take the proper courses to ensure a competitive advantage in college admissions. Assist students in college awareness, college selection, and financial aid planning. Ensure that students are participating in college preparation activities, meeting deadlines, developing compelling essays and applications.
• Primary day-to-day contact for parents, teachers, school officials, and other community stakeholders regarding questions, concerns, and requests about the Groundwork for Success program. Initiate responses where appropriate, and ensure that relevant information is communicated to management team. Build positive relationships with parents and increases parental involvement through workshops and referrals to community services.
• Provide individual counseling to program youth. Responsible for crisis intervention and follow up case management for youth and their families, as needed. Assist with parent meetings in family homes and at the program site, when necessary. Provide students with referrals to resources for longer-term services as needed.
• Work with the Program Director to collect evaluation data pertaining to Groundwork student academic and social behavior indicators. Track and document student assessment materials and maintain records of evaluation materials
• Coordinate work with other program staff when relevant. Attend regular staff meetings.
• Other program responsibilities as requested by the Program Director from time to time.

• Bachelor’s degree. Master’s degree in social work, school counseling, education, or related degree is strong preferred.
• Strong commitment to Groundwork’s social mission.
• At least two years experience in a clinical or general position in a youth development organization or high school setting. Experience in a high-performing college preparation program serving high school students is strongly preferred.
• Experience working with youth and adults in high poverty communities.
• Solid understanding of youth development methodologies and strengths-based approaches to assessment and counseling.
• Superior organizational, planning, and problem solving skills.
• Strong PC, Microsoft Office, and Internet skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and to work independently and creatively.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship building, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to interact well with a high-performing, mission-driven staff.
• Entrepreneurial attitude – the successful candidate will be willing to do whatever it takes to build a strong and effective program.

Salary and Benefits:
• $17 – $20 hourly, negotiable depending on experience. 15 – 20 hours weekly.