Youth Leadership Network Coordinator - Springfield MA Region

Job Description

Job Description

ESMA is a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities have equal opportunities to live, learn, work, and play. Join our team to make an immediate and powerful impact in the lives of the clients we serve!

Youth Leadership Network Coordinator

Springfield

Part Time - 10 hours per Month

The Youth Leadership Network is a monthly statewide group for disabled youth ages 14 to 26 with topics around leadership, disability culture, advocacy, disability history. Monthly groups take place in collaboration with STAVROS Center for Independent Living.

Position Overview:

Provide on-campus and virtual support to college students with disabilities as they adjust to academics without IEP accommodations and navigate campus living. This position requires on-site availability to local colleges around the Western area of Massachusetts. The primary colleges for this position include but are not limited to UMass Amherst, Springfield Technical Community College, Western New England University, American International College & Elms College.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate and facilitate activities around the Youth Leadership Network (YLN) in the Springfield area.
• Organize, set up, run, and evaluate the in-person Youth Leadership Network meetings and activities in the Springfield area.
• Assist the Youth Program team with the development and implementation of strategic outreach programs to promote Easterseals MA youth services.
• Recommend program design modifications as needed to ensure programs support YLN goals and objectives.
• Promote and effectively communicate the value of Easterseals Services to educators as they plan for students’ Individual Education Plans/Transition Planning Forms.
• Meet with staff from STAVROS virtually prior to groups to go over plan for the group.
• Identify and attend outreach events as appropriate.
• Promote and effectively communicate upcoming events and workshops with educators, state agency representatives, and other community-based providers as needed.
• Ensure all new clients complete an intake form.

Other Functions:

• Network with professionals, organizations, clients, and families to grow programs.
• Evaluate referral information to determine client readiness and the appropriate program to meet his/her individual needs. Conduct interviews as needed.
• Review client applications to ensure complete information is received and assign to appropriate program.
• Coordinate various youth and family events and activities.
• Investigate, analyze, and document program issues and recommend appropriate corrective action.
• Assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures for youth programs.
• Provide leadership with respect to youth services communication, and the integration of youth service strategies and activities into the overall organization mission.
• Establish, maintain, process and update files, records and/or other documents related to youth services and programs.

Qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field.
• Background in health and human services and interacting with youth.
• Proficient in collaboration tools such as Microsoft Office as well as virtual meeting platforms.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams) and Zoom video conferencing
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• TB test and health documentation clearing for work
• COVID-19 vaccine (required due to college requests)

Work Habits:

• Ability to work both in person and remotely.
• Ability to travel around the Springfield area for in person groups and outreach events.
• Able to work independently or in groups with minimal supervision.
• Able to work flexible hours, occasional nights, and weekends.
• Ensure accurate administrative reporting as required.
• Complete all assigned tasks in a timely and thorough manner.
• Demonstrates initiative in completing tasks and projects.
• Able to relate to youth and adults in a positive manner.
• Flexible and able to work well with others.
• Maintain open and effective communication.
• Able to communicate effectively by phone, video, and in person with professionals and clients with various disabilities.
• Able to organize projects, prioritize workflow and complete multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately.
• Accepts assignments in a positive and proactive manner.
• Accepts constructive feedback and modifies actions accordingly.

Easterseals Massachusetts is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. We base all employment decisions on each individual's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetics, or any other protected status under the law.