Youth Action Board Program Coordinator

Position Purpose/Summary

Responsible for facilitating the Springfield Youth Action Board (YAB), which is a part of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care’s (CoC) community plan to prevent and end homelessness among youth and young adults (YYA). The position is designed to support the development of the YAB and its members through advocacy and mentoring. This position is also responsible for improving the network of mentors and peer support available for YYA in Hampden County who have experienced homelessness or housing instability. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Housing. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

Essential Functions

• Advocate for and amplify the voices of YAB members including ensuring YAB members are represented and involved in meetings with community partners, and acting as a liaison between the YAB and the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care’s (CoC) YYA homelessness program
• Support the development of YAB and Executive Committee members as professionals, leaders, and community advocates through mentoring and connecting YAB members to training and development opportunities
• Facilitate weekly meetings with the YAB Executive Committee who act as a governing body for the general YAB to plan general YAB meetings, represent the YAB at external meetings, and make decisions relevant to the YAB’s mission
• Provide regular one-on-one mentoring to YAB Executive Committee members and to general YAB members as needed
• Plan and co-facilitate monthly general YAB meetings
• Support all efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of YYA, staff, and the program. Provide interventions to assist members in feeling safe
• Connect with community partners in support of the YAB
• Be knowledgeable of community resources to help members get their needs met
• Incorporate principles of Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and anti-adultism
• Quarterly reporting of YAB statistics and activity

• Assist in advancing the CoC’s coordinated community plan to prevent and end YYA homelessness, especially through the strengthening and development of mentor programs, peer support programs, and other permanent connections
• Attend regular meetings regarding the CoC’s YYA homelessness program
• Perform other related duties as assigned or required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of and/or lived experience with YYA homelessness or housing instability
• Experience in team building, leadership, and mentoring
• Experience working with young adults
• Able to connect and partner with diverse communities including people from a variety of racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds
• Able to utilize Positive Youth Development, Trauma-Informed Care, and anti-adultism practices
• Experience planning and facilitating meetings and events
• Able to effectively communicate in a professional manner, both in speaking and writing, with persons within and outside of agency
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Able to work independently
• Able to travel throughout service region

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Two years’ experience in direct youth/young adult work with emphasis on youth/young adults with lived experiences of homelessness, LGBTQIA+ youth/young adults, youth /young adults of color, youth /young adults with complex trauma, and youth/young adults with lower income.
• Leadership experience, especially related to working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, and group facilitation.
• Applicants with lived experience (such as experience navigating homelessness or housing instability) are preferred.