Life Coach for Childrens Aid Society

Description:

Background
Discouraged by the staggering statistics about the struggles faced by African American males, The Children's Aid Society launched The African American Male Initiative: Creating Success in 2005. The purpose of the Initiative is to more fully understand the issues facing our Black male clients, and to find solutions that will better address the needs of this vulnerable population.

2009 marks our third program year and while we have had some promising results we are still evolving and continuing to strengthen our core components. For more information about Steps to Success please visit: www.stepstosuccess.org.
http://www.stepstosuccess.org.

Position Description
Life Coaching is a full-time paid position that enables young people (the boys are now rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders) to make decisions to improve their lives. As a way of mentoring, Life Coaches act a s a personal trainer for the mind. A life coach works with young people to develop plans for the future. Each Life Coach will work with each child one-to-one and in a group. It is expected that they maintain a strong relationship with these youth, hopefully at least through high school graduation. Coaches will be involved with all aspects of the child’s life.

Specific responsibilities:
Develop/maintain effective relationships with males, their families/counselors/teachers.
Support, encourage, guide males through developmental stages/transitions.
Establish plans that address concerns and areas for learning and development.
Facilitate social integration; teach social skills.
Be available 24/7 as needed.
Participate in academic and social assessment.
As appropriate, make arrangements for services (health, mental health, etc).
Visit homes, schools, programs in which they are involved.
Monitor/track progress; intervene effectively.
Ensure exposure to positive male role models and a range of career options; identify special interests and talents, encourage, guide, and develop their talents; use every means necessary to motivate and inspire them.
Manage tutors and ecourage additional learning activities.
Create opportunities for ongoing learning; help them to discover and identify talents, engage them in fun and educational activities.
Build knowledge o f African American culture, their he ritage; promote a strong sense of Black pride and self-esteem.
Help males manage thoughts, beliefs, perceptions, emotions, moods; strengthen their resiliency/coping skills.

Attributes
Demonstrated leadership experience; openness to learning and new experiences; can establish trust and intimacy – a willingness to share growth producing experiences with the males; energy; ability to create relationships; flexibility; can recognize and solve problem; written and oral communication; passion for working with youth; positive, organized individual who is reliable, self-motivated and able to motivate others; can handle multiple-tasks; good judgment; team player; self-starter, initiator; resourceful; comfort with single gender model.

Additional Qualifications:

The candidate should have a college degree, and at least 3-5 years of professional experience working with youth. Experience in youth development, early childhood education, social work, college access programs or other related field is a plus. S/he must have a deep understanding and commitment to social change, and addressing inequities in our society.

How to Apply:

Please send cover letter and resume to:
Roger Ball, Director/5th grade Coach
Email: rogerb@childrensaidsociety..org
Subject: African American Male Initiative