The Self-Determination Coordinator role is grounded in YWFC’s approach to personal and structural transformation and is guided by the organization’s guiding principles of Sisterhood/ Siblinghood, Self-Determination, Spirituality, and Social Justice. The Self-Determination Coordinator works to ensure that participants of YWFC’s programs have the support, resources, access, and advocacy needed to support them in their healing journey, as well as accessing their own power and voice to navigate the systems and conditions that impact their lives.
The Self Determination Coordinator works closely with all program staff and program participants, playing a critical role in supporting young women and trans youth of all genders* in finding their voice, building self-determination and using their expertise and experiences to advocate on behalf of themselves and others.
The role of the Self Determination Coordinator is to ensure that youth at YWFC are provided support from a peer-based, restorative justice framework, culturally grounded, and gender-specific framework and that the organization has the proper resources, support, and partners in place to support this work. They are responsible for conducting initial intakes and assessments, working with youth 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.
GENERAL DUTIES:
- Building rapport with youth on-site at YWFC and off-site at program locations including juvenile hall, jail, group homes, and county jail, to ensure folks receive the appropriate support through phone calls, snail mail, advocacy letters, and other appropriate services.
- Support participants in navigating systems (juvenile justice, foster care, mental health, etc.) by providing advocacy, resources, and ongoing support in self-advocacy strategies and education.
- Plan, facilitate, and oversee Self-Determination Advocacy activities, including Culture and Healing Circles and Programs, youth-driven community projects, special events, and other outings.
- Collaborate with other program staff on building organizing and advocacy capacity and skills for youth ready to step into leadership roles and engage in YWFC advocacy initiatives.
- Monitor referrals and maintain relationships with the staff of external stakeholders and system/community partners.
- Participate in YWFC’s movement, policy, and local campaign work on an ongoing basis including; participating in strategy as necessary, participating in work to advance local campaigns, represent the organization publicly as requested and approved, and participate in coalitions and other community based work.
- Build authentic, deeply supportive relationships with youth participating in programs and or ensure staff working with youth are maintaining YWFC standards of conduct, exemplifying YWFC values, and utilizing YWFC methodologies and frameworks.
- Provide orientation and training to new staff, interns and volunteers who will support leadership programming of YWFC’s guiding principles, methodology, and policy and procedures.
ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES:
- Participate in special projects, and tasks as needed in efforts to support the advancement of YWFC and site goals.
- Create ongoing opportunities for leadership development of youth that we work with including opportunities to learn new tasks and skills, take leadership in the work, and engage in ongoing opportunities.
- Participate in YWFC events, staff meetings, trainings, and staff development opportunities.
- Embody and model the values of the organization: Sisterhood/Siblinghood, Self-determination, social justice, and spirituality.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Deep familiarity in California and local site socio-political landscape and youth service providers, and passionate about youth, community development, issues of youth leadership.
- The person must be comfortable, mature and professional in interacting with diverse community partners, custody staff, students and colleagues with diverse heritage and backgrounds.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to interact. effectively with program participants, staff colleagues, board members, external stakeholders, and public speaking events.
- Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet and handle multiple deadlines and tasks simultaneously.
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suitel, and general computer/ internet use.
- Willingness and ability to grow professionally, be accountable, and to expand skills and adapt to evolving organization environments and constantly changing circumstances.
- Must be able to meet participants in the field and community, and attend external meetings outside of the designated office as an essential function of this role (Driver’s License Strongly preferred).
How To Apply:
To apply for the Self-Determination Coordinator position in San Francisco, please send your resume and a thoughtful, one-page cover letter using the form on this page.
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.
Application Deadline: 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.
