Founded in 2002, the Treehouse Foundation is dedicated to inspiring a Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America. Our innovative collaborative social change efforts focus on two primary initiatives: the intergenerational Treehouse Community model and the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America Movement.
Treehouse is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, GLBTQ identified persons, and persons with disabilities to apply.
Open Positions
HEROES YOUTH LEADERSHIP DIRECTOR
Founded in 2002, Treehouse Foundation is dedicated to Re-Envisioning of Foster Care in America. Our collaborative social change efforts focus on two primary initiatives: the Intergenerational Treehouse Community model and the Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America (REFCA) Movement.
SUMMARY: Treehouse Foundation is seeking an inspired leader to develop, grow, implement, and oversee HEROES Youth Leadership. HEROES’ mission is to engage and empower young people, ages 14-24, who have experienced foster care in becoming change agents and community leaders. HEROES accomplishes its mission by integrating the arts, life skills development, community building, and youth-driven advocacy into its programs. Adult supporters and mentors who share that experience, and volunteer allies are an integral part of the HEROES support team. Building and maintaining strong collaborations with other nonprofits and child welfare agencies is a strong organizational commitment. This position is 25 - 30 hours per week, and reports to the Treehouse Community Facilitator.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop youth-centered programming in collaboration with youth, staff and partners
- Implement trauma-informed leadership development practices
- Partner with HEROES youth to define their needs, goals and interests
- Ensure that program activities are creative, engaging, and responsive to the emerging needs and goals of young people
- Plan, schedule, supervise and oversee program activities in accordance with goals and resources, including facilities and transportation
- Recruit, select, and orient HEROES participants in coordination with other staff
- Recruit, train and supervise volunteers and interns, including foster care alumni and community partners
- Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships with parents and caregivers, DCF and other local and national youth serving organizations
- Promote awareness about HEROES in the region and across the state
- Ensure that HEROES core values, Treehouse policies, and safety procedures are respected and followed during all program activities and events
- Prepare and maintain program and budget proposals, program materials, and contact lists
- Facilitate continual quality improvement through ongoing assessment with youth and organizational partners
- Establish and maintain consistent and meaningful data collection methods
- Ensure program design adheres to best practice standards for youth development and youth leadership
- Engage youth in understanding and contributing to policy and youth centered practices
- Prepare quarterly and yearly reports documenting participation, youth progress, feedback from youth, parents and partners, and program expenses
- Conduct funding research in partnership with Treehouse Foundation staff
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree with 5 years’ experience working with youth
- Successful experience designing, developing and coordinating youth programs
- Strong knowledge of and ability to integrate trauma-informed program design/practice
- Passion, understanding, and competence in working with foster care/adoption issues
- Well-honed professional capacity, including excellent organizational skills, written and spoken communication, dependability, creative problem solving and teamwork
- Desire to work in a non-traditional environment, integrating youth voices into program design and leadership
- Awareness of and deep respect for other cultures, values, identities and perspectives
- Successful experience leading groups
- Volunteer engagement and management, building and maintaining multi-disciplinary collaborations
- Familiarity with data collection, outcome measures, and evaluating programs
- Strong computer and social media skills – Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, LinkedIn
- Reliable transportation and driver’s license
- Capacity to work some evenings and weekends
PREFERRED
- Master’s degree in a related field, such as social work or counseling
- Lived experience with foster care is welcomed
This position is 25 - 30 hours per week at a rate of $24 - $26/hour, depending on education and experience. The position includes generous paid time off and 10 holidays.
TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter as pdf files to jobs@refca.net by November 1, 2018.
Treehouse is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, persons of color, GLBTQ identified persons, and persons with disabilities to apply.
We value and support diversity and inclusion, creating a culture of dignity and respect for our all members of our team and all program participants.
