Organization Overview: Sheltering Arms strengthens the education, wellbeing, and development of
high-need children, adults, and families across the New York metro area. We serve nearly 20,000 people a
year from the South Bronx to Far Rockaway. Through compassion, innovation, and partnership, we
respond to our community’s greatest needs and enable individuals to reach the greatest heights of
their potential. Joining our team is an opportunity to collaborate with hundreds of dedicated colleagues who
represent diverse backgrounds and talents as we work together to make a measurable impact for our
neighbors in need. Every role at Sheltering Arms brings with it new opportunities for advancement and
development so that team members can achieve their professional goals while helping others reach for
theirs.

Job Summary: UP! (Unlimited Potential) Youth Coaches will serve as mentors to provide direct support
for youth ages 16-21 who are placed in our family foster care program. Coaches are full-time, trained
professionals who are matched with up to 15 young people ages 14 and older in foster care. Coaches meet
young people “where they are” and build a trusting relationship with them using an authentic,
trauma-informed, strength-based approach. In addition to providing weekly emotional support, Coaches
help young people make progress towards their academic, career development, housing/independent living,
and other life goals. When a young person is unsure of their goals/interests, Coaches help them explore and
expose them to potential opportunities. They then help young people connect to schools, programs, and
opportunities in line with their goals/interests, persist in those settings, and plan/prepare for the next step
on their journey. Coaches celebrate young people’s progress; if something doesn’t work out, Coaches help
young people reflect and connect to the next opportunity.

Coaches will receive training in youth engagement, coaching, and how to navigate the educational, career,
and housing systems and resources in NYC. They also have access to an array of voluntary professional
development supports, including 1:1 technical assistance and membership to a learning community with
Coaches from other NYC foster care agencies.
We respectfully ask for a minimum two-year commitment to this role, given the importance to young people
of having consistent, caring adults in their lives, and the significant investment our team will make into
supporting and developing Coaches.

• Meet face-to-face with each assigned young person at least monthly, either in the office or in the

• Work with young people to develop individualized academic and career goals based on their interests

• Work collaboratively with young people and the key adults in the young person’s life to support their

• Help young people achieve their goals utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and creative,

• Use an online platform each week to track contacts, young people’s goals, steps taken toward goals,

• Attend initial and ongoing training and other technical assistance or professional development

• Additional related functions as needed.

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