Job Title: Transitional Coach  

Reports to: Director of Transitional Coaching 

Type: Full-Time 

Category: Transitional Coach 

Pay Grade: $55,000 plus benefits 

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About UTEC Inc.:

UTEC’s promise is to ignite and nurture the ambition of our most disengaged youth to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success. UTEC’s outcomes-focused model begins with intensive street outreach, reaching proven high-risk youth where they’re at. UTEC engages youth in workforce development and educational programs and provides mental health services and intensive case management. Social justice and civic engagement are embedded in all programming. For more info, please visit www.utecinc.org.

UTEC is committed to its vision for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion which pledges to honor the lived experiences and expertise of individuals; create community and celebration of cultures; challenge all forms of oppression; and embody a culture that leans into discomfort and recognizes it as a growth opportunity. UTEC is dedicated to fair and equitable compensation practice, the health, mental health, and overall well-being of young adults and staff and to creating an environment that supports work-life balance and the individual and professional growth of all.

We strongly encourage people of color, individuals from historically marginalized communities, and those with lived experience related to the communities we serve to apply. UTEC is also proud to be a second-chance employer. We believe that past involvement with the legal system should not be a barrier to meaningful employment, and we welcome applicants regardless of criminal record.

Job Summary: 

UTEC’s Transitional Coaches (TCs) support young adults in our Workforce Development Program (WFD). This role is all about building strong relationships and helping young people stay on track.

As a TC, you will check in regularly with young adults, help them set goals, and create plans to help them achieve short-term and long-term success. You will support young adults through challenges with housing, food, or other life needs and connect them to resources in the community. You’ll work closely with other UTEC staff (WFD Program Managers, UTEC’s mental health counselors, educators, etc) and help young adults manage their web of support. 

For many young adults, their TC becomes a trusted, long-term support in their life.

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Manage a group (caseload) of young adults who need extra support
• Check in with each young adult at least once a week
• Meet one-on-one regularly (at least 4 longer meetings each month)
  • New participants will need more frequent check-ins (about 2 times per week)
• Keep notes and track progress using UTEC’s system (Quickbase)
• Knowledge of resources and services in the Merrimack Valley (or other nearby communities) and/or willingness to learn about resources that are appropriate for UTEC young adults
• Help young adults get what they need (food, housing, IDs, childcare, etc.) at all stages of the program 
• Help remove barriers so they can show up and stay engaged in the program
• Work closely with program staff to support each young adult’s progress
• Build relationships with local partners to make referrals easier
• Step in during urgent or crisis situations to provide support
• Help with events, trips, and retreats
• Lead or support workshops related to life skills and/or restorative justice 
• Reach out to young adults who have stopped attending and help re-engage them

What We’re Looking For: 

• Commitment: You care deeply about young people and believe in their potential.  
• Relentless: You don't give up on people, even when things get hard. Proactively reaches out to young adults,  can see them succeed even when they cannot see it themselves, uses innovative methods to contact and develop relationships with young adults 
• Relationship Builder:  You are comfortable building relationships with all kinds of people, including young adults, colleagues, and community partners.  
• Controlled Response: You remain calm in stressful situations 
• Coachable: You are open to feedback and always learning
• Team Player: You work well on a team and uphold UTEC’s mission, values, and vibe
• Adaptable: You're organized and willing to learn new systems/technology 
• Curiosity: You’re curious and like to learn more about how to better support people 
• Drive: Eager to do an excellent job and passionate about the work you’re doing
• Sense of Humor: You bring a positive attitude (the ability to laugh at oneself is a must!!)
• Flexibility: You can work some evenings or weekends when needed (about 2 times a month)

Qualifications: 

• You have access to a car and can travel between Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill
• Bilingual in Spanish/English is preferred 

Education and Experience: 

• At least 2 years of experience working with young people (youth development, case management, or similar work)
• A college degree is helpful but not required
  • We strongly value lived experience, especially if you’ve faced similar challenges or come from a similar community

Physical Requirements: 

• Able to sit and work at a computer when needed
• Able to stand for long periods during program activities
• Able to lift up to 25 lbs regularly (up to 50 lbs occasionally)
• Able to move, bend, and reach as needed