Freedom School Site Coordinator

Lutheran Social Service MN is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults and military veterans.  Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve.  We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize and rewards employees.  Consider joining us!

The role of the Freedom School Site Coordinator is to provide community-based advocacy services focused on the following: youth mentoring, academic engagement and performance, diversion from the criminal justice system, basic needs support, parent support and connection to services, and other family needs for youth on probation.

The site coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and serves as the supervisor for one CDF Freedom Schools program location. It is recommended that the site coordinator has served as a CDF Freedom Schools servant leader intern and should be capable of leading an intergenerational staff. The site coordinator should be committed to the goals of the program, able to work collaboratively with all program constituents and familiar with the culture and dynamics of the community.

Job Requirements:

• Attentive to details
• An Associate's degree or Bachelor’s degree in youth studies, social services, African/African American studies or a related field is preferred.
• 2-3 years’ experience running programs for youth experiencing higher barriers to success.
• Servant Leader Intern experience at a CDF Freedom Schools site is required.
• Interpersonal and Management skills, sufficient to lead and motivate an intergenerational staff.
• Ability to translate a strategic plan into direct implementation.
• Ability to motivate others and lead long-term planning.
• Demonstrated commitment to the success and well-being of children.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A mature and professional demeanor that consistently displays positive behavior and attitudes.
• Strong appreciation and understanding of individual cultural history and the willingness to be open and respectful of other cultures.
• Ability to stand on feet for 3-4 hours at a time for field trips and in class presentations.
• 2-3 years working with diverse youth populations experiencing a variety of barriers such as truancy, engagement with the criminal justice system, poverty, homelessness, behavioral health issues and lack of a positive and supportive social circle.
• To provide adequate social work practices, the incumbent must draw on the ability to empathize, problem solve, and the ability to accept people unconditionally with an openness to new ideas.
• Ability to interpret policies and guidelines, the incumbent must draw on analytical abilities.
• Tested understanding and proven knowledge of counseling theory and techniques, social support systems, advocacy, youth stages of development and case management in terms of providing services to individuals or families in crisis.
• The ability to successfully pass a comprehensive background check.
• Strong communication skills, written and oral.
• A driver's license and current insurance is required.

Lutheran Social Service of MN is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. It is the expectation that all LSS/CHS employees will behave in a manner that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.