SWITCH Life Coach - Memphis Allies

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.

As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.

We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.

For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org

Program Overview:

Memphis Allies, launched by Youth Villages, is a bold, collaborative initiative designed to reduce gun violence and build safer, stronger neighborhoods across Memphis. The program brings together community groups, organizations, and local resources to expand opportunities for adults, youth, and their families while addressing the root causes of violence.

At the heart of this effort is the Support with Intent To Create Hope (SWITCH) model—an innovative approach that combines street outreach and life coaching with intensive clinical services and case management. Through SWITCH and SWITCH Youth, Memphis Allies staff identify, connect with, and support adults (ages 19 to 30) and youth (ages 12 to 19) at the highest risk of involvement in gun violence, who may have been recently arrested, on probation, or are re-entering the community after incarceration. By meeting individuals where they are and surrounding them with consistent support, Memphis Allies is working to build stability and safety, change lives, reduce gun violence, and strengthen communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The SWITCH Life Coach:

• Carries a case load of 6 to 8 adults and meets with participants at least once per week
• Successfully establishes a relationship with prospect and enrolls him/her in the Memphis Allies SWITCH program
• Conducts group sessions in collaboration with Clinical Specialists and/or other Life Coaches
• Helps participants develop their personalized life plan, working to understand his/her expressed short- and long-term goals (developing job skills, securing employment, etc.), lays out key milestones in achieving those goals, and works closely with case manager to determine necessary services for attaining milestones
•  Provides mentorship and unconditional support including:
  • Supporting clients through hardship during times of difficulty or loss
  • Day-to-day encouragement, guidance, and listening
  • Creating hope and clarifying a path forward for clients
  • Celebrating clients, who deserve to not only feel supported in times of challenge – but also recognized and appreciated for achievements, milestones, and important events.
• Responds to referrals—both those from Memphis Allies Outreach Workers and external partners—and makes immediate contact within 24 hours
• Establishes a positive and trusting relationship with each participant in-person
• Conducts outreach in the community to locate individuals identified as very high-risk
• Works with case manager and clinician to create an individualized treatment plan
• Uses relationship with each participant to begin to influence their decision making to improve outcomes
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings (including staff meetings, team meetings, case conferences, and quarterly booster training sessions)

• Provides on-call crisis support to youth and adults (schedules vary by location but require 24/7 availability)
• Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Additional Information:

• Schedule is flexible and non-traditional as it is based around the availability of the youth, adults, and families served.
• Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance.
• Community-based staff will be reimbursed for applicable mileage.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent (required)
• Must have lived in Memphis, TN for a minimum of two years (required)
• Credibility and cultural competency (required)
• Experience working with youth and families in need of crisis intervention (preferred)
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Basic computer knowledge
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Youth Villages Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision

• 401(k)

• Time off:

• • 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)

  • 12 paid sick days per year

  • 11 paid holidays

• Paid Parental Leave

• Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)

• Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision

• Growth & development through continuous training

• Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities

*Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.