The Choice Program

The mission of The Choice Program is to strengthen communities through innovative, family focused strategies that connect youth to opportunities for positive choices. The mission is accomplished using a culturally responsive, trauma-responsive, community based approach that identifies and links the youth and families with social supports; fosters caring relationships; develops high expectations; and provides meaningful participation in youth-centered, community based activities.

The Choice Program Service Coordinator provides high-quality, high-impact direct services to young people involved with the Department of Juvenile Services through community-based youth and family engagement. This position support the organization’s efforts to 1) disentangle young people from the youth legal system 2) improve wellbeing through goal creation and attainment and 3) increase economic opportunities for young people through vocational training.

The position works within The Choice Program to provide mentoring and advocacy services to young people throughout central Maryland. The Choice Program utilizes an anti-racist, community based, family-centered approach to promote high-quality outcomes for young people and families. The Choice Program engages in a collaborative process of service where young people set goals for themselves and are held accountable by supportive adults along the way. The program’s approach to youth development is grounded in applied critical race theory and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practices. The Choice Program employees strive to build an anti-racist organization grounded in several core values, including holistic development, belief in humans and youth-centeredness.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing in-person, community-based mentoring and advocacy to young people ensuring high-quality, high-impact service delivery
• Assisting young people with goal planning and achievement
• Documenting and reporting on engagement efforts with young people and families, both internally with other Choice team members and externally with the Department of Juvenile Services
• Collaborating with Choice AmeriCorps Member Mentors to facilitate and coordinate activities for young people on evenings and weekends
• Attending organizational and regular team meetings
• Engaging in training opportunities to foster positive youth development

• Bachelor's Degree required
• One year of experience working, or volunteering, in youth development programming, youth advocacy, K-12 education or a related field
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle where you are on the insurance

Note: A Master's Degree or 15 graduate level credits in an accredited graduate program may be substituted for the one year of required experience.

• Experience mentoring youth
• Experience working or volunteering for an organization, institution, or company with, or personally having, a strong commitment to anti-racist practices, equity and inclusion
• Customer Relations Management (CRM)/information database experience
• Fluency in Spanish a plus

A background check will be required.

Upload a cover letter and a resume.

Accommodation:

If you require a reasonable accommodation for a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact the Human Resources Department at 410-455-2337 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.