Learning Center Coordinator (542) bei Lutheran Services Florida (LSF)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant. 

LSF is seeking a talented Learning Center Coordinator who wants to make an impact in the lives of others. 

Purpose and Impact:  

The Lakeside Learning Center Coordinator provides staff leadership and coaching, as well as essential guidance, support, and encouragement to teen mothers and youth at risk of sex trafficking residing in our group home. This position is crucial in equipping teens with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to successfully navigate their transition into independent adulthood. Coordinators’ role is to lead, guide and coach mentors and volunteers working with the youth.  Also, to work collaboratively with youth to develop and implement individualized academic, vocational, and life skills plans, fostering an environment of growth and empowerment as they transition into adulthood. This is a direct care position and is not eligible for remote work.

Essential Functions:

Leadership and Staff Coordination:

• Provide direction, guidance, and support to learning center staff, volunteers, and tutors.
• Assign daily responsibilities and monitor task completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for learning center operations during assigned shifts.
•  Communicate program updates and concerns to management and case staff.
• Ensure all activities comply with organizational policies, licensing regulations, and safety standards.
• Respond promptly to incidents and document according to policy.
• Model positive, respectful behavior in alignment with the home’s values and mission.
• Maintain an engaging, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.

Academic Support & Educational Planning:

• Assist youth with their academic studies, providing tutoring, transporting and support, and assessments as needed.
• Guide and support youth in registering for and navigating online educational platforms.
• Facilitate engagement with Florida literacy programs and other educational resources to enhance foundational skills.
• Collaborate with youth to develop comprehensive education plans that align with their long-term goals including assessment testing. 

Vocational & Career Development:

• Lead vocational exploration activities, helping youth understand the connection between educational choices and various career paths with appropriate assessments.
• Facilitate the creation of career posters and other visual aids as projects to deepen vocational understanding.
• Provide transportation as needed for developing skills.
• Actively explore and facilitate opportunities for internships and apprenticeships with youth when possible, connecting them with real-world work experiences.
• Provide guidance on resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies.

Life Skills & Overall Service Plan Implementation:

• Work closely with youth to develop and implement their individualized life skills plans, covering areas such as financial literacy, healthy relationships, personal care, parenting classes, mommy & me activities and independent living.
• Integrate academic, vocational, and life skills goals into the youth's overall service plan upon admission, ensuring a holistic approach to their development.
• Provide practical support and coaching for daily living activities and problem-solving and spiritual growth.

Other Functions:

• Encourage and facilitate involvement in extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or volunteering opportunities to promote personal growth, social skills, and community integration.
• Serve as a consistent and positive role model, offering emotional support and encouragement.
• Assist with healthy snack/lunch planning and meal prep for various activities
• Advocate for the youth's needs and interests within the group home and with external partners.
• Maintain accurate records of progress, challenges, and achievements for each youth.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods to facilitate lessons, observe activities, or complete documentation.
• Frequent movement within the facility, including walking between classrooms, offices, and activity spaces.
• Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and lift up to 25 pounds to set up materials, move equipment, or assist youth with projects.
• Sufficient hand–eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate a computer, handle educational materials, and use standard office and classroom equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and by phone to provide instruction, guidance, and support to youth and staff.
• Capability to monitor and respond to student behavior and safety concerns quickly and effectively, which may require short bursts of physical activity.
• Adequate vision and hearing (corrected or uncorrected) to read materials, observe group activities, and respond to verbal cues and safety alerts.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Experience:

•  Minimum two years' proven experience working with diverse youth, preferably in a residential or group home setting

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

•  Must have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, communication, interpersonal, and mentoring skills.
•  Must have leadership qualities and problem-solving skills. 
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine commitment to well-being and development of youth.
• Able to work independently and with minimal supervision (initiative), and as a team.
• Initiative and follow through to ensure all assignments are completed.
• Ability to work non-traditional schedules.

Other:

• Ability to successfully pass a Level II background screening and drug test. 
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record for last (2) years. 

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports to Life Skills and Education Manager.
• Must be a team player.
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports and documentation.
• Effective working relationship with clients.
• Adherence to LSF policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF? 

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.   

Amazing benefits package including: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Telehealth (24/7 online access to Doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary)
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy (starting at 16 working days a year)
  • Note: Head Start employees paid time off and holiday schedule may differ
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match OR 3% student loan repayment reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement

LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.