School Liaison-Prosocial Coordinator/ Youth Diversion & Prevention

Description

Salary: Base Salary $29/hour ($60,320 annually) $1/hour bilingual differential ($2,080 annually) Grant based funded position

Join our team of passionate change-makers and advance health equity across Santa Cruz County. Encompass offers endless opportunities to create a lasting difference in our community and provide professional growth with multiple paths toward your future career.

About Us

Encompass Community Services provides our Santa Cruz community – from San Lorenzo Valley to Watsonville - with nearly 40 health and human services programs that support youth and families, early childhood education, behavioral health, housing, and more. We work every day to make health, education, and housing equitable for all people in Santa Cruz County. For nearly 50 years, our work has touched generations by helping people access education, rebuild relationships, restore their health and wellness, and regain dignity.

We Take Pride In Offering Comprehensive Training And Professional Development Opportunities Each Year For All Direct Service Team Members Including (but Not Limited To)

• Motivation Interviewing
• Trauma-Informed Care Practices
• Community Resiliency Model
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy Practices
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
• Cultural/Racial Awareness and Equity
  
  

Our guiding philosophy in Encompass Youth Services emphasizes compassion, respect, and collaboration with the intention of creating conditions that allow youth and families to feel valued and engaged throughout their service experience. We promote the health and well-being by offering guided opportunities to acquire the skills and resources necessary to build self-esteem, establish healthy relationships, and make positive life choices.

We Are Committed To The Following Core Values

• Client-Centered – Collaborative and respectful of individual needs, and values of each client
• Culturally Responsive – Respectful and responsive to the values and cultural framework of diverse populations
• Strength-Based – Recognizing and building upon client strengths, resources, and resilience
• Trauma-Informed – Understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of trauma and the need for safety and choice in the client’s treatment.
  
  

Position Overview

The School Liaison/Pro-Social Coordinator plays a critical role in supporting at-risk youth by working closely with schools to monitor attendance, track academic progress, and identify needs for intervention. This position also collaborates with community organizations to provide youth with access to resources, pro-social activities, and mentorship opportunities. The coordinator will facilitate engagement in community programs, attending school meetings, and ensuring they have the necessary support to succeed academically and socially. This position is based in Santa Cruz and serves Santa Cruz, Capitola, Scotts Valley, and San Lorenzo Valley youth.

Supervision Received And Exercised

This position operates with limited supervision, requiring independent judgment in case management, school collaboration, and youth support services.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Partner with schools to track youth attendance, academic performance, and behavioral concerns.
• Conduct student needs assessments and coordinate support services with educators, counselors, and social workers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with school districts, administrators, and alternative education programs to support intervention efforts.
• Provide case management, including referrals to educational resources, tutoring programs, and mental health services.
• Act as a liaison between youth, families, schools, law enforcement, and community-based organizations.
• Monitor youth progress, maintain case documentation, and conduct follow-ups to ensure ongoing support.
• Organize, facilitate and support pro-social activities, workshops, community outings to engage youth in positive experiences and family engagement events.
• Provide mentorship, peer counseling, and crisis intervention as needed.
• Support youth to attend community programs, appointments, and activities that contribute to their well-being and development.
• Assist in grant reporting, data collection, and maintaining compliance with program requirements.
• Ensure culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches in working with youth and families.
  
  

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• School-based intervention strategies and educational support services.
• Local community resources and pro-social opportunities for at-risk youth.
• Principles of case management, crisis intervention, and mentorship.
• Strategies for youth engagement, behavior modification, and positive reinforcement.
• Challenges faced by youth, including academic barriers, mental health concerns, and family instability.
• Juvenile justice diversion programs and the role of education in preventing justice system involvement.
  
  

Ability To

• Conduct school-based assessments and develop individualized support plans for youth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with school staff, community organizations, and law enforcement partners.
• Effectively communicate with youth, families, and professionals in both educational and community settings.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical case management standards.
• Utilize technology, including databases, spreadsheets, and case management software.
• Work independently, make informed decisions, and solve problems effectively.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Education or training in social work, psychology, education, or a related field.
• Experience in school-based case management, youth counseling, or community outreach.
• Familiarity with juvenile justice diversion programs and trauma-informed care principles.
• A valid Class C California Driver’s License and a clean driving record.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, and reach for prolonged periods.
• Capability to conduct school visits, home visits, and community outreach in various environments.
• Work in both office settings and school/community-based locations
  
  

We prioritize the well-being of our team as much as the community we serve. Our comprehensive health benefits reflect this commitment. We offer full-time employees medical and dental insurance plan that ensures peace of mind for themselves and their families. We go beyond traditional care by also offering our employees acupuncture and chiropractic, embracing a holistic approach to health that aligns with our values of care and compassion.

Our team’s future matters just as much as the present. That’s why we offer a 403(b) retirement plan, providing a foundation for a secure retirement. We also recognize the need for work-life balance, so Encompass offers a competitive package of 17 vacation days, 12 sick days, and 14 additional paid holidays. These benefits are thoughtfully pro-rated for part-time positions, affirming our commitment to fairness and flexibility.