The Youth Essential Coordinator (YEC) plays a vital role in implementing REAP’s core youth development programs at designated public schools within the Portland metropolitan area. This position requires close collaboration with educators, counselors, and students to support academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and leadership development. In addition to general school-based programming, the YEC Solutions Program is a year-round leadership initiative that elevates student voice among business and community leaders. As REAP’s flagship program, Solutions was founded on the belief that “you are not the problem but the solution,” and aims to affirm and empower youth as changemakers within their communities. 

The YEC is responsible for coordinating school-based activities and community leadership opportunities, organizing events, and providing consistent, direct support to youth participants. This role reports to and receives guidance from the Youth District Service Manager (YDSM) to ensure effective program delivery and alignment with REAP’s mission and goals. Strong project management, effective communication with diverse stakeholders, and the ability to navigate emotionally complex environments are essential. The YEC is also responsible for maintaining accurate program documentation and reporting to track progress toward organizational outcomes.

Essential Functions

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

Duties and responsibilities emphasized in the Solutions Program:

• Facilitate School Programming: Conduct lunch or afterschool programs twice a week.
• Programming Prep & Planning: Prepare and plan program activities and curriculum.
• Check-Ins with Students: Regularly meet with students to provide support and guidance.
• Recruitment for Programming: Actively recruit students to participate in the Solutions program.

Additional Program Specific Requirements:

• Facilitate REAP core programs at assigned schools in collaboration with teachers and counselors.
• Attend weekly meetings at REAP headquarters, as well as onsite program meetings.
• Coordinate and assist with program reporting, including monthly and annual data analysis.
• Research and manage community leadership opportunities for students; coordinate related events with a focus on leadership and business innovation.
• Conduct classroom visits to monitor school climate trends and provide support as needed.
• Hold weekly one-on-one student advocacy meetings, managing a caseload of up to 60 students.
• Handle confidential information responsibly and adhere to all mandatory reporting guidelines.
• Utilize conflict resolution strategies and actively build these skills with students.
• Engage in outreach with students, administrators, teachers, families, and community organizations.
• Serve as a mediator between students and school staff when necessary.
• Effectively manage projects, teach, and facilitate classroom activities.
• Promote REAP programs through site-specific branding and marketing efforts.
• Support students with coursework and adapt curriculum as needed to meet diverse learning needs.
• Plan and coordinate student field trips.
• Communicate regularly with school administration regarding program progress, student needs, and areas for improvement.
• Assist students in preparing to advocate for themselves at school board meetings or similar forums.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to discuss school climate issues and co-develop solutions.
• Recruit students to participate in REAP programming.
• Maintain a visible presence during school passing periods to build rapport and ensure student safety.
• Ensure program presentation slides are updated in preparation for monthly all-staff meetings.
• Provide academic support to students who are struggling to stay on top of their coursework.
• Understanding of and commitment to customer service and REAP’s core values.

Core Competencies

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Maintains professionalism and a positive service attitude at all times.
• Demonstrates integrity and strong values through consistent action. Proactive, reliable, and consistent.
• Teamwork – demonstrates positive attitude and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills. Possess exceptional problem-solving skills.
• Efficiency Orientation – gets the most out of limited resources while achieving quality results.
• Flexibility – responds to changes and others’ ideas comfortably. Ability to exercise tact and judgement in working with a broad variety of people. Strong cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.
• Ability to successfully multi-task and demonstrate flexibility with prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and degree of importance. Ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
• Mature Confidence – approaches others assertively, responsibly, and supportively.
• Integrity – Demonstrates honesty and strong values through consistent action.
• Emotional intelligence - The ability to truly understand what everyone on the team needs to thrive and feel fulfilled.
• Ability to set clear social emotional boundaries with staff and students.
• Results driven and ability to work in fast paced and emotionally intense environments.
• Excellent organizational, attention to detail, and time management skills.
• Sharp listening skills and critical thinker. Excellent research skills and strong project management skills.
• Self-motivated, ability to work independently.
• Ability to build relationships provide exceptional service attitude. Excellent people skills.
• Ability to manage unexpected challenges with a calm and professional demeanor.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not manage a team.

Work Environment

This position operates primarily within a typical office and/or school setting, involving desk work, computer use, in-person and phone communication, note-taking, and the use of standard office equipment (e.g., computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets). The role requires the ability to navigate and perform effectively in emotionally and physically challenging environments while working with students, staff, and families. Flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks and settings are essential. The position involves frequent interaction in both indoor and outdoor community environments, which may include walking, standing, and engaging in conversations in potentially loud or crowded spaces.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Regular duties include talking, hearing, and general mobility within school and office environments.

While largely a sedentary role, occasional filing is required, along with participation in field trips or external events, which may necessitate physical activity. This role occasionally requires lifting office supplies or files (up to 25 pounds), and tasks such as opening filing cabinets and bending or standing.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position, located onsite at a REAP-designated school and/or the REAP corporate headquarters, as assigned by your supervisor. The position also requires occasional availability for evening and weekend events. The main office is located at 10808 NE Halsey St., Portland, OR 97220.

Travel

No regular travel is anticipated outside of the assigned school site and REAP headquarters. Occasional travel may be required for trainings or other organization-related needs, as directed.

Education/Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social services, teaching, and/or related field is preferred but not required.
• Two (2) plus years of experience working with school aged youth in group scenarios preferably in an academic and/or enrichment environment.
• This role requires employees to be a minimum of 21 years or older.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and community partners.
• Understanding of behavioral regulation, de-escalation, and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work with a variety of marginalized communities and high-risk youth.
• Understanding of supporting and working with multicultural youth and/or communities.
• Working knowledge of networking and fundraising skills is preferred but not required.
• Prior experience with documentation for case management and grant related purposes is preferred but not required.
• Bilingual capabilities and classroom management skills is preferred but not required.

AAP/EEO/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

REAP is committed to bringing together humans from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe and welcoming work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We strive to create a diverse & inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do impactful work together. As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit any unlawful discrimination against a job applicant on the basis of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability*, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and are dedicated to going above and beyond in fostering diversity across our workplace. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence compensation, and training.

*Employees with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on REAP.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with out without notice.

Salary : $22 - $25