Job Details

Careers by E mpowering Futures, Building Communities

Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA of Greater San Francisco offers more than just a job—we offer a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. At the Y, you can uncover your passion and build a lifelong career addressing some of the nation's most pressing social issues.

Our Organizational Culture

At the YMCA of Greater San Francisco , we are committed to demonstrating values that aim to building strong communities where you can Be, Belong and Become. With Truth & Courage, we strive to understand and act on individual and societal truths. We ensure a safe and inclusive environment with Authenticity & Accessibility, allowing everyone to participate according to their needs. Our approach is Dependable & Creative, as we respond to community needs through strong partnerships. Above all, we embody Dignity & Empathy, treating everyone with respect and compassion, and recognizing the inherent dignity in all individuals

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Site Director, the Student Success Advocate (SSA) works closely with the Student Support team to provide counseling, case management, and outreach services to youth and families, as well as serving as a Program Leader during the afterschool program. SSA will provide case management services to up to 20 students throughout the school year, in addition to students in need of drop-in support or crisis intervention. The SSA will also provide at least one weekly support group for students. Additional services of the SSA include intake, assessment, goal setting, plan development, advocacy, and referring students to appropriate resources and therapeutic support.

The Student Success Advocate must be available Monday – Friday during school and program hours. Hours may vary slightly in accordance with the SFUSD calendar and program needs, including some nights and weekends. The Student Success Advocate is not scheduled to work during the SFUSD holidays during the school year, including Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks.

Program Dates: August 18, 2025, to June 3, 2026

Minimum Qualification s

• 21+ Years old
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field; or 3+ years of relevant professional or life experience
• Must be available Monday – Friday, during school and program hours, with occasional nights and weekends
• Previous experience in mentoring, group facilitation, truancy interventions, collaboration with teachers and school personnel, and familiarity with school services and interventions
• Excellent organizational skills and multi-project/multi-task oriented, including experience scheduling and coordinating multiple fun and education-focused activities for youth
• Proven ability to work with people from a variety of different ethnic, socio-economic, educational, religious, sexual, and generational backgrounds
• Must have the ability to develop positive relationships with youth, adults, parents, staff, teachers, administration, and community members
• Understanding of community- and school-based programming based upon Youth Development Practices & Principles, the Common Core State Standards, and Restorative Practices
• Able to use various office computer programs, including Microsoft and Google products
• A passion for social justice and knowledge of the challenges faced by low-income San Francisco residents, and a desire to make a difference

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's Degree in related field
• Bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, Tagalog, or other languages
• 3+ years of experience working with multi-ethnic, multicultural school youth
• Understanding and experience with Trauma-Informed Systems in a school setting

Job Responsibilitie s

• Youth Case Management & Support
  • Develop a case management plan for each youth including intake/assessment, service plan and goals, ongoing progress notes, and evaluations.
  • Support youth facing a variety of challenges and circumstances through one-on-one meetings, advocacy, and referrals.
  • Work with a caseload of up to 20 youth throughout the school year, in addition to supporting youth during drop-in hours as needed.
  • Lead a weekly support group for students.
  • Maintain consistent contact with families of youth to provide positive feedback, assess for additional needs, and make referrals for support.
  • Document all interactions with clients in case files and report to the Site/Beacon Director.
  • Be familiar with support service agencies, their staff, and their programs.
• Work collaboratively with the Student Support Team to determine best fit between students assigned to SSA.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with school staff, including administration, counselors, social workers, teachers, and Academic Liaison.
• Participate in school site Student Assistance Program (SAP), Student Success Team (SST), and other meetings as necessary to provide coordination and socio-emotional support to youth and families.
• Work collaboratively with the Beacon/Site team to plan and attend school and community events, programs, and workshops.
• Work with Site/Beacon Director, Academic Coordinator, and other staff to develop a Leadership Track summer transition program for graduating students.
• Support program deliverables for the afterschool program, including youth outreach, academic tutoring, 1:1 goal setting sessions, and running leadership activities.
• Serve as a Program Leader during the afterschool program as needed, supervising groups of up to 20 students.
• Planning, Evaluation & Reporting
  • Develop and implement a personal goal-driven work plan and an annual action plan identifying program activities and deadlines for deliverables.
  • Participate in site's evaluation efforts including the Youth Program Quality Assessment process and administration of program surveys.
• Training, Compliance & Safety
  • Complete all mandatory ADP LMS safety training and Y-USA e-Learning before the first shift in the facility.
  • Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting, and risk management.
  • Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Demonstrate the Character Counts values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers, and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies and willingness to develop in the Cause Driven Leadership areas of:
  • Advancing our Mission and Cause
  • Building Relationships
  • Leading Operations
  • Developing & Inspiring Others
• Perform all other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position operates in a dynamic school and community-based environment, requiring frequent interaction with youth, families, and school staff. The role may involve moving between classrooms, offices, and outdoor spaces during programming and events. Physical demands include the ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, lift up to 25 pounds, and actively engage in youth activities. The schedule may include occasional evenings and weekends for events or special programming. The noise level can be moderate to high during group activities and youth programs.

Disclaimers

• Must successfully complete a background screening, including criminal and employment verification. Some positions may also require a credit check.
• All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions, subject to reasonable accommodation. The YMCA promotes an equal employment opportunity workplace, which includes reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified disabled applicants and employees. Please contact your manager if you have any questions about this policy or these job duties.
• This job description may not be all-inclusive, and employees are expected to perform other duties as assigned by management. Job descriptions and duties may be modified by management as needed.
• Job offers are conditional and contingent upon background clearance. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and CA Fair Chance Act, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.

Salary Description

The Student Success Advocate salary range is $22.00 – $26.00 Per Hour. Based on experience, qualifications, and alignment with salary benchmarks for similar roles. Compensation is in accordance with grant funding approval and program budget requirements.