Are you an enthusiastic go-getter who values building community connections? Do you have experience engaging and empowering youth toward their full-potential? Would you like being part of a progressive nonprofit organization that supports and empowers youth with disabilities and their families? If so, consider PEAK Parent Center's team!

About this Position:

Job Purpose

The Youth Trainer & Mentor is responsible for creating an environment through training, group facilitation, coaching and mentoring where young people with disabilities (ages 16-21) can engage in learning activities to build skills in self-advocacy, leadership, career development, self-sufficiency, as well as enhance their personal and social skills. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic go-getter who values building community connections and demonstrates experience in effectively relating and empowering youth. 

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Co-lead/facilitate two to four trainings per year throughout Colorado for up to 30 youth with varying disabilities. 

• Provide structure that facilitates youth participation and engagement by involving youth as planners, researchers, content reviewers, facilitators, advocates, and giving  perspective regarding youth activities and effectiveness.

• Coach and empower youth to apply and feel confident in using their learned skills. 

• Foster peer-to-peer relationships and support to build and broaden youth social skills and networks.

• Provide individual support and informational resources to youth and their families. Connect families with Peak Parent Advisors, as appropriate.

• Support outreach activities by participating in events and circulating information about PEAK services and resources to families and educators of youth with disabilities. 

• Assist in leading the Youth Leadership Summit at the annual conference.

• Reach out to schools and groups to secure opportunities for youth training events. 

• Support PEAK’s fundraising efforts by helping to bring in co-sponsors and silent auction items for the organization’s annual conference and fundraising event.

• Perform all other duties as assigned, including conducting evaluations, writing reports, and attending regular staff meetings. 

Education and Formal Training

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of related education and experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Experience identifying the needs of young people and meeting those needs through structured, intentional activities that satisfy those needs

• Understanding of social justice issues, special education laws, system change strategies, and best practice in inclusive education

• A strong commitment to youth with disabilities and an understanding of the factors affecting their lives

• Experience with training and facilitation

• Expertise with online communication 

• Ability to provide reliable support and act with integrity in times of stress

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen and establish good relationships with young people

• Patience, tolerance and flexibility

• A sense of adventure and a willingness to try new things

• Excellent communication skills for presentations, report writing and funding applications

• Ability to treat young people's concerns with respect, tact and sensitivity, while being aware of the limits that are required by confidentiality and the boundaries that govern the youth/youth worker relationship

Other Job Requirements

• Hold a current Colorado Driver’s license and have a dependable vehicle with valid insurance. 

• Must undergo a background check, including a fingerprint based background check. 

• Must follow proper safety procedures when performing physical job tasks. 

• Participate in staff development activities as assigned.

Preferred

• Has experience working with youth

• Bi-lingual (English and Spanish language) skills preferred

• A letter of interest
• A current resume
• PEAK Parent Center Application for Employment
• Contact information for three business references

No phone calls please. Application packets are currently being accepted via:

• Email: apply@peakparent.org
• Mail: PEAK Parent Center, Attn: Human Resources, 917 E. Moreno Avenue, Suite 140, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
• FAX: 719.531.9452, Attn: Human Resources

PEAK Parent Center is an equal opportunity employer.