Careers at UCA

POSITION: Administrative Assistant
FLSA: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time
HOURS: 40 Hours per week
EFFECTIVE:

The Administrative Assistant supports the Executive Director at Urban Community Alliance (UCA) and serves as a key liaison to the executive management team, board of directors, and UCA staff. This role manages executive communications, coordinates outreach and external relations, and oversees special projects. The Administrative Assistant is highly organized, an excellent communicator, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. They must exercise sound judgement, balance multiple priorities, work independently on projects from conception to completion, and handle confidential information with discretion.

Urban Community Alliance (UCA) is a non-profit organization located in New Haven, CT. Visit our website to learn more about us http://urbancommunityalliance.org. UCA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class status in its employment practices.

Responsibilities:

Executive Support

• Manages and coordinates the Executive Director’s schedule, ensuring all commitments are prioritized, organized, and executed seamlessly.
• Prioritizes conflicting needs and resolves issues proactively and expeditiously. Ensures on-time completion of projects assigned.
• Works closely and communicates effectively with the Executive Director regarding upcoming appointments, events, and organizational commitments.
• Researches, prioritizes, and manages incoming issues and concerns directed to the Executive Director, including those of a sensitive or confidential nature, and ensures appropriate follow-through and effective resolution.
• Maintains confidentiality of personal protected information (PII) and organizational information.
• Composes and distributes mass emails, correspondence, letters, and forms with accuracy and professionalism.
• Serves as the Executive Director’s administrative liaison to the leadership team.
• Assists UCA with marketing, social media design, and implementation of campaigns. 
• Organizes correspondence, files documents, and tracks deadlines or projects and programs.
• Provides a bridge for smooth communication between the Executive Director and internal departments.
• Coordinates use of a conference room.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Supports the executive team in coordinating the Executive Director and UCA’s outreach activities.
• Follows up on contacts made by the Executive Director and supports the cultivation and maintenance of ongoing professional relationships.
• Edits and prepares letters from the Executive Director to partners, funders, and stakeholders. 
• Demonstrates expert-level written and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications:

• Outstanding organizational skills that reflect the ability to perform and prioritize multiple tasks seamlessly, with excellent attention to detail. 
• Very strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff, board members, external partners, and donors.
• Demonstrated expert-level written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated a high level of resourcefulness and teamwork with the ability to be effective independently.
• Proven ability to prioritize competing demands, protect confidential information, and demonstrate the highest level of customer/client service.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment and achieve high-performance goals.
• Forward-looking thinker who actively seeks opportunities and proposes solutions to support the mission of UCA.

Education and experience requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred. 
• Demonstrated experience supporting executives, preferably in a nonprofit organization
• Experience in internal and external communications, partnership development, and fundraising.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange, Windows operating systems, Adobe Acrobat, and Social Media web platforms. 

Physical Demands:

• Frequently stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or equipment, reach with hands and arms, balance, talk or hear. 
• Occasionally climb stairs, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Able to sit at a desk working at a computer workstation keyboarding and performing routine clerical duties.
• Able to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.

Interested Candidates: Submit resume and letter of interest to pepe.vega@ucainc.org
Urban Community Alliance Operations at maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org,
(203) 786-5970 X. 4110.

POSITION: Youth Diversion Program Manager
REPORTS TO: Senior Operations / Executive Director
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-Time / New Haven, CT
HOURS: 40 Hours per week

Urban Community Alliance (UCA) is seeking a Youth Diversion Program Manager to lead our Youth Diversion Team (YDT), a community-based alternative to formal juvenile justice involvement. This leadership role is responsible for the overall management, coordination, implementation, and quality assurance of diversion services designed to reduce recidivism, strengthen family connections, and promote positive youth development.

The Program Manager oversees daily program operations, staff supervision, youth referrals, case oversight, restorative practices, family engagement, community partnerships, program outcomes, and contractual compliance. Working closely with youth, families, schools, courts, law enforcement, and community providers, this position helps ensure participants receive individualized support that promotes accountability, educational success, workforce readiness, and long-term well-being.

Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership and oversight for all Youth Diversion Team operations.
• Ensure program implementation aligns with contractual requirements, organizational goals, and evidence-informed diversion practices.
• Supervise program staff and support professional development.
• Monitor program effectiveness, outcomes, reporting, and compliance requirements.
• Assist with strategic planning, program development, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Youth, Family & Community Engagement

• Review referrals and oversee case management services to ensure timely youth and family engagement.
• Promote meaningful family engagement throughout the diversion process.
• Facilitate and support restorative justice practices that promote accountability, healing, and positive youth development.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, courts, law enforcement agencies, and community providers.
• Support crisis intervention efforts and connect youth and families with appropriate resources and services.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Youth Development, Public Administration, or a related Human Services field (Masters preferred).
• Minimum of three years of experience working with at-risk youth, justice-involved youth, or youth-serving programs.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory or program management experience preferred.
• Experience working with juvenile justice systems, schools, courts, law enforcement, and community providers.
• Knowledge of adolescent development and youth engagement strategies.
• Understanding of restorative justice principles and diversion programming.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practices.
• Strong case management, family engagement, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and case management databases.

Required Credentials:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to pass all required background and screening requirements.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred or willingness to obtain.

Mission Alignment

The Youth Diversion Program Manager plays a critical role in advancing Urban Community Alliance’s mission by helping youth avoid deeper justice-system involvement while strengthening family connections, promoting accountability, increasing access to community resources, and creating pathways toward educational success, workforce readiness, positive decision-making, and long-term well-being.

Interested Candidates: Submit resume and letter of interest to Maguena Deslandes, Senior Operations: maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org
Urban Community Alliance., (203) 786-5970 X. 4110.

Position: VETTS Mentor (Veterans Empowering Teens Through Support)
Reports To: VETTS Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non Exempt
Last Revised: 9/11/2024

VETTS Requirements

A. Nature of Work: VETTS employees are responsible for assisting youth involved in the prison and court system, to develop positive and supportive relationships within their home, and at risk for community violence. VETTS will involve the program participants in pro-social activities, assist with implementing goals, and provide academic support, life skills training, and employment skill exposure. VETTS employees must maintain high professionalism while representing Urban Community Alliance and the VETTS program while out in the community.

B. Commitment Time: Clients receive a minimum of 3 contacts weekly.

C. Examples of Work:
➔ Volunteering in the community
➔ Exploring colleges within the state
➔ Exploring Job Corp opportunities
➔ Assist youth in finding employment
➔ Assist youth in making choices that will not involve legal involvement
➔ Explore career choice
➔ Plan for immediate and future goals

Taking the youth into the community to explore pro-social activities and teaching independent living skills such as (but not limited to):
➔ Learning how to compare prices before making a purchase
➔ Learning where and how to shop for clothing and groceries
➔ Learning how to change a tire/car maintenance
➔ Learning how to wash and fold clothes
➔ Learning how to take the bus
➔ Learning how to take the train (within the state)
➔ Learning about & attending free pro-social activities in the community

D. Qualifications:

1. Must be able to utilize verbal de-escalation techniques should youth need assistance appropriate behaviors in the community.
2. Must be of good moral character and sound judgment.
3. Must be capable of gathering facts and information, without violating a youth’s
   confidentiality, regarding negative behaviors that may need to be reported to the proper source.
4. Must be able to submit written reports about time spent with the youth at their scheduled supervision meeting.
5. Must be willing to complete a two-week on-the-job training session before meeting with a client.
6. Must communicate effectively and coherently with referring agencies: Department of Children and Families, Connecticut Juvenile /Adult Court, Parole, Probation, and the local police department.
7. Must be able to transport the youth to and from scheduled meetings with VETTS mentors.
8. Must be able to communicate effectively with people including the youth and family.
9. Must be able to assist youth to mediate disputes with parole/probation, peers, and their family in a manner that promotes appropriate tone and affect.
10. Must be able to endure verbal abuse when confronting youth that are involved and accept hostile views and opinions that the youth may have about a person or situation.
11. Must pass a background investigation. Candidates must not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions.
12. Must have a reasonable amount of time to commit to the youth’s contracted hours, supervision requirements, and note-writing.
13. Must attend periodic Urban Community Alliance staff training.
14. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be capable of operating their vehicle.
15. Must possess good judgment regarding the weather and transporting a youth in a vehicle.
16. Must have or be willing to obtain CPR/First Aid/AED certification.
17. Must complete a 6-month probationary period.

E. Salary: $22.50 per hour.

F. Hours: 20 hours per week. There is some flexibility in the hours. 1⁄2 hour per child is required for supervision.

G. Requirements:

• Must be 21+
• Must have your registered vehicle
• Must have a valid driver’s license and insurance
• Must submit to the following background checks: CPS, DMV, Police background
• Must have an Honorable discharge from the military (if discharged)
• Must have a high school diploma
• Must not have a felony

The following requirements are preferred but not required:

• Advanced college degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
• Prior experience with youth, young adults, and adults.

Interested Candidates: Submit resume and letter of interest to pepe.vega@ucainc.org 
Urban Community Alliance Operations at maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org,
(203) 786-5970 X. 4110.

Position: Social Service Coordinator
Program: Connecticut Project Longevity Intensive Case Management Services
Status: Part-Time, 10 Hours Per Week
Compensation: $35.00 per hour (Grant – Funded Position)
Reports To: Program Manager
Location: Greater New Haven, Connecticut

Position Summary

Urban Community Alliance (UCA) is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented Program Coordinator to provide administrative and operational support for the Connecticut Project Longevity Intensive Case Management Services Program.

Working approximately 10 hours per week, the Program Coordinator will support program implementation by coordinating community partnerships, monitoring program documentation,
assisting with contract compliance, maintaining communication with referral partners, and supporting reporting activities. This position works closely with the Intensive Case Manager and
Senior Operations Manager to ensure the program operates efficiently and remains aligned with grant requirements.

The ideal candidate possesses strong organizational skills, enjoys building community partnerships, and is committed to supporting violence prevention efforts through effective program coordination.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Coordination

● Support the day-to-day coordination of Project Longevity program activities.
● Assist with maintaining program calendars, meeting schedules, and project timelines.
● Coordinate communication between UCA staff and community partners.
● Support participant referral processes and internal workflow.

Community Partnership Development

● Maintain communication with collaborative partners and referral agencies.
● Coordinate meetings and collaborative activities with community stakeholders.
● Support partnership development that strengthens participant access to services and
resources.
● Represent UCA at community meetings or collaborative events as assigned.

Documentation & Grant Compliance

● Assist with monitoring program documentation for completeness and compliance.
● Support data collection and outcome reporting.
● Review participant files to ensure documentation aligns with contract expectations.
● Assist with maintaining records required by the funding agency.

Administrative Support

● Prepare meeting materials, agendas, and correspondence.
● Maintain organized electronic and paper program files.
● Support scheduling and coordination of participant activities and special events.
● Assist with procurement requests and program logistics as assigned.

Quality Improvement

● Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and Project Longevity planning meetings.
● Assist with identifying opportunities to improve program operations and service delivery.
● Support continuous quality improvement initiatives.
● Perform other duties as assigned that support successful program implementation.

Minimum Qualifications

● Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred in Human Services, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Psychology, or a related field.
● Minimum of two (2) years of experience in program coordination, nonprofit administration, community engagement, project management, or human services.
● Strong organizational, communication, and administrative skills.
● Experience coordinating partnerships and community collaborations preferred.
● Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and electronic data systems.
● Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities.
● Valid Connecticut driver’s license and reliable transportation preferred.

Core Competencies

● Program Coordination
● Community Partnership Development
● Organization and Time Management
● Grant Compliance
● Documentation and Data Quality
● Communication and Collaboration
● Problem Solving
● Professionalism
● Attention to Detail
● Accountability

Physical Requirements

● Frequently sit, stand, walk, and communicate effectively.
● Occasionally travel throughout the Greater New Haven area for meetings and community engagement.
● Ability to operate standard office equipment and work at a computer workstation.
● Ability to occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds.

UCA Mission Alignment

The Program Coordinator supports Urban Community Alliance’s mission by strengthening the infrastructure that allows high-quality participant services to be delivered effectively. Through
coordination, collaboration, and operational support, this position helps ensure Project Longevity participants have access to timely services, responsive partnerships, and a well-managed program that advances community safety, stability, and long-term success.

Interested Candidates

Submit resume and letter of interest to:

Maguena Deslandes, Senior Operations
Urban Community Alliance, Inc.
Email: maguena.deslandes@ucainc.org
Phone: (203) 786-5970 ext. 4110