Description
Our Mission
The Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator is a champion for youth safety and well-being in the University. We lead the development of strong policies and practices and promote safe and high quality experiences for youth who engage with University programs and research.
Our Vision
OYPC envisions a University of Washington where…
- youth and their families are welcomed as members of the University community and have a safe, enriching and inclusive experience.
- youth programs are valued by the University and operate as a collaborative community that strengthens their collective impact.
- the University community as a whole recognizes youth and their families as contributors to our educational and strategic mission.
Youth Protection in higher education
Historically, universities are set up to serve adult students, faculty, researchers and staff. However, we serve hundreds of thousands of young people each year in a myriad of ways. In recent years there have been unfortunate occurrences in higher education settings where individuals exploited a lack of strong oversight in order to abuse youth. UW leadership is committed to ensuring that youth who engage with the university are protected from harm and have a high-quality experience.
OYPC is a unit within UW Compliance and Risk Services, which is a central administrative department at UW.
Micro
Provide consultation and technical assistance to individuals who operate youth programs or youth-involved research to ensure they are providing a safe environment for youth. Much of this occurs through e-mail, zoom, phone, and some is in-person.
Review of program through direct observation.
Mezzo
Group facilitation during convenings of youth program stakeholders.
Macro
This position will provide an opportunity to learn about youth program policy development and implementation, and contribute to the field of youth protection, an emerging field within higher education. The student will also learn about the diverse settings in which youth engagement occurs throughout the University.
The Office of the Youth Protection Coordinator is a program of Compliance Services alongside other Coordination Offices (e.g., ADA, Title IX). There are opportunities to also learn from and contribute to the operations of Compliance Services as a whole.
Practicum responsibilities may include the following:
-Create and disseminate best practice tools and resources on topics of child/youth protection, abuse prevention, youth development or other related topics.
-Support UW youth program stakeholders in effectively implementing university policies and risk mitigation strategies that promote child/youth safety.
-Research best practice models that are applicable to a university setting.
-Develop educational resources that can be shared with UW youth program stakeholders.
-Support program assessment and compliance monitoring efforts, including supporting a Youth Program Registration System that is managed by the office.
-Contribute to program evaluation, including data analysis, to further our abilities to support our stakeholders
Required Experience
Experience and interest in youth-centric settings;
Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written);
Self-directed, solution-focused and comfortable working independently and as a part of a team;
Interest in or experience with presenting to or facilitating small groups.
Required/Preferred Languages
not required but welcome
How to Apply
Submit a letter of interest and resume to Caroline Shelton at uwminors@uw.edu
