Community Programs: Youth Achievement Specialist- LMB Oakland
Job description
Title: Youth Achievement Specialist – LMB Reports To: Latino Men and Boys Program Manager Department: Community Programs (Latino Men & Boys) Location: Oakland, CA Schedule: Monday through Friday – Year Round position Travel: Local travel required Salary: $25.00-28.00 Employee Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt Union: N/A Supervises: N/A Benefits: Two weeks of paid vacation a year, sick time, 14 holidays, up to five floating holidays based on employee status, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth. Agency Summary The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with a 59-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive. Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 11,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and into Concord. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve. Program Summary The Community Programs department houses integrated educational, career, financial and housing services, aimed at removing barriers and providing resources to Oakland’s residents to stay on a path towards social equity. The Youth Achievement program includes our Latino Men and Boys (LMB) program and other youth initiatives that prepare youth of color to thrive educationally and in life. LMB is a school-based, culturally-rooted, educational support program for male identified Latino youth ages 12 to 19 years old in Oakland. The goals of the program are to support youth with high school transition and graduation, college and vocational readiness, health and wellness, and positive relationships. The LMB program connects youth and their families to needed services and resources. Position Summary The LMB Academic & Career Specialist is responsible for the implementation of the Latino Men and Boys program and youth activities at a partner OUSD high school or middle school throughout the academic year. To be successful, the LMB Specialist will be committed to social justice and will work closely with supervisors and colleagues in Youth Services Program, and external youth service partners. The LMB Academic and Career Specialist will maintain a maximum case load of 25 youth. LMB staff receive opportunities for professional development, growth and career mobility. Responsibilities Implement classroom based restorative justice circles for LMB students. Attend site meetings to collaborate in the delivery of supportive services to students. Be a visible partner on campus and strengthen relationships with site staff and ensure all parties are informed of goals, challenges, and partnership opportunities. Partner with school-based health center staff to increase health awareness, services utilization , linkage to social services, and host quarterly health education workshops. Communicate effectively and consistently with school administration, teachers, health center staff and guardians. Create, develop, and facilitate culturally rooted curricula to strengthen cultural and personal resilience, uplift identity, and foster growth. Mentorship Teach, model, and reinforce desired pro-social classroom skills (personal accountability, active listening, patience, empathy, etc.) Support students one-on-one with culturally rooted mentorship that establishes an environment of trust as a protective factor for trauma impacted youth. Assess students’ strengths and needs (academic, wellness, and personal) to construct individualized plans, including maintaining and monitoring academic and behavioral progress, identifying needs (e.g., study skills, tutoring, social activities, nutritional needs, etc.) and connecting students to services and resources both on and off site. Partner with school administration, teachers and guardians when behavioral concerns are identified; advocate for holistic, youth- and family-centered solutions. Academic Support Provide academic coaching and assist in preparing students for standardized tests; this includes implementing activities that support reading and writing skills. Support students with one-on-one and small group tutoring that supports academic skills development for focal students with less than a 2.5 GPA. Empower first-generation and/or low-income students to make post-secondary college or vocational education plans. Employment Linkage and Readiness Support participants in exploring career and post-secondary options through guest speakers. Link eligible high school youth to employment opportunities via referrals to The Unity Council’s workforce programs and other partnering organizations. Co-facilitate summer learning program to engage youth in skill building and career exploration activities (college tours, recreational trips, and career fairs). Family Engagement Family recruitment for quarterly activities that empower guardians with the tools necessary to support behavioral and academic success. Engage in clear two-way communication to share information about academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. Coordinate resources and link families to internal or community resources and services as needed. Participate in school orientations for students and guardians; interpret and explain (in Spanish when necessary) school policies and procedures. Administrative Work with other staff, small teams and independently to prepare lesson plans and materials for daily instruction based on monthly themes. Enter and maintain data for attendance, case notes, student intervention, family engagement and student intervention activities on a weekly basis. Build and maintain positive relationships with referral partners at schools and other community organizations to increase resources for youth. Administer student intake and evaluations/surveys; maintain student files and records; document required information; and prepare grant anecdotes or data reports as requested. Support coverage at other sites based on program needs and work schedule (if needed). Qualifications Must be bilingual in Spanish and English, and bicultural. Must be able to travel to and from designated school site in Oakland. Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, public health, education, ethnic studies or related field experience is preferred, but not required. 2 years of youth development, afterschool, and or para-professional experience can be substituted for BA degree. Multicultural competency in working with immigrant, newcomer, low income and diverse youth who face multiple barriers to success. Strong alignment with The Unity Council’s social equity values, mission and vision. Must have a passion for working with youth, mentoring young men, and community development Must have ability to communicate effectively with administration, youth providers, youth and guardians Essential Functions Regularly required to perform basic computer skills with strong MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, photocopier, fax, etc.) Regularly required to interact with a diverse group of stakeholders and district personnel. Pre-employment Requirements Fingerprints TB Test This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time. Please email your cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Use Title of Position in the subject line. The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
