Youth Educational Support Specialist

Position: Youth Educational Support Specialist (YESS) (Bilingual-English/Spanish Required)

Program: Alcance - Youth Programs (Luna y Sol Familia Center)

Location: Watsonville, CA. (Luna y Sol Familia Center and Pop-Up Sites)

Hours: 20 hours per week-MUST BE ABLE TO WORK AFTERNOONS/EVENINGS 3pm-7pm

Salary: $25-$26 per hour

Benefits: Parttime Position; CA Paid Sick Leave and Holiday Pay Prorated to time worked

Reports to: Luna y Sol Operations Manager/Employment Programs Coordinator

Apply to: E-mail resume and cover letter to HR@cabinc.org or apply on-line at Indeed.com ASAP.

Overview: Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc.’s (CAB) employment program, Alcance, provides adult and youth alternatives to incarceration, re-entry, and workforce development services through the provision of employment readiness, training, mentoring and placement. The program follows a strengths-based, outcomes approach that integrates evidence-based practices. Alcance’s Youth Programs are focused on addressing gaps in supports for youth and young adults harmed by poverty and violence through providing culturally respectful services designed to increase youth wellbeing and safety, reduce harm, and build assets.

The Luna y Sol Familia Center is a Drop-in Center that serves South County Latinx youth, ages 12-17 who are at risk of justice system involvement (prevention cohort), or justice involved (diversion cohort). Additionally, it provides services to families including parent/guardians and younger siblings such as linkages to basic necessities, wellness programs (restorative justice practices, substance use, and mental health), education/career exploration, economic opportunities, and community engagement/ leadership, and family support/parenting workshops. It has strong partnerships with probation, law enforcement, community-based organizations, and other partners.

The Youth Educational Support Specialist position builds meaningful connections with students from diverse backgrounds and works with a team to create a vibrant teen hub of services including academic support, recreation, and youth development activities. Understanding youth culture and youth development strategies are critical assets for this position along with recognizing different learning styles and student preferences. This position will provide youth developmental engaging activities and academic support to students in one-on-one or small group.

Responsibilities:

• Supports Luna y Sol Familia Center Drop-in Center year-round program outcomes including teen and family outreach, planning daily activities, transportation, youth developmental assets building, academic support and prosocial activities.
• Communicates with school administrators about youth academic needs/progress.
• Supports with youth development asset in community settings, afterschool, summer/spring/and winter break recreational activities.
• Assist in data collection (parent and youth surveys and track Luna y Sol engagement)
• Collaborate with Luna y Sol Familia Center Youth Navigators regarding related services that include academic track status: grade status and study habit improvement, clients’ enrollment status, goals, incentive timelines, and strategies for success.
• Support families and youth to understand academic requirements to promote according to their grade level and higher education goals.
• Support in doing outreach and recruitment with special emphasis with building relationships with farmworkers and families who reside in farms/ranches.
• Maintaining excellent relations with the local community including families, school, businesses, and with area foremen and ranch owners as needed in terms of outreach and partnership meetings.
• Provide strong, respectful, and culturally competent customer service and in person contact; maintain records and files as needed and addressing participant needs.
• Coordinate community volunteers to ensure adequate supervision/transportation of all youth program activities as needed.
• In collaboration with youth navigators, provides families with linkages to community resources (food, rental assistance, immigration services, etc.).
• Will provide students and their parents with feedback as necessary about youth progress.
• Able to work evenings.
• Ensure safety of youth and staff by following established safety protocols.
• Provide advocacy to support IEP meetings/ 504 plans, etc.
• Make referrals to GEAR Up afterschool programs as necessary

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· BA degree in social services, education, or related field and/or equivalent work experience preferred.

· Experience working in a fast-paced environment and ability to organize and maintain detailed records.

· Required Bilingual/biliterate (able to speak, read and write English/Spanish).

· Strong understanding of culturally competent services.

· Experience working with farmworkers, day workers and/or low-income persons strongly preferred.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (MS Word, Access, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Ability to document and report on client goals and progress.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work well with diverse cultures, age groups, and interests. Ability to work as part of a team.

· Knowledge and familiarity with the Santa Cruz County network of health, social service, and related agencies as well as geography, preferred.

· Ability to work evening hours required.

· Safe driving record, current California driver’s license, vehicle insurance and ability to transport oneself to worksites.

· Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

· Pass a background check

· Commitment to CAB’s mission, vision, and values; must be committed to providing high quality service for underserved and marginalized communities.

CAB embraces the values of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

The hired candidate will adhere to CAB’s standard of upholding the agency’s mission, values, and code of ethics through a commitment to confidentiality and communication.

This position is categorically funded by grants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition (cancer related), marital status, sex, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, gender expression, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. AA/EOE

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 - $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 per week

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Tutoring: 1 year (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $26