Community Well-Being Specialist

YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles is looking for a Community Well-Being Specialist to join our Social Impact team!

Job Description

The Community Well-Being Specialist will play a pivotal role in leading efforts to address isolation, loneliness, and lack of connection within the communities served by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. This role involves designing, implementing, and overseeing a range of programs that foster social interactions, promote well-being, and create a sense of belonging among individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The Community Well-Being Specialist will collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including community partners, volunteers, and staff, to create a vibrant and inclusive environment that aligns with the mission of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles.

Qualifications

• Licenses & Certifications:
• Infant Child Adult CPR & AED and Basic First Aid certified or willing to obtain the certification within 60 days of hire.
• Education:
• Master’s degree in Social Work (Master Social Worker) from an accredited school of social work and must be at least two years, post grad (LCSW preferred).
• Related Experience: Minimum of three (3 ) plus years of experience in program management/operations in the area of mental health, or upper administration experience in mental health or related non-profit arena.
• Immunizations & Physical: TB Test clearance
• Specialized Skills:
• Demonstrated creativity and innovative thinking in program design.
• Knowledge of local community dynamics, resources, and cultural nuances.
• Comfortable using technology for virtual engagement and program management.
• Passion for community empowerment, social impact, and fostering human connections.
• Other:
• Familiarity with mandated reporting procedures, safety and risk management.
• Must be able to clear a criminal record background check (DOJ/FBI/CACI).
• This position requires the final candidate to successfully pass an E-Verify check. For more information about E-Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/employees/e-verify-overview.
• Work Environment/Minimum Physical Requirements:
• You must have the physical, visual, and auditory ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Ability to plan, lead, and participate in activities.
• Job is performed in indoor as well as outdoor environments throughout the year.
• Ability to lift 30-35lbs
• Job is based out of YMCA facility. This is not a remote position.
• Reliable transportation, as this position does require travel to program sites for evaluations and support. This position also requires travel to off-site locations throughout LA County for special events, meetings, trainings, clusters, workshops, and other travel related to the position. All work related mileage in excess to normal daily community is a reimbursement employee expense.
  

Essential Functions

Program Operations/Community Engagement

• Program Development and Implementation:
• Design and develop innovative community engagement programs that target isolation, loneliness, and lack of connection.
• Create a diverse range of activities, workshops, events, and support groups that cater to the needs and preferences of various demographic groups
  

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, healthcare providers, and local businesses to establish partnerships that enhance program effectiveness and reach.
• Collaborate with volunteers and mentors to ensure smooth program implementation and participant engagement.
  
  

Strategic Planning

• Develop long-term strategies for addressing social isolation and loneliness, aligning programs with the organization's vision and community needs.
• Regularly evaluate program impact and adapt strategies based on feedback and evolving trends.
  
  

Resource Management

• Manage program budgets, including allocation of resources for materials, venue rentals, and guest speakers.
• Identify potential sources of funding or grants to support program expansion and sustainability.
  
  

Team Leadership

• Lead a team of program coordinators, facilitators, and volunteers, providing guidance, support, and training to ensure program success.
• Foster a collaborative and positive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation.
  
  

Participant Engagement

• Ensure programs are well-promoted and reach their target audiences through effective marketing and outreach strategies.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participants to actively engage and form connections.
  
  

Data Collection And Reporting

• Collect and analyze data to track program outcomes and measure the impact of initiatives on participants' well-being and connectivity.
• Prepare regular reports for organizational leadership and stakeholders.
  
  

Community Building And Networking

• Act as a spokesperson for the organization's community engagement efforts, building relationships with community leaders, influencers, and partners.
• Attend relevant community events and meetings to represent the organization and stay informed about local needs and trends.
  
  

Staff Engagement & Development

• Recruit and hire program staff using screening tools and panel interviews to gain the best possible fit with each opening.
• Provide direct supervision to department staff, assuring that all staff are qualified, certified, and are meeting minimum performance standards for their position.
• Support professional development through trainings, technical support and providing resources. This can look like attending professional development and trainings or hosting professional development and trainings.
• Provide direct supervision of program staff, including recruitment, onboarding and training, performance management and development.
• Provide extensive training to program staff and interns to more effectively engage, inform, and involve community members.
  
  

Additional

• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required. Travel, as required, for off-site meetings, trainings and events.
• Uphold YMCA policies for safety, supervision, mandated reporting and risk management.
• Demonstrate the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Citizenship, Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness) as well as the YMCA Core Values of Caring, Respect, Honesty and Responsibility in all dealings with members, guests, volunteers and fellow staff.
• Demonstrate competencies in and willingness to develop in the Cause-Driven Leadership areas of Mission Advancement, Collaboration, Operational Effectiveness and Personal Growth.
• Participate as a member of the overall YMCA Early Learning Readiness department.
• Support and Attend Association special events. Support branch special events, as appropriate.
• All other duties as assigned by your supervisor
  
  

Cause-Driven Leadership Competencies

• Engaging Community
• Program & Project Management
• Inclusion
• Critical Thinking & Decision-Making
• Collaboration
• Developing Self & Others
• Emotional Maturity
  
  

Required Certifications

• Infant, Child, & Adult CPR & AED and Basic First Aid certified or willing to obtain the certification within 60 days of hire
• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work and must be at least two years, post grad
• LCSW, preferred