Need a job? Check out this cool opportunity! An Employment Opportunity with… WestCoast Children’s Clinic is seeking an effective and engaging Youth Advocate Program (YAP) Project Manager who is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of current and former foster youth, as well as striving to improve the foster care system as a whole. About the Program: The Alameda County Youth Advocate Program is nationally recognized for its innovative approach and dedication to improving services, experiences and outcomes for youth in foster care. It accomplishes this mission through advocacy, integrating the youth perspective and voice. The Youth Advocate Program trains and supports former foster youth (ages 18 – 24) through a fellowship program that develops their skills in advocacy, engagement, outreach and policy, and provides experiences that further their professional growth. Primary Responsibility: The Project Manager for the Youth Advocate Program (YAP) oversees the day-to-day workflow of the program by managing projects and other advocacy activities identified by the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Working closely with Program Director and Program Coordinator, and directly supervising the work of the Youth Advocate Fellows, the Project Manager ensures that organizational structure, policies and procedures are aligned to support efficiency and productivity of the program and project goals. The YAP Project Manager provides overall management of the Youth Advocate Fellows’ performance in advocacy activities, and interfaces directly with DCFS staff regarding project development, implementation and logistics. The YAP Project Manager assists the Youth Advocate Fellows in the development of hard and soft skills to support their success in the program. He/she also works with Program Director to identify training priorities and job skills development needs for the Youth Advocate Fellows. How the YAP Project Manager makes an impact: Leadership & Program Development • In collaboration with staff, assists Program Director in identifying program and training needs, goals, priorities and gaps • Participates as part of the YAP Leadership Team in weekly management meetings & individual meetings with the Program Director • Meets and communicates regularly with the Alameda County DCFS YAP Liaison to receive new assignments and provide updates on Youth Advocate Fellows’ activities and progress • Leads the development and oversight of weekly productivity goals for the Youth Advocate Fellows and creates the daily advocacy schedule in partnership with the Program Coordinator Administration and Management • Oversees and manages the planning and implementation of YAP projects • Ensures Youth Advocates are adequately prepared to participate in DCFS-assigned advocacy activities including: Team Decision-Making Meetings (TDMs), Transitional Living Conferences (TLCs), and subcommittees • Directly manages Youth Advocate Fellows on DCFS projects, including but not limited to: promotional materials (flyers, brochures, pamphlets, videos), proposals, trainings for professionals & youth, policy input, research, youth-friendly resources, engagement in extended foster care (AB12), and input on services for foster youth • Tracks deliverables and completes necessary reports for DCFS projects and advocacy activities • Works with Program Director to identify staffing needs relative to projects and ensures that the program is appropriately staffed. Responsible for ensuring that the projects meet all professional and regulatory requirements • Attends applicable meetings with DCFS and others representing YAP and WestCoast Oversight and Support • Provides ongoing, regular feedback, technical assistance, and evaluation to Youth Advocate Fellows on the quality of their work • Facilitates weekly team project meetings, oversees monthly Peer to Peer trainings, and provides individual supervision for Youth Advocate Fellows • Communicates any concerns about quality of Youth Advocate Fellows’ work to Program Director in a timely & solutions-based manner • Provides adequate preparation and training, ensures the quality of work and professionalism of YAP staff when participating in county projects, advocacy activities, and events • Provides ongoing coaching and debriefing to Youth Advocate Fellows The ideal candidate has: • Bachelor’s degree with human services/social services experience or Master’s degree in a related field preferred • Demonstrated experience in administration and management of programs serving transition age foster youth and former foster youth • Demonstrated successes in project management • Experience working with social service systems and foster care • Experience in providing direct supervision to transition age youth, or experience with transition age youth in an educational and/or employment program setting • Experience working with diverse communities • Experience developing systems and tools to contribute to the efficiency of programming Competencies (skills, abilities and knowledge): • Knowledge of youth development models and ability to balance strong support with strong accountability when working with young people • Knowledge of issues of race, class, gender identity, and ethnicity • Knowledge of how systems-involvement impacts the life trajectory of young people • Excellent organizational, analytic, prioritization, and leadership skills • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills • Excellent computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) • Strong public speaking/facilitation skills and experience, plus ability to train/coach others in this skill • Ability to work effectively in complex organizational settings; understands how to resolve problems utilizing appropriate channels and communication, and bring program development ideas forward • Collaboration and team functioning - able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team • Professional conduct • Ability to maintain composure, utilize creativity, and take a problem-solving approach to challenges • Ability to build motivation and excitement around common goals and inspire others to do their best • Ability to model professionalism, commitment to excellence, and a strong work ethic Position Details and Compensation: Full-time, exempt position reporting to the Youth Advocate Program Director. $52,000+/year depending on experience, plus competitive benefits package, 403(b) and incentive compensation plans. To Apply: If interested, please submit a cover letter and a resume describing how you meet these qualifications to [email protected] and include the job title in the subject line. Please note that cover letters are an important part of our applicant review process. It is also helpful to let us know where you saw this posting. Application deadline is August 19, 2013. Updated: 8.5.13
Posted on: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 02:42:46 +0000
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