COMMUNITY OUTREACH SPECIALIST jobs in Downey, CA

Wayfinder Family Services ensures that children, youth, and adults facing challenges always have a place to turn.

Wayfinder is committed to advancing IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility).

Wayfinder believes inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility are essential to our excellence and our mission's execution. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and includes individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Individuals of color, women, LGBTQIA , veterans and differently-abled persons are encouraged to apply.

In exchange for your talent, Wayfinder offers an excellent benefits package, which includes the following:

• This role is eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Competitive salary - Sign-on bonus for eligible roles
• Flexible schedules depending on the position (some offering hybrid)
• Medical insurance with a $30 premium per paycheck coverage plan (employee-only)
• Dental insurance 100% employer paid for HMO coverage plan (employee-only)
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match up to 4%
• 11 paid holidays per year and a generous paid time off policy
• Five paid winter holidays (between Christmas Eve & New Year's Day)
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Robust training opportunities: Shared Core Practice Model, Trauma-Informed Care, Evidence-based Practices
• Clinical Supervision for licensure

Compensation:

In accordance with California law, the expected salary range for this position is posted with this position. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Role Summary:

The community outreach specialist for the aging-out youth support program plays a vital role in building partnerships within the community to support youth transitioning out of foster care. The primary objective is to establish resources and connections that address the unique challenges faced by aging out youth, aiming to prevent homelessness and ensure continued support after turning 18.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with local community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to understand the specific needs of aging-out youth.
• Organize and attend community events, fairs, and meetings to establish a presence and share information about available resources for transitioning youth.
• Cultivate relationships with local schools, businesses, non-profits, and community-based organizations to create a support network for aging-out youth.
• Identify and collaborate with existing services that can provide housing, education, employment, and mental health support for transitioning youth.
• Provide transportation services, including picking up youth from the airport and facilitating safe transportation to designated locations.
• Network with public/private agencies and community partners to promote the program.
• Develop and prepare training materials and handouts.
• Conduct informational sessions and training workshops for community members to raise awareness about the challenges faced by aging out youth and ways they can contribute to support.
• Collect and maintain data on outreach activities, partnership development, and the impact on aging-out youth.
• Prepare regular reports on the effectiveness of outreach efforts and make recommendations for improvement.
• Work closely with program coordinators and other staff members to align outreach efforts with the goals of the Aging Out Youth Support Program.
• Maintain confidentiality of all pertinent client information.

Employee Wellness & Safety

Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that employees be fully vaccinated (including boosters, where applicable) against the COVID-19 virus as a condition of employment. All staff must demonstrate evidence of the first vaccine dose on or before their employment start date. Wayfinder will consider requests for exemption based on religious beliefs or medical accommodations. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process that includes fingerprinting and a health screening.

Employee Wellness & Safety

Wayfinder is committed to creating an environment where employees and clients are safe. To meet this goal, we ask that candidates must be able to show proof of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases transmitted by the respiratory route if working directly with Unaccompanied Children, including Varicella, MMR, TDap or Tdap, and Influenza. Wayfinder requires a thorough background screening process, including a health screening, and fingerprinting.

Trauma-Informed Care

Wayfinder practices Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles which recognize the signs, symptoms, and widespread impact of trauma. Employees integrate the knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care into policies, procedures, and practices to prevent re-traumatization which promotes the healing of families, youth, individuals, and communities.

Wayfinder is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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