November 19, 2024

SPANISH SPEAKING UNITY COUNCIL

Oakland

FULL TIME

Latinx Mentoring & Achievement Wellness Associate

Title: Latinx Mentoring & Achievement Wellness Associate

Reports To: LMA Program Manager

Department: Community Programs

Location: Oakland, CA – OUSD School Sites

Schedule: Monday through Friday, year-round

Travel: Local travel required

Salary: $25-$28 per hour

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 60-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 Contra Costa County. 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 Latinx Mentoring & Achievement (LMA) Program plays a vital role in addressing the academic, socio-emotional, and behavioral challenges facing female and non-binary Latinx youth in Oakland. Serving youth ages 14 to 19, LMA empowers participants to achieve both academic and personal success by providing support in high school transitions, graduation readiness, social-emotional wellness, and relationship-building. The program connects youth and their families to comprehensive, culturally relevant services, including leadership and identity development, peer counseling, and community support. Core program values include Collective and Transformative Leadership, critical consciousness, transformative agency, holistic well-being, intersectional perspectives, and cultural and identity exploration.

Position Summary

The LMA Wellness Associate is responsible for supporting and promoting the overall well-being of youth in the LMA program across three OUSD school sites through wellness checks, case management, and mentorship. The Wellness Associate takes an individualized, strength-based, culturally competent, and youth-centered approach to supporting each youth. A successful LMA Wellness Associate is skilled in motivating, mentoring, and empowering youth to achieve their personal and educational goals.

Responsibilities

Deliver culturally rooted services by conducting one-on-one, ongoing assessments of youth well-being across personal, academic, and emotional areas; providing mentorship; performing wellness checks; and offering case management for students facing social or behavioral challenges.
Develop individualized plans for students, monitor their progress, assess needs, and connect them with appropriate resources.
Engage and conduct outreach to students on campus to encourage participation and build connections with program services.
Provide additional support to the Peer Wellness Ambassador program, including mentorship, wellness projects, and student engagement.
Communicate effectively and consistently with the LMA team, families, school administration, teachers, staff, and service providers to develop student success strategies and advocate for holistic, youth- and family-centered solutions.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with referral partners at schools and community organizations to expand resources and support for youth.
Develop and distribute wellness resources for students, families, and staff, including informational materials on available services and effective coping strategies.
Foster a culture of holistic wellness within the school by organizing events, activities, and awareness campaigns.
Conduct student intakes and evaluations, maintain accurate student files and records, document necessary information, and enter and update data related to student interventions.
Provide coverage as needed, based on program requirements and the work schedule determined by the LMA Manager.
Assist in planning and attending LMA-hosted community-building events, as well as field trips focused on college, career, and civic engagement.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bilingual in Spanish and English required.
Ability to travel to designated school sites in Oakland (Mileage Reimbursement Provided).
Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, public health, education, or a related field preferred.
Minimum 2 years’ experience in case management, service navigation, youth advocacy, or a related field.
Experience working with underserved youth of color, particularly in educational or community settings.
In-depth understanding of health, wellness, and intervention strategies, with a focus on supporting youth development and well-being.
Multicultural competence in working with immigrant, newcomer, low-income, and diverse youth facing multiple barriers to success.
Strong alignment with The Unity Council’s values, mission, and vision, as well as the core values of the LMA program.
Passion for mentoring youth, particularly young girls, nonbinary, and LGBTQIA+ youth.
Excellent communication skills with youth, families, school administration, and service providers.

Essential Functions

Regularly required to perform basic computer skills with strong MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and social media skills.
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
Physical
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 submit your cover letter and resume.***

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Women, underrepresented communities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.