The Mockingbird Youth Network, the flagship youth development program of the Mockingbird Society, consists of six chapters located in Spokane, Yakima, Everett, Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia. This 20 hour-per-week Resource Specialist will be responsible for leading the Seattle chapter and will be housed at The Mockingbird Society Headquarters in Seattle, WA.
The primary role of the Resource Specialist is to cultivate a thriving local chapter for youth ages 14-24 who have experienced foster care, kinship care, and/or homelessness. Actions that will lead to a thriving chapter include:
• Executing successful outreach and recruitment efforts, resulting in robust attendance at chapter functions and annual events.
• Utilizing an adult & youth partnership model in leading the chapter, which will elevate youth voice, provide coaching and mentorship opportunities to chapter members, and ultimately develop young leaders to their fullest potential.
• Making significant contributions to Network-wide efforts such as producing the Mockingbird Times, supporting annual events like Youth Advocacy Day and the Annual Foster Youth and Alumni Leadership Summit, and engaging in Speak Up! program engagements.
Resource Specialists are ambassadors of The Mockingbird Society in their respective communities. Consequently, they are expected to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times, especially when engaging chapter participants, community partners, and decision makers in the child welfare system.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Chapter Responsibilities:
• Identify and meet chapter recruitment goals based on the number of potential participants in the region, and taking into consideration local community dynamics and resources.
• Provide chapter participants with the initial coaching and mentorship in helping them to prepare appropriately for taking on leadership roles
• Provide persistent support to young leaders to help move them along the leadership development continuum.
• Work with Director of Youth Programs and other Youth Network staff in the development of annual goals.
• Support participants in developing content for the Mockingbird Times.
• Ensure appropriate chapter representation at annual events.
• Link chapter participants to appropriate resources to support them in times of transition.
• Ensure chapter participants engage in community engagement and pro-social activities.
• Collect data of local or statewide importance and input into database.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
• Supervise youth participants during chapter activities.
• Steward relationships with local volunteers and supervise volunteers when appropriate.
• Provide input to the appraisal, reward, recognition and disciplinary processes for members; support the remediation of complaints and facilitate the resolution of problems.
• Act as a liaison for TMS at designated Community Host agency.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
• Education and/or experience: BA or equivalent education and experience in social work or youth development. Experience with foster care issues preferred. Experience with public speaking preferred. Experience with conflict management, group facilitation, grassroots fundraising, and volunteer recruitment a plus.
• Management skills and/or experience: Experience leading and supervising young people required. Project management skills required
• Communication Skills: Ability to effectively present information to Youth Network staff, chapter members and supporters, and the public required. Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with diverse populations required.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using personal computer and various office software packages including Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook and Excel required.
• Approach: This position demands professionals who have healthy personal and professional boundaries, a positive "can do" attitude, and the ability to engage young people in positive, pro-social activities that promote their personal growth and achievement, community involvement and positive system improvement and reform.
• Alumni of foster care and people of color encouraged to apply
Additional Requirements upon Date of Hire:
• Ability to attend up to four evening or weekend local chapter meetings per month in region of responsibility.
• Ability to travel up to 2-3 times per month to remote locations throughout region of responsibility.
• Ability to attend two conferences annually
• Ability to attend monthly and/or quarterly staff meetings, including some in Seattle WA.
• Upon date of Hire: Ability to Pass a Criminal History Background Check and valid drivers license, vehicle and insurance.
Employment Policy:
As an equal opportunity employer, TMS embraces diversity and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran's status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation.
Position is open until filled. No calls please.
- Location: Seattle
- Compensation: $14.50 - $16.00 Hourly
- This is a part-time job.
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Please, no phone calls about this job!
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.
