Community Prevention Program Specialist - Mentoring

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Prevention Program Specialist will focus on the Youth Mentoring Program. The Specialist will recruit and train potential mentors to be matched with youth between the ages of 12-24 years. The Specialist will work with the Director of Programs, complete grant reports, act as a liaison for WestCare Texas, and will represent the program in a professional manner. The Specialist will assist youth on their path to education, obtain their GED and/or achieve career independence and self-sufficiency. The specialist will also plan, lead, all program-social engagement events for youth and mentors to gather, socialize, and network to build comradery.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Collect, request, and submit Criminal Background Checks on behalf of mentors & volunteers for processing. Ensure all required paperwork is submitted, to follow agency and program guidelines.
• Recruit and train mentors so they are better equipped to work with and support youth that they are assigned to.
• Pair and interview mentors, by evaluating their interests, and ensuring they are a good match for a youth.
• Assist clients with being paired with a suitable mentor. Conduct safety training and other initial orientations with youth upon enrollment. Conduct a pre-match survey with youth, track and log activity between youth and the mentor and ensure record keeping.
• Log and report on number of volunteer hours in an internal spreadsheet and volunteer database, Give Pulse.
• Complete performance and progress reports.
• Work with non-profit agencies, government entities, private businesses, schools, and other entities to execute diverse prevention strategies related to creating healthy, safe, and thriving communities.
• Organize social engagement activities for youth and mentors to gather, socialize, network, and give youth the opportunity to have new experiences.
• Make mentors aware of program requirements and guidelines, so they have more of a rewarding experience while donating their valuable time to the Youth Mentoring Program.
• Perform additional supportive services and make referrals to community partners for youth when necessary.
• Perform regular maintenance of case files. Maintain electronic volunteer case files and an Excel document of volunteer information & activity.
• Outreach and present to community partners such as school districts, universities and colleges and other entities to collaborate on potential partnerships and recruiting of mentors.
• Outreach to potential clients by conducting home visits or other outreach efforts and following procedures for enrolling youth into the Youth Mentoring Program.
• Every employee is required to take a solution-oriented approach in their interactions and undertakings, as well as being a team member that promotes collaboration and commitment to the Mission and Vision of the organization.
• Other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Knowledge and operational understanding of various WestCare processes.
• Good time management, prioritization and multitasking abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate relationships with colleagues
• Effective communication, including speaking, writing and active listening
• Methodical about analyzing processes and systems to fully understand their functions
• Proactive research skills used in seeking out opportunities to advance and improve the organizational and administrative systems of the agency
• Analytical skills to evaluate data and provide recommendations on operational decisions
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Good critical thinking and creative problem solving skill
• Ability to operate and create reports using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, WORD Software
• General knowledge of office operations to include purchasing and cost control, inventory control, and general bookkeeping practices
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
• Able to work successfully in a high-pressure environment
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Must have a clean driving record & valid driver license and valid vehicle liability insurance.
• Ability to operate an agency 12 passenger van on an as-needed basis for program activities and must be 21 years of age to operate an agency vehicle.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) years of experience in administrative support of a small business or non-profit agency
• Bachelor's degree and comparable work experience at a minimum is required

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Ability to qualify for WestCare vehicle insurance and possession of a valid Drivers' License
• CPR Certification and First AID Certification preferred

During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed primarily at a Community Center Facility;
• Some driving of company vehicles or one's own private vehicle; and
• Logistical support of community events

Essential Physical and Mental Demands of the Job - The employee must be able to perform the following essential duties and activities with or without accommodation:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional lifting of more than 25 pounds; and
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position