CASA & CASA IN ACTION SYNOPSIS: CASA's mission to create a more just society by building power and improving the quality of life in working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant Communities. Our vision is rooted in the collective power of our community, our inclusive, permanent, member-led movement radically transforms communities and systems to ensure the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members are fully met as we strive for justice and full liberation at home and in solidarity with others across the world. CASA has a sister organization,CASA in Action, a separate, but related, nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Although CASA and CASA in Action share a common goal of supporting immigrants and low-income people in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, they are separate organizations with their own board of directors. A set of employees at the two organizations, including the person filling this position, shares their time between the two organizations. This has no effect on salary or benefits.DEPARTMENT SYNOPSIS:CASA's Education Department takes a multi-generational approach to all programming with a variety of services intended to improve families' overall quality of life and to educate caregivers on how they can best support emerging young leaders through their academic and professional journey including workshops to assist students and families in post-secondary enrollment and career readiness. The mission of CASA's youth programs is to build the next generation of youth leaders by promoting high school graduation, post-secondary enrollment, career readiness and leadership development for first and second generation immigrants. All services are predicated on the theory that when youth are presented with culturally and linguistically responsive programming in a safe space facilitated by caring adults, it increases their sense of belonging and enhances their academic and socioemotional skills. Mi Espacio is an after school program that promotes successful high school graduation, leadership development, post-secondary enrollment and career readiness. Students grades ninth through twelve are eligible for enrollment. The program meets after school Monday through Thursday and includes the following components: individual and small group tutoring; workshops pertaining to college and career readiness, financial literacy and health; enrichment activities such as sports, art, field trips and community service opportunities; leadership development and opportunities for civic engagement. Multi-generational family workshops are held in the evenings at CASA centers and partner organizations throughout the school year. Workshop topics include but are not limited to the following: career mapping, financial aid for college and post-secondary enrollment, financial literacy for the workforce, youth leadership and civic engagement.Through financial aid clinics, CASA staff individual assist youth in applying for financial aid to cover the cost of college and post-secondary enrollment including FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and MHEC (Maryland High Education Commission) One-App. The Summer Internship Experience is an opportunity for immigrant youth to develop and reinforce new workforce skills by pairing them with culturally and linguistically competent professional mentors across various industries. The experience also serves as a resume builder and, in many cases, a chance for youth to gain firsthand insight into their self-identified career field.POSITION SUMMARY:The Youth Programs Coordinator will perform a range of duties to ensure the effective implementation of culturally responsive, multi-generational youth leadership programming in accordance with the CASA model of power-building. Youth programming within the scope of this position includes but is not limited to the Mi Espacio Program, multigenerational workshops on post-secondary and career readiness, college financial aid clinics and the summer internship experience. The Youth Programs Coordinator works directly and in collaboration with the other members of CASA's education team to execute high quality youth programming and multi-generational family support services.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide curriculum design and logistical support for required components of the Mi Espacio and other programs serving youth and parents in the community (i.e. tracking attendance, preparing program materials, training volunteers/facilitators re: curriculum, etc.)
- Recruit and enroll participants to various youth programs
- Oversee daily coordination on site of Mi Espacio, staff and volunteers, Monday to Friday, and on weekends as needed.
- Work in collaboration with AmeriCorps, and develop plans to provide AmeriCorps members the opportunity to support activities related to Education Programs
- Serve as a liaison for the teachers and parents of youth participating in our programs
- Perform research and support curriculum design processes by providing recommendations for curriculum enhancements
- Coordinate and serve as a liaison with multiple CASA programs and departments in the delivery of robust and high quality programming
- Serve as an external representative to CASA on education issues as needed and assigned
- Prepare weekly updates and monthly status reports regarding classes, workshops, and training sessions.
- Meet deadlines established by supervisor in accordance with departmental and individual work plan
- Train volunteers as needed
- Coordinate outreach groups and provide logistical support to partners and volunteers as needed
- Facilitate program meetings, events, and training participation (as needed) in various schools across the region
- Identify strong youth and parent leaders who can represent CASA when necessary before the media, legislative bodies and legislators, community meetings, coalitions, and funders
- Interpret (and translate written materials) for community members when necessary to facilitate their involvement in program activities
- Attend and lead internal meetings for staff and program volunteers
- Maintain confidential data acquired by CASA staff and volunteers
- Understand and promote CASA membership and services
- Be able to work extensively in the Central MD community. Familiarity with the Central MD Immigrant community is a plus.
- Contributes to team effort by accomplishing other job-related results as needed
EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:Bachelor's Degree in Education or Certification related to PreK - 12 education, or related field. Relevant equivalent work experience will be considered. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Ability to perform all of the duties outlined above.
- Deep commitment to social change and to growing CASA as a membership organization in which members have decision-making authority.
- Bachelor's Degree in Education or Certification related to PreK - 12 education, or related field. Relevant equivalent work experience will be considered.
- Knowledge of positive youth engagement practices and experience working with youth, in particular first generation, immigrant youth and their families is preferred.
- Ability to maintain a database and high comfort level with basic computer programs, including Microsoft Word and Excel, ability to train others in basic use of computer programs, and a willingness to learn other needed computer programs.
- Excellent writing and speaking skills.
- Strong interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
- Bilingual English/Spanish required, French is a plus.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Highly organized and able to manage multiple ongoing projects.
- Demonstrated success in project coordination.
- Demonstrated success and passion in working with low-income children, and immigrant communities
- Must be able to work flexible hours including evenings (standard hours for this position will be 11AM-7PM) and weekends.
- Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation
- Due to the sensitive nature of the work being performed, and the direct interaction with children and families, candidates will need to pass a comprehensive background check.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk.WORK ENVIRONMENT:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.ADA: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. OSHA: This position is not to handle any human body fluids, biological agents, laboratory chemicals, or be exposed to hazardous materials such as noise, asbestos, or carcinogens.This is a union position, represented in collective bargaining by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Communication Workers of America, Local WBNG 32035 - Communication Workers of America (CWA). If you are offered and accept this position, you will be invited to become a member of the union. All bargaining unit positions require membership or agency fee payer status.CASA Inc. and CASA in Action do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, marital status and national origin.This job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and marginal job functions are subject to modification. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. CASA has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy effective 01 February 2022, requiring COVID-19 Booster vaccination(s) for all employees and prospective employees, AmeriCorps members, and paid or non-paid internships. In accordance with CASA's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, we are adopting this policy to safeguard the health of our employees, AmeriCorps members and interns, and their families, CASA members and visitors, and the community at large from infectious diseases that may be reduced by vaccinations. In making this decision, the executive leadership team reviewed recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, CASA's Legal Counsel and local health officials. All prospective employees will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation prior to the first day of employment with CASA. AmeriCorps member candidates will be required to provide proof of COVID 19 vaccination or appropriate medical / religious accommodation documentation at the time of presenting proof of citizenship and SSN eligibility.