About

Position Title: Mentoring Specialist

Department: Youth Mentoring
Status: Full-time (38-hour work week), Non-Exempt Professional, Union Employee
Agency Location: Based in Los Angeles
Working Location: Currently remote (during COVID) but must be based in Los Angeles. Conditional, partial remote options available after COVID.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Mentoring Specialist (MS) position combines the BBBSA EMS (Enrollment & Matching Specialist) and MSS (Match Support Specialist) positions, providing the employee with diversity in the role and a high level of team collaboration and support. The MS is responsible for interviewing families and volunteers, providing integrated assessments, making professional recommendations regarding approval and match selection, facilitating match introductions, and supporting the volunteers and children that are matched in the one-to-one mentoring program. The MS will ensure child safety, promote positive impacts for youth, foster constructive and satisfying relationships between children and volunteers, and cultivate a strong sense of affiliation with Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles on the part of the volunteers. Role also may involve some support for our data/reporting functions, depending upon interest and experience. At this time, all agency functions are currently conducted remotely for the health and safety of employees and constituents.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct child and family enrollment interviews, and present child safety information.
• Prepare written assessments and recommendations based on interviews and professional judgment.
• Create safe and appropriate match relationships based on current pool of volunteers and children.
• Conduct Introduction Meetings for new matches, match intervention and other meetings as needed with match parties.
• Conduct regularly scheduled Match Support contacts (either in person or through phone or electronic contact) with the volunteers, children and parents/guardians in order to ascertain that the elements of child safety, match relationship development, positive youth development and volunteer satisfaction are fulfilled. Identify and address potential problems and barriers as early as possible.
• Document comprehensive written summaries of all match support contacts in real-time, web-based contact management software, in order to comply with BBBS standards.
• Facilitate development of Youth Outcome Development Plans for each match.
• Monitor and meet metrics for enrollment and match support goals in the areas of match length and customer satisfaction, as well as match support and survey administration compliance.
• Conduct exit interviews by phone with all parties at match closure. Assess reasons for match closure and re-match/re-engagement potential and conduct re-assessments accordingly.
• Maintain accurate files and documentation on all volunteers and children/families.
• Utilize validated surveys to determine health and progression of the match relationship and to determine child’s growth in the program, providing additional support/intervention as needed based on survey data.
• Identify and promote re-engagement of volunteers as Bigs, board members, donors and in other volunteer capacities.
• Support additional projects, as determined in collaboration with supervisor (e.g., mentor training, constituent newsletters, events, etc.)
• Collaborate and share information and resources with other agency staff and management.
• Support Director with various data functions (optional), such as creating Matchforce reports, providing information to other departments as needed, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate with a strong belief in the Mission and Vision of JBBBSLA, as well as the following:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 1-2 years of experience working with children in a social services, or in a customer service environment with a working understanding of child development and family dynamics.
• Relationship management experience with youth and/or adult populations preferred.
• Ability to work effectively and sensitively with confidential information.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently, to exercise good judgment, make sound decisions & problem solve.
• Collaborative workstyle with strong interpersonal skills.
• A strong commitment to quality and results
• Strong computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet-based applications.
• Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, state-required auto insurance minimums and willingness to travel as necessitated by job responsibilities.
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours (some evenings and/or weekends).
• Strong preference given to candidates having current or previous experience with any Big Brothers Big Sisters agency and with Matchforce or Salesforce software.

BENEFITS PACKAGE:

• Competitive salary, paid vacation and sick leave, three (3) additional personal days, paid federal and Jewish holidays, and early Friday closure.
• Medical/vision/dental insurance, retirement plans (403(b) and Defined Contribution Plan), Life Insurance and Employee Assistance Program.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter to Megan Koehler (mkoehler@jbbbsla.org). No phone calls, please.

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Position Title: Camp Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

Founded in 1938 by Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles, Camp Bob Waldorf operates both Jewish and non-sectarian overnight summer camps along with weekend retreats and school break programs. It is located on 112 acres in the Verdugo Mountains of Glendale, California. Camp Bob Waldorf serves inner-city youth from low-income, homeless, and foster families in Los Angeles County along with underserved and under-engaged Jewish youth from the greater Los Angeles area.

The purpose of Camp Bob Waldorf is to empower youth in need with the opportunity to have a life-affirming camp experience that includes increasing self-esteem, acquiring greater social skills, cultivating new interests, and feeling like a valued member of the community. We encourage campers to try new activities and make new friends. We teach them social and environmental responsibility—character traits vital to a healthy, caring society. Our campers are inspired and empowered to demonstrate new or enhanced skills gained at camp, supported by their peers and counselors. At camp, each activity is designed to teach the four pillars of camp: Community, Identity, Inclusion, and Respect. Our goal is for campers to feel inspired to utilize these values and concepts and incorporate them into their lives. For most of our Jewish campers, camp provides the only environment for them to learn about their Jewish cultural heritage, participate in Shabbat experiences and explore their own Jewish identity.

The Camp Director will help ensure that the mission and vision of the camp is carried out. As part of the Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, camp is influenced by Jewish values. Central to the success of this position is the ability to develop mutually respectful relationships with campers, parents, and staff; to understand the different cultural and religious backgrounds of our families and community; and to work effectively in a camp that operates as part of a larger nonprofit agency governed by a Board of Directors and a Camp Committee.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Year-round leadership, administration and oversight of the camp operation and usage including year-round camping programs and leasing/rental of the camp facility.
• Camper retention and recruitment with a goal of increasing attendance.
  Staff recruitment, training, and retention including year-round staff and national and international summer counselors.
• Marketing, communications, social media, and community outreach management
• Develop and build relationships with partner organizations to support camper recruitment.
• Program evaluation for continuous improvement
• Facility management and oversight of the facility maintenance staff
• Financial management including creating the annual camp budget and camp leasing budget and ensuring that all expenses stay within budget guidelines
• Support fundraising and revenue generating efforts at camp in partnership with the development department
• Involved in the development of a 5-year strategic plan for camp programs and facility.
• Supervise the food service program to support healthy menus and adequate food service during all camp events.
• Organize and maintain camp dates year-round scheduling. Oversee the Camp Usage calendar. Ensuring that dates do not conflict with other agency events.
• Ongoing review and maintenance of ACA accreditation guidelines, maintain strong relationship with ACA and other camping associations.
• Ensure the health, safety and security for staff, campers, and facility
• Maintain knowledge of employment practices, laws and guidelines within the State of California
• Develop a staff and camper disciplinary policy
• Develop a communication plan for parents, campers, staff and community to build strong relationships
• Supervise and complete performance evaluations for year-round staff and any other direct reports

Qualities Sought in Camp Director:

Camp is a unique and exciting experience. The physical and emotional environment may present challenges, and it is our expectation that the Camp Director will be able to:

• Identify and provide solutions to complex issues and concerns in a professional manner
• Work under pressure and take direction, and work unaided on time-sensitive projects
• Provide ongoing charismatic support to colleagues and other camp staff
• Support and maintain a high level of customer service to camp families and community partners
• Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred
• Knowledge of Jewish community a plus
• Good communication skills – strong manager, ability to give and receive feedback, leader with a proven track record of excellent communication skills
• Experience working with low-income, diverse populations, understanding new traditions and cultures
• Ability to understand each of our two separate constituencies and run programming that aligns with their respective needs.
• Ability to relate to and engage campers on a personal level.

Qualifications of the Camp Director:

• Minimum B.A. from an accredited college or university
• Experience in directing youth programs and/or camps in an overnight setting
• Knowledge of program development, with an understanding of camp programming
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience in financial management and budgeting
• Knowledge and commitment to “best practices” in the camping field

To apply: Please submit resume and cover letter to tscozzaro@jbbbsla.org. Reference “Camp Director” in the subject line.

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation and sick leave plus three additional personal days, paid federal and all Jewish holidays.
• Employer-paid benefits include comprehensive medical insurance, vision and dental; paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Other benefits include a 401A retirement plan, FSA participation, and Employee Assistance Program.
• We close early on Fridays in observance of Shabbat creating a 38-hour work week.
• We have a fun office environment and a fantastic team who are dedicated to the meaningful work we do.
• The Camp Director position also has the option of living on-site at camp year-round.

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Position Title: Director of Communications and Outreach

POSITION SUMMARY:

JBBBSLA is currently seeking a talented individual for the position of Director of Communications and Outreach, who will play a key role in helping the agency increase its visibility, streamline its message, and reach additional program participants and donors. The Director of Communications and Outreach will develop a strategic communications plan for the agency, oversee the development of content and materials to support the plan, and actively participate in the execution of the plan. The ideal candidate will be a self-motivated, dynamic professional with proven success in communications and outreach. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Develop and implement an integrated, organization-wide strategic communications plan to broaden awareness of JBBBSLA programs and strengthen visibility across key audiences.
• Oversee and execute all copy intended for public consumption to ensure consistent messaging.
• Curate JBBBSLA’s photo library, story bank, and videos.
• Devise and implement systems to manage online communications, including website, email, social media posts, and digital advertising.
• Develop a strategic recruitment plan to meet recruitment goals for volunteers, families, and children participants in our programs.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations to strengthen JBBBSLA referrals, outreach opportunities, and visibility.
• Supervise communications staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• College degree and a minimum of five years of experience working in a communications role.
• Proven and successful track record of developing communications and outreach.
• Very strong written communication skills for a variety of projects, including solicitation letters, newsletters, email, and web communications.
• Experience and knowledge of digital advertising, Google analytics, and social media.
• Keen eye for design and attention to detail.
• Ability to build partnerships with other community organizations and leaders.
• Ability to take direction well, manage deadlines efficiently, work independently, and collaborate effectively with various teams and partners.
• Personal commitment to the mission and values of the organization.
• Passionate about helping children in Los Angeles.

To apply, please submit resume, cover letter, and at least two (2) writing samples to Tina Scozzaro at tscozzaro@jbbbsla.org.  

Benefits

• Generous paid vacation and sick leave time plus three additional personal days, paid federal and all Jewish holidays, 38-hour work week.
• Medical insurance, paid vision/dental insurance, paid 401(a) retirement plan, optional 403(b) plan participation, paid life and long-term disability insurances, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.
• We offer a fun office environment (even virtually!) and a fantastic team who are dedicated to the meaningful work we do.