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YOUTH SENIOR PROGRAM SPECIALIST

40 Hours A Week/Full Time Position​​

About the Position

Under the direction of the manager leading the Youth Reclaiming Voice and Power Program, the person selected for this job will coordinate various activities that promote and advance community level youth leadership engagement. This leadership‐focused initiative takes place in the Pajaro Valley region (Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties) and is focused on developing the next generation of community health‐focused leaders. Partnering with other local governmental and non‐governmental agencies, this position will provide youth and parents the training, support, advocacy and resources needed to create equity focused policy change at schools, in the city, and at the county level.

 

About the Agency

Pajaro Valley Prevention & Student Assistance, Inc (PVPSA) has been the leader of youth prevention and intervention services in the Pajaro Valley (South Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County). We believe that every young person in our community should have the opportunity to thrive. Our mission is to improve the quality of life of children, youth and families in the Pajaro Valley by providing health education, prevention services, behavioral health services, and by advocating for public policies that protect the health of our community.  

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Duties & Responsibilities 

  • Research and develop policies that are youth and family centered, particularly in the areas of substance use, health and wellness

  • Interface between local policymakers, youth and the community at large  

  • Inspiring and recruiting youth and to act on issues that impact them, particularly regarding substances.  

  • Training youth to be effective social change leaders   

  • Build a strong, sustainable, youth led leadership and advocacy program  

  • Supports the Program Manager with all necessary tasks needed to meet project deliverables   

  • Attend professional development trainings     Conduct public presentations as needed   

  • Convene and/or plan meetings, conferences, and other community‐based events  

  • Plan, prepare and facilitate virtual and/or in‐person youth workshops on topics such as Leadership Skills and community organizing  

  • Develop meaningful and impactful relationships with youth    Data collection and reporting  

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Employment Standards

  • Prior experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds  

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills  

  • A history of community collaboration to advance positive changes in communities

  • Community organizing and engagement experience  

  • Communicate in English and/or Spanish in writing or verbal    

  • Engagement and rapport building with hard‐to‐reach communities.  

  • Ability to work independently and as part the team  

  • Good problem solving and conflict resolution skills  

  • A highly motivated self‐starter with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and tasks  

  • Strong desire to empower the next generation of leaders  

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Ability to:

  • Manage time effectively given the multiplicity of duties

  • Work flexible hours and days as needed for special events or meetings

  • Prepare and present written and oral reports of various types

  • Work independently and as a team  

  • Establish and maintain effective work relationships with all stakeholders  

  • Provide support and direction to volunteers

  • Bilingual/Bicultural a plus! (English/Spanish)

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Training and Experience 

Requires a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, social services, political science, education or related field from an accredited institution and one year of relevant experience that aligns with elements of the scope of this position (volunteer work accepted).  ​​​

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Annual Salary Range

Salary Scale: $48,360‐$53,316.90 depending on qualification and experience​

PVPSA offers competitive benefits including Paid Time Off, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan among other benefits.  

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How to Apply

If interested, please submit a cover letter and resume via email or mail to:

PVPSA Human Resources

Email: adminhr@pvpsa.org

Mail: 335 East Lake Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076

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