Youth OnBoard Program Coordinator (Program Assistant III) - Brooklyn Bridge for Alliance

The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth (BBA) is a joint powers agreement between the City of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Hennepin County, and the school districts of Osseo, Brooklyn Center, Robbinsdale and Anoka-Hennepin, Hennepin Technical College & North Hennepin Community College. Our mission it to coordinate a system of high-quality, accessible and fully resourced opportunities that lead to an increase in high school graduation and pathways to college or career and safety & wellbeing. 

This position will coordinate the Youth OnBoard (YOB) program. Expand the YOB model in different schools: this program is designed to encourage students to work on their leadership skills and be part of boards, advisory groups, and other decision-making bodies. Support youth to feel a sense of ownership, hope, self-efficacy, social connections, personal power, navigation skills – outcomes that are linked to both positive mental health & skills needed to prepare for college and career readiness. By giving youth voice and vote we can assure they are making their identity and culture part of the decision-making make-up of the general community.

This program will meet once a week in each school site during the school year to prepare youth to participate in decision-making and advisory boards at the Local, Metro and State Level. It also has one-on-one support throughout the school year and during appointments to decision making tables. There are two key roles for this position 1) lead youth groups in schools and prepare them to participate in decision making bodies and 2) identity decision making tables that would like youth to participate and support these connections.  

NOTE:  This is a 3-year grant-funded full-time benefited position. 

Application Deadline:  This job posting will be open until filled.  If you have interest in this position, it is highly recommended that you apply as soon as possible upon seeing the announcement as the vacancy may close without notice.

• Implement Youth OnBoard program in 4 schools.
• Support the YCEIC in the Coordination of the Brooklyns Youth Council (BYC).
• Coordinate, organize and execute Task Force and Ad-Hoc Projects.
• Manage Alliance Interns and volunteers.
• Assist Alliance Executive Director.

Education

Associates degree or higher

Experience

Two years of related experience which includes:

• Working with youth
• Organizing and executing projects and program with youth and adults.
• Working with the public, requiring tact and courtesy.
• Working with multi-cultural individuals, groups and organizations and facilitating groups.

Equivalency

An equivalent combination of education and experience closely related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.

Licenses/Certifications

Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong presence and comfort as a leader in a training room. 
• Proficiency using computers (i.e. Microsoft Word).
• Ability to professionally exhibit cultural self-awareness, sensitivity, patience and understanding in the course of work duties. 
• Ability to relate to and work with individuals representing a variety of diverse backgrounds and cultures. 
• Ability to provide a level of service that meets or exceeds participant expectation and satisfaction.

Desired Qualifications 

• Understanding anti-racist framework that includes the following knowledge, skills, and attitudes
  1. Acknowledges the history in our country of the oppression of black and indigenous peoples, and the power, privilege, and access disparities along the lines of social identities.
  2. Review, examine, and rework existing policies and procedures that create barriers and perpetuate inequities for certain groups of people based on race, ethnicity, class, gender, etc.
  3. Create deliberate systems and supports to achieve and sustain equity (racial and other) through proactive, preventative, and restorative measures.
  4. Believes in the humanity of all peoples, that racial groups are equals in all their apparent differences, and that there is nothing right or wrong with any racial group.
• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, sociology, recreation, youth studies, or related degree. 
• Continuing education or coursework towards an advanced degree in public policy, social work, educational leadership, political science, sociology, youth development.
• Experience with written communications e.g. report writing, editing.
• Experience in project or program coordination.
• Experience in youth led civic engagement and youth led research.
• Experience working with others and providing a high-quality participant service experience.
• Experience coordinating teams, volunteers and/or workgroups.
• Previous education/training in youth development, youth program evaluation project management, youth civic engagement and service learning.
• Previous training or experience in systems building, racial equity, diversity, project management, and facilitation.
• Experience in creating partnerships with organizations and youth in the community. 
• Ability to perform a variety of planning, administrative, supervisory, and community relations work requiring independent judgment.
• Ability to foster and promote positive teamwork amongst youth and adults.
• Ability to follow through on tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Understanding of professional workplace norms and expectations. 
• Previous experience working with people from various cultural, socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
• Fluency in Spanish, Hmong, Russian, Somali, Laotian or Vietnamese language(s).

Brooklyn Park is a thriving northwestern suburb of Minneapolis and the sixth largest city in the state with over 86,000 residents and 30,000 jobs. As the 11th fastest growing city in Minnesota, the city has become even more vibrant because of our remarkable racial and cultural diversity. Approximately 60 percent of our residents are people of color, 22 percent are foreign-born, and more than a quarter speak a language other than English at home.  

Our Vision, Values and Goals  

Core Operational Value Statements 

Ability to work within the Alliance value system with a willingness to further promote a staff that is diversified and inclusive, where individuals are valued and respected for their unique differences, experiences, skills, and knowledge.

• Youth Engagement, Voice and Leadership.
• Courageous Leadership and Action.
• Positive Development for Each Young Person, in All Places.
• Authentic, Timely and Respectful Communication.
• Inclusive Processes to Maximize our Resources.
• Individual and Collective Learning, Growing, Assessing and Celebrating.

Department/Division:  Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth

Anticipated Work Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt, non-union position; flexible work schedule to include a standard eight (8)-hour workday; will include evening and weekend hours.

We welcome applications from all individuals, including (but not limited to): people of all abilities, persons of color, Veterans, LGBTQ and women.  If you need these materials in an alternate format or if you have a disability-related need and need assistance with the application process, please contact Janis Lajon at either 763-493-8016 or via e-mail at Janis.lajon@brooklynpark.org.