Project Assistant-Bakersfield, CA

About UFW Foundation: For 16 years, the UFW Foundation has mobilized farm workers and their organizations across the country to advocate for more equitable policies, such as immigration reform, pesticide protections, heat standards, hazard pay and other worker protections. We engage constituents in systemic change to break the cycle of poverty while also providing critical services. In fact, the UFW Foundation is the largest federally accredited immigration legal service provider in the state of California. The organization has staff in California, Washington, Arizona, Michigan, Washington D.C., and Georgia.

SUMMARY: The Project Assistant performs administrative tasks as assigned and ensures smooth communication between all relevant parties. The Project Assistant will assist with planning and documentation as assigned. The Project Assistant’s role is to provide support and create balance in the time and scope of executing projects under the direct supervision of the Program Manager.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: (This is not an exhaustive list)

• Review key stakeholder inquiries via email and respond in a timely manner
• Respond to eligible beneficiaries inquiring about current grant programs.
• Work with Research and Data Analysts to run monthly reports and identify issues which may affect monthly/quarterly reporting.
• Follow-up with the Farm and Food Worker Relief (FFWR) Technical Assistance team to provide assistance to technical inquires key stakeholders may have.
• Provide key stakeholders with Quickbase technical assistance, resources, and re-training, as needed.
• Provide administrative support to Program Manager, including: coordination of meeting times, record meeting minutes in periods of short-term coverage due to absence or vacation of Program Manager; assist with the formatting, publishing, recording, or sharing of reports and documents, with key stakeholders, as needed; support Program Manager to meet specific deadlines, etc.
• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• May involve the coordination and supervision of volunteers/interns.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate for this position must have a high level of professionalism and organization. The candidate must demonstrate competency in the following areas:

• KNOWLEDGE OF: Executive administrative office functions, operations, practices, and procedures. Methods of organizing and collecting data and information. Effective record-keeping techniques. Business letter and report preparation, editing, and proofreading.
• ABILITY TO:
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others of diverse backgrounds, experience, and personalities, and work with diverse sites and conditions in a manner that achieves UFW Foundation goals.
  • Communicate effectively in English and Spanish orally and in writing, and model communication skills using tact, patience, and courtesy to respond to the needs of team members and others.
  • Operate computer, related software, and other office equipment, and flexibly learn new applications and systems as needed.
  • Meet UFW Foundation standards of professional conduct as outlined in Policy.
• Si Se Puede (It Can Be Done) Attitude. The embodiment of a personal spirit that promotes confidence, courage and risk-taking

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• LANGUAGE SKILLS 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.   Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, government officials and their staff members, and the general public. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.  Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required.   Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.  

• MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra.  Must have basic accounting knowledge and ability to keep accurate financial records.

• REASONING ABILITY 

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Previous experience working with the Latino community 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION, AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement – The UFW Foundation requires staff, volunteers, and independent contractors to be immunized against COVID-19 or declare a medical or religious exemption. First booster shots are also required. Any candidates advanced in a currently open search process should be prepared to comply with this requirement as a condition of employment upon hire.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience. Advanced computer literacy including but not limited to; MS Office skills (Word, Excel) and Data Management Systems. Regularly required to operate standard office equipment (personal computer, calculator, photocopy machine, etc.).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, insurance, and willingness to drive to off-site locations.
• Must be computer literate and have working knowledge of MS Word, Access and Excel or equivalent applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

Seeing to perform activities. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a keyboard. Sitting and standing for extended periods of time. Walking, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, bending over, grasping, reaching overhead, pushing, pulling, and moving, lifting and/or carrying 0-50 pounds to waist height.

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.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The UFW Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe a strong commitment to equal employment opportunity is more than a legal and moral obligation – it is also a sound business practice to realize the potential of every individual. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all! In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunity to all individuals, employment decisions at the UFW Foundation will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. Except where required or permitted by law, employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, sex/gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, age, or any characteristic protected by law. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for a position fighting for farm worker and immigrant communities! The UFW Foundation believes in second chances. As an organization, we will rely on individualized assessments in the hiring of those with past criminal convictions. The UFW Foundation will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with qualified disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. Persons of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, persons with disabilities, persons who have lived in poverty, formerly incarcerated, persons 40 years old or older, and people fluent in more than one language are strongly encouraged to apply for open positions with the UFW Foundation. 

This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, counseling, discipline, termination, access to benefits and training. Our commitment to equal opportunity employment applies to all persons involved in our operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including supervisors and co-workers.

Anticipated end date: 1/16/2024