CLOSED – Kern Community Foundation Seeks Program Specialist for BYJP

JOB DESCRIPTION – PS

In 2022, the City of Bakersfield launched a Youth Jobs Program (hereafter known as ‘Program’) in collaboration with Kern Community Foundation and the CaliforniansForAll program.  Since the Program was established, over 300 local youth have been served.  Targeting individuals aged 16 to 30, the Program offers temporary paid positions that instill skills and foster meaningful career pathways.  Participants gain hands-on experiences within the City of Bakersfield or local nonprofit organizations with a focus on public service and regional prosperity.

JOB TITLE: Program Specialist (PS)

JOB SUMMARY: The Program Specialist (PS) facilitates and supervises daily Program activities with a focus on the comprehensive development and mentorship of participating youth. Reporting to the Program Manager, the PS ensures the success of program participants by coordinating a range of activities aimed at personal, professional, and civic growth. Key responsibilities include facilitating professional development workshops, conducting site visits with program participants, bi-weekly check-ins, and developing basic professionalism workshop content. The PS will work closely with City staff where youth are placed, partner nonprofit organizations, an advisory board of community organizations, and other stakeholders. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are important, as the position requires adapting to the diverse needs of youth and addressing unexpected challenges.

JOB PAY RANGE: $24 – $27 hourly, plus benefits. Compensation is contingent upon experience, qualifications, and skills. This is a full-time position (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM). This position may be required to work evenings, weekends, and other non-standard work hours as needed. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare coverage, generous paid time off (PTO), and retirement contributions. Additionally, mileage reimbursement is provided for work-related travel using personal vehicles.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Directly mentor and guide youth participants on a daily basis;
• Organize and lead events to foster youth development;
• Conduct casework site visits and maintain regular communication with youth;
• Call for bi-weekly check-ins with program participants;
• Maintain detailed casework notes documenting program participant progress;
• Document program processes and workflows;
• Manage routine correspondence and inquiries related to the Program;
• Collect and organize data for Program evaluation and oversight;
• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations;
• Coordinate cross-departmental or external agency activities as necessary;
• Attend community events representing the Program to connect with youth and nonprofits;
• Participate in program outreach events;
• Assisting program participants in accessing resources to secure employment that aligns with
  their needs;
• Provide overall support for Program management;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Social Work, or a closely related field required.
• 3 – 4 years of experience working with youth ages 16 -30 is strongly preferred; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the capabilities required in the Job Summary.

Required Skills/ Abilities:

• Knowledge of youth mentorship and development;
• Basic understanding of city government and operations;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, Smartsheet, and other similar tools;
• Experience with research, data collection, and report writing;
• Ability to manage projects, data, and multiple tasks at once;
• Strong skills in engaging youth and building professional relationships;
• Accurate recordkeeping and data analysis skills

Preferred Skills/ Abilities:

• Clear verbal and written communication;
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships;
• Strong planning and organizational skills;
• Experience using databases for data entry and reporting;
• Ability to understand and explain regulations;
• Effective presentation skills for diverse audiences

Licenses and Certificates

• A valid driver’s license and current auto insurance are required due to the travel demands of the position, including driving to multiple host sites throughout Kern County. Must successfully complete Sexual Harassment Prevention Training, Workplace Violence Prevention Training, and Child Abuse Mandated Reporter training within 30 days of hire.

TO APPLY: Please submit a resume and cover letter to info@kernfoundation.org. Please place the job title in the subject line.