Advocate (Bilingual Spanish preferred)

ABOUT SHINE TOGETHER, INC.

Shine Together, Inc. empowers young women who become mothers in their teens to rise above the challenges facing them and achieve their full potential in school and as parents, so their children also thrive. We believe that education is a key factor in breaking the cycle of poverty faced by young families and that with the right support, young women who become mothers in their teens can attain success in school and in life, for themselves and for their children.

The mission of Shine Together, Inc. Shine creates economic advancement for multiple generations, by partnering with young mothers to further their education, build life and career skills, and nurture their children’s development. The young women we serve participate in one-on-one coaching and peer group learning. They focus on their educational path, develop life skills, deepen their knowledge of reproductive health, and grow their parenting skills, with a focus on early literacy for their children. By recognizing the resourcefulness and resilience of young women who become mothers in their teens, we will open the door for more young mothers and their children to achieve their full potential.

Shine Together, Inc. currently operates programs in the following regions of California: South Bay Area, Fresno and Sacramento. Shine Together, Inc. is headquartered in Milpitas, California.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Shine Together, Inc. Advocate is the front-line implementer of the Shine Together, Inc. program and plays a vital role in the success of the program. The Shine Together, Inc. Advocate is responsible for operating a Shine Together, Inc. program. This includes the establishment and coordination of the program; outreach and recruitment of members; working directly with the Shine Together, Inc. members providing coaching, brokering of services, and facilitating a weekly peer support group; tracking and documenting progress towards objectives and goals; coordinating child watch staff; and building relationships with community organizations and other key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with disadvantaged youth and facilitating their educational success. The individual must have the ability to exercise good judgment in a variety of situations, and the ability to maintain a realistic balance among multiple priorities. The individual must be able to interact comfortably, respectfully, and skillfully with Shine Together, Inc. staff, community partners, program members and program member’s family/partner. This role requires a high level of professionalism, emotional maturity, confidentiality, attention to detail and time management.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build community relationships for program promotion, referral sources, and resources. 

• Ongoing recruitment and screening of teen mothers for participation in Shine Together’s program
• Provide continual outreach and support to members to maintain full engagement in the Shine Together, Inc. program 

• Conduct weekly one-on-one coaching sessions with all Shine Together, Inc. members in caseload. Assist members in re-enrolling in high school, engaging in school and exploring post-secondary education
• Assess members' needs, develop appropriate action plans based on needs, and coordinate timely referrals for service and follow through as appropriate. Advocate appropriately for members when barriers exist
• Facilitate, manage and implement weekly peer learning sessions in accordance with the Shine Together, Inc. program model and objectives. Foster a peer-learning environment with trusting relationships and a culture of success

• Complete weekly operational tasks, such as coordinating purchasing of snack and supplies for peer-learning sessions and orientations, managing member stipends, entering data into the Shine Together, Inc. database, coordinating child watch staff and submitting receipts and documents in a timely manner 

• Work collaboratively with fellow Advocates, Regional Director, Shine Together, Inc. funding partners, and referral sources 

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of resources and services for members
• Attend all Shine Together, Inc. required training and staff meetings
• Use data for continuous improvement to ensure desired impact

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passionate about working directly with youth and at-risk populations and in empowering young women to reach their potential
• Understanding of and comfort with positive youth development approaches, sexual and reproductive health, at-risk youth

• Strong public speaking, group facilitation and client engagement skills 

• Organized, detail-oriented, proactive, and flexible

• Positive attitude, team player, energizes others, and has a sense of humor
• Interest in improving performance to increase impact
• Two to three years related work experience in relevant field
• Must be work eligible
• Must have a valid California driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and liability insurance

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred

Shine Together, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. People of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.