Center for Independent Living, Inc. Youth Outreach Coordinator - Oakland Oakland, CA · Full time

The Youth Outreach Coordinator at the Center for Independent Living will engage with schools and community agencies in Oakland to expand programs for disabled youth, lead workshops on self-advocacy and independent living, and develop new curriculum based on emerging needs and personal expertise.

Description

About CIL


Founded in 1972, the Center for Independent Living (CIL) was the first independent living center in the U.S.


Led by and for people with disabilities, CIL has been at the forefront of disability advocacy, contributing to landmark legislation like the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA. We provide essential services such as advocacy, housing assistance, and assistive technology, and have expanded to include Residential Access, Emergency Preparedness, Benefits Counseling, and Youth Programs.


CIL continues to be a model for over 400 independent living centers nationwide and in 20 countries, supporting diverse disabilities, promoting independence, and forging a path towards a more inclusive and just society with Access For All.


About the role


CIL’s Youth Program supports young people with disabilities (ages 14-26, up to 30) in their transition to post-secondary life, including education, employment, and community living. 


We are seeking a Youth Outreach Coordinator to join our team and lead community engagement efforts. This position will focus on building and nurturing relationships with schools and community agencies, with a special focus on the Oakland area.


As the Youth Outreach Coordinator, you will collaborate with the Youth Program Coordinator to develop strategies for expanding our programs and services. You will lead workshops both in-person and virtually on topics such as self-advocacy, independent living, media literacy, Disability Rights and Justice, and more. You'll also have the opportunity to create new workshops and curriculums that reflect your expertise and the evolving needs of disabled youth in the community. 


Join us in making a difference in the lives of disabled youth and helping them thrive in their post-secondary journey!



Essential Job Functions:

  • Strategize and lead youth outreach in Northern Alameda County, with an emphasis in Oakland. Build and sustain relationships with local schools, grassroots groups, and community youth organizations
  • Lead workshops and curriculum at school sites (including Special Education classrooms) related to youth self-advocacy and independent living, media literacy, Disability Rights and Justice, positive identity development, and more. 
  • Research and develop 1-2 new workshops and curricula each year based on the emerging needs of young people with disabilities
  • Lead bi-weekly Youth Social Club spaces, which rotate a variety of drop-in activities for youth with disabilities, including art, dance, yoga, games, crafts, and other activities of interest to staff/youth 
  • Provide 1-on-1 services to support youth with disabilities in setting and reaching goals related to post-secondary life, including accessing higher education or employment, housing, appropriate healthcare, community integration/social participation, volunteer or leadership opportunities, and more
  • Provide information and referrals to relevant youth-centered community-based resources
  • Collaborate with CIL’s Media and Communications Manager to create and distribute relevant media and promotional outreach materials for youth events and services
  • Conduct intakes and maintain accurate individual and group service notes of youth attendance and progress toward goals
  • Draft quarterly narrative reports as requested by the Program Manager



Other Responsibilities:

  • Assist as needed with coordinating youth events and supporting community events with CIL more broadly
  • Assist with other similar duties, which might be assigned as needed


Education and/or Experience:


  • At least 1 year of experience teaching in classroom-style environments, leading workshops, or equivalent experiences with group education/facilitation
  • Experience in program coordination and/or program development, at least 1 year preferred
  • Experience writing curricula for and working with youths and/or young adults (youths with disabilities and youth of color preferred)
  • Demonstrated success in helping students or community members pursue goals pertaining to advocacy, employment, education, or community living
  • Familiarity with organizations and schools in the City of Oakland preferred
  • Experience in trauma-informed care, Mental Health First Aid, and/or strengths-based approaches


Qualifications:

  • Commitment to anti-racism, LGBTQIA+ liberation, gender and economic justice, and anti-ableism; a familiarity with,or willingness to engage in, Disability Justice frameworks and principles and apply them to Youth Outreach work
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse youth, especially Black and Indigenous youth and youth of color; low-income youth; and youth with disabilities
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating successfully with other service providers, teachers and educators, or school administrators
  • Culturally responsive and respectful interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong problem-solving, curriculum planning, and implementation skills
  • A creative and strategic mind that is energized by creating something new
  • Self-directed, with a demonstrated ability to manage time and multiple tasks effectively
  • Excellent computer skills, including Google Workspace
  • Bilingual in Spanish or Mandarin a plus


Physical Demands:

  • Ability to lift 10 pounds 
  • Travel to schools and other agencies and organizations 1-2 times per week


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.


A NOTE TO POTENTIAL CANDIDATES:


Studies have shown that BIPOC and other people from marginalized groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet all the qualifications described in the job description. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse work experiences and backgrounds. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in this position, and what you hope to bring to this role.



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HOW TO APPLY:


If you are interested in joining CIL’s team, please submit the following application materials:


  • A cover letter describing your interest in CIL and how your past experience has prepared you for this role
  • Resume

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All job offers are contingent on passing a pre-employment background check.


If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Hiring team at hiring (@) thecil.org.


CIL Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity), national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation or status as a protected veteran. Persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and minorities are encouraged to apply.


CIL is an E-Verify participating employer.


Salary

$31.5 - $32.3 per hour