Primary Function: In conjunction with the Director of Violence Prevention Humane Education, coordinate and conduct a variety of spcaLA educational and violence prevention/intervention programs,

In addition co-coordinate and conduct a variety of educational and violence prevention/intervention programs, including: Teaching Love and Compassion (TLC), a multi-week youth program that combines social-emotional learning with hands-on training of shelter dogs; Friends for Life Summer Camp for 9-14 year olds; classroom programs; workshops; Animal Safety Net (ASN), which provides housing for pets of domestic violence survivors while they are in domestic violence shelters. Assist in all administrative aspects of running the Department.

As we actively work towards expanding the growing understanding of the positive and transformative impact human animal interactions have on system-involved and high-need youth, we are seeking an energetic and passionate leader to help identify how we may better collaborate with community-based organizations who are committed to preventing a young person’s involvement or further involvement in the juvenile justice system in the County of Los Angeles. Conducting outreach and building effective partnerships with key stakeholders is a critical component of this work.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate and effectively conduct the Youth Diversion Program at spcaLA shelter locations including scheduling, program delivery and curriculum development.
• Continually assess trends to maintain program innovative and enhance as needed to adapt to emerging trends.
• Develop objectives to identify program priorities and targets for progress and success.
• Co-facilitate small group discussions and activities focused on building healthy relationships, positive communication, conflict resolution, and advocacy.
• Maintain successful relationships with existing YDP partners and build effective partnerships with a variety of constituents to expand program reach.
• Maintain communication with referral agencies and ensure communication with clients to support program completion.
• Assist with guiding youth through positive reinforcement dog training and other animal-assisted activities.
• Contribute to the creation of educational outreach materials as it relates to the Youth Diversion Program and other programs.
• Assist with managing coding and organization of all surveys for program evaluation purposes.
• Assist with evaluating and preparing shelter dogs to participate in programs, as needed.
• Co-design/coordinate, and conduct TLC and related violence prevention/intervention programs at a variety of sites, including middle schools, high schools, residential facilities, and community organizations.
• Co-design/coordinate, and conduct Friends for Life Summer Camp for large groups, ages 9-17; lead animal-themed games, activities and projects.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications:

• Experience working with system-involved and or underserved youth in educational, mental health, and/or youth development settings.
• Training in restorative justice and trauma-informed practices; verbal de-escalation training; conflict resolution and/or mediation training.
• Ability to respectfully instruct and work with youth diverse in age, culture, and socioeconomic status, and to build trusting relationships with them.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including ability to author/edit educational materials, and to speak in public.
• Perform works, which involves walking dogs of various sizes, lifting, carrying and/or pushing of 50 lbs., and occasionally lift, push and/or move up to 70 lb. or more.
• Must be able to pass background checks, including Department of Justice background.

Knowledge of:

• Teaching, counseling, and/or group facilitation strategies.
• Positive behavior supports and classroom/group management.
• Education standards and varied student needs.
• Animal behavior and handling preferred.
• Bilingual - Spanish required.

Other Essential Qualifications:

License Required – Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver’s License will be required prior to employment. A valid license must be maintained in the course of employment. Insurable to drive company vehicle.

Physical Demands – While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers; handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk loudly and clearly; and hear. Requires the mobility to stand, walk, sit, kneel, crouch and crawl. Performs work, which includes walking large dogs, lifting, carrying and/or pushing of 50 lbs. or more.

Working Conditions – Dealing with an office environment in which the noise level is generally moderate, but on occasion will be high. Possibly dealing with recalcitrant or negative youth and/or general public. Operations of a vehicle under all types of weather and road conditions. In the shelter there is often a very high noise level and possible exposure to parasites and infectious diseases.

Experience and Training:

• College degree mandatory; degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work or related field preferred.
• Training/certification in Restorative Justice Practices preferred.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person