Credible Messenger

Position Title: Credible Messenger

Reports To: Program Manager

Classification: Full-time, 1.0 FTE

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Portland and Gresham, OR

Compensation: $23.56 per hour

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Latino Network’s mission is: Leading with love, we cultivate our staff and community as a powerful force for radical social change. We do this through Latino community-driven programs, advocacy, and service. Our work springs from the core belief in Latino community self-determination, that is, the ability of community members to participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives and the lives of their families. We actively partner across a variety of city, county, state, and community organizations to deliver training and support, a wide range of services, as well as influence policy.

BENEFITS & PERKS

Latino Network provides a generous benefits package that includes:

• Health Plans including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Alternative Care
• FSA - Flexible Spending Account for Medical & Dependent Care expenses
• 401k Plan with Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer sponsored Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Leave (Vacation, Sick, Sabbatical)
• Professional development opportunities
• Self - Care perks
• Team and family event

POSITION SUMMARY

The Credible Messenger provides intensive, relationship-based mentoring and outreach to youth at highest risk of involvement in gun violence, aligned with the Family Care Manager model. While the Family Care Manager works with the family and broader support system, the Credible Messenger focuses on direct engagement with the youth, building trust, supporting behavior change, and reinforcing service plans through consistent, high-dosage contact. This role is grounded in culturally specific practice and aligned with Gun Violence Reduction Strategy (GVRS/Ceasefire) principles.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with youth through consistent, high-frequency engagement
• Provide individualized mentoring focused on goal-setting, decision-making, and pro-social skill development
• Reinforce and support individualized service and safety plans developed in coordination with the Family Care Manager
• Conduct outreach in community settings to engage youth who are disconnected or at elevated risk
• Model and teach conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and positive communication
• Support youth in navigating school, employment, and community systems
• Assist in de-escalation and crisis response, working closely with the Family Care Manager and team
• Accompany youth to appointments, activities, and pro-social opportunities
• Maintain regular communication with the Family Care Manager to ensure alignment and coordinated care
• Participate in team meetings, case conferencing, and cross-system coordination efforts
• Document all services, contacts, and progress in a timely and accurate manner
• Facilitate restorative Justice circles using the Joven Noble, Circle Keepers and Cultura Cura framework

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Lived experience that reflects the youth and communities served (required)
• Experience working with high-risk, justice-involved, or system-impacted youth
• Strong relationship-building, communication, and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to engage youth in community-based settings and respond to crisis situations
• Commitment to culturally specific, equity-centered, and trauma-informed practice
• Bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English)
• High School diploma or higher and/or at least two years equivalent experience in community outreach or social services.
• Knowledge of emergency, social, education, domestic violence, child welfare, human services, and information/referral systems.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish and English (including public speaking).
• Ability to employ critical thinking and confidence in decision-making and carrying out actions.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage time, and prioritize tasks to meet goals and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
• Commitment to personal and professional development.
• Evening and weekend availability may be required, and work hours are flexible to accommodate program implementation.
• Reliable transportation is required. Automobile, driver's license, and automobile liability insurance preferred; must be eligible to be an insured driver under Latino Network's Commercial Auto Liability (or become eligible within three months of date of hire).

ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly work in the office and in the community as needed.
• Evening and weekend availability may be required, and work hours are flexible to accommodate program implementation; they may be long during peak periods
• Undergoing and passing criminal background checks is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to perform with or without accommodation the essential functions as described above, which may include, but are not limited to, seeing, hearing, typing, speaking, bending, reaching, walking, carrying, lifting, and standing for periods of time.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while assisting clients in the Transitional Housing department. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee must frequently stand, walk, sit, type, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, or bend. It may require heavy lifting and walking during events and outreach activities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

TO APPLY

If you, or anyone you know, are interested in joining us in supporting our mission to positively transform the lives of Latino Youth families and communities, please submit your application, resume, and cover letter at: Careers

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required. Latino Network is an equal opportunity employer. We value and support diversity and inclusion to create a culture of dignity and respect.