Youth Program Arts Facilitator

Organization Summary:

We use CREATIVITY to break the cycle of trauma. Million Little provides therapeutic and creative arts programs that are rooted in the strengths-based model for youth in underserved and at-risk environments as a powerful tool for personal and social transformation, healing, and resilience.

To Apply: Please email a cover letter and resume (Microsoft Word or PDF) along with a creativeportfolio (optional).

**** Must be willing to travel and have reliable transportation. This position requires you to drive to our partner sites across Los Angeles County and come into the Million Little office in Valencia, CA 91355 (Monday through Friday, 5 days a week).

Position Overview:

Youth Program Facilitator (Re-entry) at Million Little is responsible for assisting and facilitating Million Little’s intervention and re-entry programs inside the juvenile detention/correctional facilities and community based social services agencies. This position reports to the Executive Director. Million Little is a small nonprofit organization; as a result, it is a unique opportunity for all staff members to become part of the core team that actualizes the organization’s mission and goals together.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate strengths-based therapeutic arts interventions and re-entry programs within juvenile detention/correctional facilities and in community settings
• Prepare and pack art supplies, materials, and digital equipment for each program session
• Work closely with Million Little team to assist and revise lesson plans based on interests and needs of the students
• Create notes, required documents after each program session in a timely manner
• Prepare quarterly assessments
• Sustain and model a strong commitment to program objectives
• Collaborate with youth and lead them in expressing and creating authentic expressions based on youth’s ideas and interests
• Cultivate culturally relevant and safe learning environments for all participants
• Write program stories and create social media contents as needed
• Participate in staff training and attend staff meetings as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Job Qualifications and Experience

• Experience with Youth Development: Minimum 1 year of demonstrated experience working with youth aged 14-25, preferably in settings such as juvenile detention/correctional facilities or similar settings. Knowledgeable about Positive Youth Development principles and practices.
• Engagement and Facilitation Skills: Proven ability to effectively engage and interact with youth, as well as facilitate youth groups or activities. Ability to create inclusive and participatory environments that promote youth voice and leadership.
• Cultural Competency: Demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly youth from historically underrepresented and under-resourced communities. Ability to foster an environment of respect, understanding, and appreciation for cultural differences.
• Arts Skills: Proficiency in one or more art forms such as visual arts, photography, music, or digital media. Ability to effectively incorporate creative activities into programming to engage and inspire youth participants.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with youth, colleagues, and stakeholders. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Self-Motivated and Flexible: Self-motivated, energetic, and adaptable to changing circumstances. Able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a small team environment.
• Strengths-Based Approach: Strong belief in the strengths-based model for youth development and a genuine passion for utilizing creativity as a tool for empowerment. Dedicated to fostering the potential and resilience of youth served by the organization.
• Commitment to Social Change: Demonstrated commitment to social change through the arts, with a desire to contribute to positive outcomes for youth and communities.
• Additional Assets: Possesses persistence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Ability to prioritize tasks effectively and manage time efficiently. Keen observation skills to assess the needs and progress of youth participants.
• Bilingual Proficiency: Fluency in both English and Spanish is a plus. Ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking youth and families, as well as translate program materials or facilitate sessions in Spanish when necessary.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance
• Must be able to lift 30 pounds, move materials (clay, paints, equipment, etc) on carts around program sites
• Must be flexible working in a fast-paced, non-profit environment and open to work a flexible schedule, including some evenings and weekends
• Must be willing to travel and have reliable transportation. This position requires you to drive to our partner sites across Los Angeles County and come into the Million Little office in Valencia, CA 91355 (Monday through Friday, 5 days a week)

If offered position:

• Must obtain and clear a background check (Live Scan)
• Must provide a proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• May require to provide First Aid/CPR certification from American Red Cross or American Heart Association
• May require a certification of negative TB status

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Los Angeles, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person