Position Title: Enrollment & Matching Specialist
Department: Youth Mentoring
Status: Full-time (38-hour work week), Non-Exempt Professional, Union Employee, Classification 6A
Agency Location: Based in West Los Angeles
Working Location: Mon-Thurs in office; Fridays remote
Join a forward-thinking organization that has been proven to make a positive impact on children’s lives. Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles (JBBBSLA), celebrating over 100 years of service in the greater Los Angeles area, is seeking a dynamic individual to join our innovative and collaborative team. JBBBSLA provides mentoring services, teen empowerment programs, college support, and year-round camp experiences at Camp Bob Waldorf. JBBBSLA is proud to have achieved a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator, their highest level of distinction. Our mission is to assist children in achieving their full potential through innovative, impactful programs.
Job Summary
The Enrollment & Matching Specialist (EMS) supports the enrollment and matching functions for volunteers and children/families applying to our 1-1 Youth Mentoring Program. This role is part of a collaborative team engaging with all constituents and processes through the lens of youth protection and with a high level of customer service. The EMS will evaluate whether applicants align with our program’s offerings; they conduct and document interviews with families and volunteers, coordinate background/screening requirements, develop integrated, written assessments, and make professional recommendations regarding approval and match selection. They cultivate positive, supportive relationships with all stakeholders and ultimately facilitate a smooth transition to the match stage. Position will involve some local travel to facilitate enrollment and/or matching processes and to participate in off-site agency events.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Enrollment
- Conduct interviews with children, parents/guardians and volunteer prospects, evaluating for eligibility, suitability, coachability, and readiness to partner effectively.
- Present child safety information to PGs and youth and make a professional determination regarding children’s ability to understand safety concepts.
- Coordinate background/screening elements for volunteers (criminal background checks, fingerprints, references and other screening updates).
- Conduct timely follow-up, setting a tone of forward momentum with all constituents and keeping enrollment processing time to a minimum.
- Prepare comprehensive written assessments and recommendations based on interviews and all information gathered.
- Conduct orientations for parents/guardians and/or volunteers.
- Facilitate Pre-Match Training for volunteers
- Provide external referrals and resources to those whose needs we can’t meet.
- Outreach to pool of waiting Bigs and Littles at appropriate intervals to provide reassurance and solicit updates.
- Reengage constituents at appropriate intervals following enrollment closures and conduct reenrollments accordingly.
- Provide enrollment data/reports as requested.
- Maintain familiarity and regular contact with waiting constituents in order to participate collaboratively in match selection meetings, prioritize Bigs and Littles appropriately and propose strong, viable matches.
- Internal Process: Propose safe and appropriate match relationships based on pools of volunteers and children, with priority attention to those waiting the longest.
- Present proposed matches externally to volunteers and parents/guardians with professionalism and accurate information. Answer questions and address ambivalence/concerns, balancing encouragement with respect for preferences, and discerning when a prospective match should not be pursued.
- Follow up with all parties promptly, and transition pending matches smoothly to match support staff for the Match Introduction Meeting (MIM).
- Miscellaneous
- Provide support for agency events and activities
- Utilize Matchforce database dashboards/workflows to thoroughly monitor, advance and professionally document participants’ progress, ensuring that enrollment records provide an accurate history with all data current.
- Additional Duties as assigned.
Skills and Qualifications
We are seeking a candidate with a strong belief in the Mission and Vision of JBBBSLA, as well as the following:
- Bachelor’s degree (preference for fields related to social work, psychology, human development, communications).
- 1-2 years of experience working with children/youth in social services, or in a customer service environment with a working understanding of child development and family dynamics.
- Relationship management experience with youth and/or adult populations.
- High-level computer skills: proficiency in Microsoft Office, internet-based and database applications (Salesforce experience a plus).
- Experience in public speaking (presenting, facilitating, training and/or recruiting) with adults a plus.
- Willingness to travel throughout the Los Angeles area for constituent meetings, events, etc., as necessitated by job responsibilities.
- Able to work some evening/weekend hours and have some flexibility with schedule.
- Well-developed, active listening skills with high-level customer service in all areas of responsibility.
- Strong interpersonal insight with ability to document observations and impressions objectively and professionally.
- Outside-the-box thinker, able to recognize the potential for stakeholders to assume various roles, and able to leverage opportunities for multiple purposes.
- Collaborative workstyle with outstanding communication skills (oral/written).
- Able to develop trust and rapport with individuals and groups from diverse sectors and demonstrate well-developed cultural competency.
- Able to work effectively and sensitively with confidential information.
- Successful working both in a team and independently.
- Good judgment with sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.
- Solid organizational skills, comfortable multi-tasking and able to shift priorities quickly when needed.
- Strong commitment to quality and results with good attention to detail.
Compensation and Benefits
JBBBSLA offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary range commensurate with experience ($25.81-$28.00 hourly). We enjoy a fun office environment, and a fantastic team of people dedicated to the meaningful work we do. Additional benefits include:
- Early closure on Fridays in observance of Shabbat, creating a 38-hour work week
- Paid federal and Jewish holidays (avg. 13-19 per year)
- Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and four additional personal days
- Pet-friendly office (bring your pet to work)!
- Pet Insurance discounts
- 403b retirement plan: 5% matching after one year; immediate voluntary contributions
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- Voluntary Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Paid life insurance (after one year)
- Paid long-term disability insurance (after 60 days)
To apply, please send resume AND cover letter to mkoehler@jbbbsla.org and enter Enrollment & Matching Specialist in the SUBJECT line. No phone calls, please.