Community Ambassador I – Bilingual Spanish & English

MEND-Meet Each Need with Dignity is a nonprofit organization headquartered in

Pacoima, CA serving the crisis needs of the most vulnerable community members.

Operating the San Fernando Valley’s most extensive Community Nourishment

Programs, MEND distributes almost 4 million pounds of good food a year. And, in

alignment with MEND’s mission and long-term commitment to strengthen families and

the community, MEND helps individuals address and overcome the long-term

challenges that have kept them from thriving through our more intensive services and

programs.

Under the direction of the Program Manager-Supervising United Mental

Health Promoter (UMHP), the UMHP will engage families with children ages birth to five

in activities to increase awareness about mental health issues, removing barriers and

improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate resources. The Community

Ambassador will conduct community outreach and engagement, individual and

community advocacy, facilitate groups, support community members with referrals

and linkages, and collaborate with internal and external systems within the Department

of Mental Health and other County Departments or Community Partners. This role will

also collaborate across MEND programs to assist participants in accessing services that

address urgent and persistent needs. The ideal candidate will have previous community

organizing and event coordination, and strong formal and informal networks in the San

Fernando Valley.

Leads/delivers activities focused on preventive Mental Health services to community

members, overseeing all aspects of activity including outreach, community

collaboration, and procurement of supplies to ensure success; Facilitates leadership

development, empowerment, and advocacy activities, including coalition building,

community organizing, civic participation, and voting rights.

2. Actively leads efforts to increase participant awareness and engagement in MEND

services, primarily through:

a. Tabling at Community Events

b. Community Presentations and Trainings

c. Other outreach/engagement methods as assigned.

3. Supports team in conducting participant needs assessments to learn about service

gaps and provide linkages/navigation support to increase access to resources.

4. Works in collaboration with other UMHP’s, project staff, and key partners to increase

awareness of community needs and ensure referrals are made to social support

resources and services including mental health referrals when necessary.

5. Collaborates with project leadership in identifying high-quality robust collaborations

with community partners and public agencies to meet community identified

supportive service needs; promotes community engagement for program staff and

participants.

6. Reviews and submits daily activity data reports, activity logs and monthly mileage

expense forms to ensure compliance with funder and/or regulatory requirements

resulting in successful, clean audits.

7. Participates in all required and mandatory DMH and program trainings

8. Represents MEND at meetings, events and conferences as needed.

9. Other duties as assigned.

Mental Health Lived Experience Required: Has learned from challenges and

mentors; willing to learn from others and create and engage with others. Life

experience reflecting familiarity with systemic racism, the cultural practices and

other experiences of the community in which they work.

Bachelor’s degree preferred or a combination skills and experience in lieu of

degree.

Bilingual English/Spanish Fluency Required.

Understanding of available public and private supports for holistically increasing an

individuals’ mental wellness.

Experience with leading engaging presentations and group training sessions.

Must be results oriented with strong critical thinking skills, able to set and meet

deadlines; adept at tracking data and program outcomes.

Experience in leading engaging presentations/teaching/coaching type sessions.

Ability to work independently and as a team player.

High energy, friendly, organized, and detailed-oriented.

Valid CA Driver’s License and Current insurance required; Must have reliable

transportation, position requires extensive local travel

Excellent internet and research skills

Ability to type, enter and track information (e.g., referrals made and acted upon) in

a computer-based platform.

Excellent communication and organizational skills; strong written and interpersonal

skills.

Experience working with individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to accommodate outreach activities

Satisfactory health screen and negative TB test.

This position is a mandated reporter and also must have a satisfactory background

Bachelor’s degree preferred or a combination skills and experience in lieu of

degree.

Bilingual English/Spanish Fluency Required.

Understanding of available public and private supports for holistically increasing an

individuals’ mental wellness.

Experience with leading engaging presentations and group training sessions.

Must be results oriented with strong critical thinking skills, able to set and meet

deadlines; adept at tracking data and program outcomes.

Experience in leading engaging presentations/teaching/coaching type sessions.

Ability to work independently and as a team player.

High energy, friendly, organized, and detailed-oriented.

Valid CA Driver’s License and Current insurance required; Must have reliable

transportation, position requires extensive local travel

Excellent internet and research skills

Ability to type, enter and track information (e.g., referrals made and acted upon) in

a computer-based platform.

Excellent communication and organizational skills; strong written and interpersonal

skills.

Experience working with individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds

Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to accommodate outreach activities

Satisfactory health screen and negative TB test.

This position is a mandated reporter and also must have a satisfactory background

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Ability to occasionally move supplies and equipment weighing up to 50 lbs for

various outreach event needs and lift up to 25 lbs, with constant lifting of small

objects.

Occasionally assemble, lift and carry materials and supplies required for activity.

Perform sustained, repetitive, manual and circular motion tasks with the upper

extremities.

Must be willing to occasionally be on feet 4-6 hours of an eight-hour day.

Must be willing to occasionally work in outdoor temperatures with a frequency of

being in noisy and dusty environments.