Harbor House Ministries is a Christian community development organization that serves families in the San Antonio neighborhood of Oakland, CA. We provide a safe place for opportunities, resources, and relationships to be shared, so all families in Oakland can flourish.
FOCUS AND SCOPE:
The Director of Spiritual Formation will encourage and equip the youth of Harbor House to grow in their relationships with God, one another, and their neighbors by learning to listen to God, work together, and serve those who are marginalized.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
School Year Programming
Develop, coordinate, and oversee Harbor House’s middle school after-school program on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Responsibilities include transporting students from local middle schools to Harbor House using the Harbor House van, supervising students during free time, ensuring compliance with all CACFP supper requirements, and implementing program components such as homework support, tutoring, mentoring, enrichment clubs, and social-emotional learning activities.
Partner with a local church to support Wednesday evening youth group for middle school students. Safely transport Harbor House students to and from youth group activities and help out as requested by the church's youth ministry staff.
Plan, prepare, and help lead content for Wednesday Soul Care for all ages at Harbor House, including Godly Play lessons (or other lessons from the Bible), prayer, meditation, and service.
Plan, implement, and oversee once-a-month gatherings for middle schoolers. This could include field trips, service projects, mini-retreats, youth nights at FCC, etc.
Maintain accurate records of program attendance and participant progress, evaluate outcomes against established goals, and report findings to the Executive Director quarterly.
Summer Programming
Collaborate with the Director of Education and the Director of Leadership Development to develop spiritual content for our annual summer day camp, including Bible stories, memory verses, and spiritual practices.
Recruit, train, and supervise middle schoolers for the Junior Counselor program at our summer day camp. Ensure they have meaningful opportunities to develop their skills and lead the younger campers.
Recruit, transport, and mentor middle schoolers at YoungLife’s Woodleaf overnight camp in the summer.
Relationships
Create and consistently foster a nurturing, supportive, culturally responsive, and positive environment for students. Model social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies and implement effective behavior management strategies that promote student growth, engagement, and well-being.
Develop and nurture positive relationships with parents. Regularly update parents through Talking Points messages, monthly newsletters, and in-person check-ins at pick-up. Encourage parent involvement at Family Nights, parenting workshops, and community-wide events.
Follow all Youth Protection Policies as described in the Harbor House Employee Handbook.
Organizational Support
Attend and actively participate in weekly staff meetings. Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and facilitate weekly Spiritual Formation practices that foster staff growth, reflection, and community.
Recruit, train, supervise, and support volunteers for the middle school program, including tutors and mentors. Provide ongoing encouragement, guidance, and resources to ensure volunteers are equipped to serve effectively and thrive in their roles.
Assist with fundraising efforts for Harbor House, including crowdfunding campaigns and in-person fundraising events.
Collaborate with staff from other agencies as needed for successful partnerships, including local schools and churches, YoungLife, and other youth-based and spiritual formation organizations in Oakland.
Develop and share regular prayer updates and newsletters that keep Harbor House prayer partners informed, engaged, and connected to the ministry’s work and needs.
Assist with other organization-wide events (ie, the Christmas Store) and perform other administrative duties, as needed.
Immediately report accidents or suspicions of abuse to the Executive Director and to Child Protective Services.
Support and contribute to a safe and healthy work environment.
COMPETENCIES:
Passion for holistic community transformation and the overall mission/vision of Harbor House.
Solid commitment to personal spiritual formation.
Proven leadership record.
Innovative and pioneering nature.
Willingness to listen, learn, and be held accountable.
Interest and experience in ministering to middle school students.
Ability to engage youth in large and small group activities and discussions.
Good oral and written communication skills.
Open heart to build relationships with youth from a variety of backgrounds.
Self-motivation and initiation.
Sound judgment and integrity.
Flexibility/ability to cope with changes well.
Valid CA driver’s license and clean driving record
Bachelor’s degree in a human services field (education, community development, social work, youth ministry, etc) and experience working in a diverse, urban setting.
SPECIFICS
This is a year-round, 30-hour-per-week position. Starting compensation is $30.56 per hour. Medical, dental, and partial mental health benefits are included. Paid time off is accrued.
TO APPLY
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to Kacie Stratton at kacies@hhministries.org. For more information, call Kacie at 510-534-0165 or visit www.hhministries.org.