MYVoice Program Specialist
Position: MYVoice Program Specialist
Job Type: Regular, Full Time
Reports to: Youth Department Supervisor
Positions Supervised: None
Who we are:
Ampersand Families provides permanency and adoption services to older youth and families who face barriers to equity in child welfare, and champions systemic changes that advance belonging, dignity and hope.
Ampersand Families strives to strategically address systemic inequity and barriers within the child welfare system, specifically for older youth, youth of color, sibling groups, and relatives and kin. We are seeking professionals who understand the profound impact that child welfare intervention has on the lives of children, youth and families.
The MYVoice program is a part of the Youth Department at Ampersand Families. The goal of the program is to provide young people who have experienced all phases of child welfare intervention an opportunity to connect with other youth who have shared experiences to learn from each other, support each other, and pool their voices for system change.
Why you’ll love working here:
Ampersand Families is committed to doing our part to create a more equitable child welfare system.
We provide equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, nationality, ethnic background, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, marital status, socio-economic status, status regarding public assistance, political affiliation, veteran status, other non-visible differences, and other protected attributes.
Ampersand Families is proud to be an employer of choice with an organizational culture of excellence that embraces continual growth and learning, as well as collegial support and connection. We employ professionals who champion our core values of equity, belonging, dignity, hope, integrity, and leadership.
Pay & Benefits:
Salary: $52,043.67 - $58,722.97
We are committed to equitable hiring practices which includes offering the highest starting salary based on our agency’s compensation philosophy, and we do not engage in salary negotiations at hiring.
Ampersand Families has a competitive benefit package including Health, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long- term Disability Insurance, Simple IRA Plan, 20 Days of PTO (accrued per year; increases with each year of employment), 10 floating holidays plus Juneteenth and every other Election Day as office holidays, Paid Parental Leave, and an Emergency Medical Benefit bank for short term medical leave (8 days per calendar year, prorated based on start date). Social work licensure supervision is available on site.
Before accepting an offer, candidates are given an opportunity to meet with current staff to get a further sense of the organizational culture and to ask any questions they may have.
What you’ll be doing:
The MYVoice Program Specialist is responsible for managing all aspects of the Minnesota Youth Voice (MYVoice) program. We are looking for a skilled, self-motivated visionary leader to generate sustainable programming and implement creative ways to engage youth in advocacy efforts. The MYVoice Program Specialist will lead 1:1 and group advocacy opportunities, from a positive youth development lens, to impact the child welfare system.
Identify, plan with, and support youth leaders in quarterly Brain Trust meetings, education and advocacy events, and strategic planning and internal focus groups.
Lead facilitation of advocacy and education events involving MYVoice youth.
Facilitate in-person and virtual hangouts and virtual series offerings.
Identify, plan with, and support youth leaders in developing hangout agendas, art interactive themes, READS booklist, and other youth-led initiatives.
Explore new kit options, assess existing kits for discontinuation, and present recommendations to the MYVoice team.
Act as the primary point of contact for new and existing youth program participants. Communicate with youth and caregivers regarding youth submissions, event details, and program updates.
Plan in-person meeting logistics (e.g., space, catering, transportation) with support from other program staff.
Conduct regular outreach, and act as primary point of contact for new institutions interested in partnering with MYVoice. Occasionally travel around the state of Minnesota to these institutions for in-person events and program promotion.
Create promotional materials for hangouts, monthly interactives, and virtual series events, and manage publicity through program social media accounts and a monthly newsletter.
Table at outreach events to promote Ampersand Families and MYVoice.
Assist the Program Supervisor in communicating short and long-term program needs related to budgeting.
Participate in regular billing tasks, including tracking and coding program purchases to maintain an accurate budget.
Support grant reporting and budget revision processes.
Create contracts and manage communications with external program partners.
Promote feedback surveys during data collection periods.
Maintain documentation of all activities, outreach, and communication with workers, youth, and families.
Transport youth to/from events as needed.
What we’re looking for:
High school diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Project coordination and administrative experience preferred.
Experience in youth development leadership or in the child welfare system preferred.
Interest and experience working with teens using youth-centered, equity-focused and trauma-informed approaches.
Strong understanding of youth engagement in policy, as well as experience supporting youth/adult relationships.
Interest in or experience with the political and legislative process/youth-led advocacy efforts.
Enthusiastic facilitation/public speaking skills.
Ability to be self-directed as well as to work as part of a team.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple projects and deadlines, attentive to detail, and consistent in meeting goals and deadlines.
Personal and professional commitment to Ampersand Families’ mission, vision, and goals and to advancing the Agency’s commitment to anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices.
Competency with a variety of technology and computer programs (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Social Media).
Valid driver’s license, insurance coverage, and clean driving record. BCA and social services fingerprint background check required.
How to apply:
To apply, please send a resume and complete pre-interview questions. As a part of our equitable hiring practices, we do not require a cover letter.
An initial review of resumes will begin on November 17, 2025; however, the position will remain open until filled.