Position Summary:
Destiny Arts Center is an Oakland-based arts organization. We use movement (dance and martial arts), music, and visual art to help young people figure out who they are and where they're going. This role bridges that work and the concrete work of graduation requirements, college applications, financial aid, job readiness, and family advocacy.
You won’t be in a school or a county office. You’ll be in a building where someone is rehearsing down the hall, where a young person who struggled in an IEP meeting last week is leading a dance cipher this week. That environment changes how young people show up and what becomes possible.
The role centers on high school students (ages 13–18) and young adults (ages 18–24): the ones working toward graduation, navigating college or trade programs, or trying to get a stable footing in the workforce. You’ll also provide lighter support and referrals for younger students (ages 5-12) and stay connected to families throughout.
Key Areas of Responsibilities:
Academic Success & Postsecondary Navigation (Ages 13–24)
This is the core of the job. You’re the primary advisor for students and young adults moving through high school completion and whatever comes after.
- Walk students through California A-G requirements, credit recovery, and graduation pathways
- Support college applications across community colleges, UC, CSU, and private institutions
- Help young adults finish GEDs or re-enroll after time away from school
- Own the financial aid process: FAFSA, Cal Grant, Dream Act, WIOA/WIA workforce grants
- Provide light academic mentorship for younger students; support families navigating IEP processes
Help young people get ready for work, find it, and keep it.
- Develop and lead workshops on resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, and navigating workplace dynamics
- Connect participants to internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, and vocational programs
- Handle the administrative side of youth employment: work permits, labor law basics, I-9s, W-4s
- Support Destiny Arts Center’s own youth staff and camp counselors through hiring and onboarding
Families need someone who knows the systems and will show up with them, not just point them somewhere.
- Advocate alongside parents and caregivers in institutional meetings; IEP, financial aid, school-based
- Host workshops that help families understand what they’re entitled to and how to ask for it
- Stay connected to young people and families dealing with housing instability, system involvement, or other real barriers
The behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything accountable.
- Maintain accurate case notes and records tied to each student’s individual goals
- Pull data and write narratives for grant reports
- Coordinate with teaching artists and outside partners so students aren’t falling through cracks between programs
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or related field, or the experience that got you there without the degree
- At least 2 years of working directly with young people in youth development, case management, school counseling or a related setting
- Real working knowledge of California A-G requirements, college and financial aid systems, and IEP processes
- Comfortable facilitating groups and running workshops
- Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred; culturally responsive in how you communicate
$60,000-65,000/year + Generous Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Unlimited PTO)
Anticipated start date: 7/1/26
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Counseling, or related field, or equivalent experience
- At least 2 years working directly with young people in youth development, case management, or school counseling
- Working knowledge of California A-G requirements, college and financial aid systems, and IEP processes
- Comfortable facilitating groups and running workshops
- Bilingual in Spanish and English; culturally responsive communication
What We Do
Destiny Arts Center is an innovative after-school program for youth ages 3 to 18 in Oakland, CA. It utilizes dance, theater, and martial arts to teach violence prevention, conflict resolution, and youth leadership. As a creative youth development organization, its mission is to inspire and ignite social change through the arts, providing accessible and affordable creative spaces to the community.
