Temporary Arts Program Specialist

Role: Temporary Arts Program Specialist

Reports to: Arts Program Manager

Program: 1901- Fine Arts Village

Department: Member Services (Arts Program)

Location: The Village - 527 Crocker Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Setting: Not 100% Onsite

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm (Some evenings and weekends)

Status: Temporary/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 1

SUMMARY:

The Arts Program Specialist provides leadership in arts, music, and related programming for participants at two art programs: one in Skid Row and one in Santa Monica. This role involves working with a diverse population, including individuals experiencing homelessness and mental illness, to maintain a positive and supportive environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Support the Daily Operations of The People Concern's Arts and Music Programs (West Side and Los Angeles)
  • Set up, break down, and maintain art and music rooms.
  • Ensure cleanliness (e.g., set tables/chairs, wipe surfaces, turn on air purifier, tidy bathrooms/sinks).
  • Stock and organize art carts with supplies (paint, paper, snacks, drinks, PPE, flyers).
  • Maintain inventory, check equipment functionality, and request purchases as needed.
  • Update, print, and display studio signs and calendars.
  • Sign in clients and file documents during each visit.
• Program Engagement & Community Building
  • Develop effective, trusting relationships with program participants to foster independence and improve physical and mental health.
  • Create a welcoming environment, provide program orientations, teach tool/supply safety, and prioritize client well-being.
  • Greet clients, play music, and keep them informed of upcoming events.
  • Orient new volunteers, maintain task lists, build relationships, and introduce them to artists/members.
  • Increase program attendance by planning artist orientations, advertising new orientation dates, and sharing information with partners.
  • Facilitate and participate in opportunities for program participants to display and sell their artwork or perform in the community.
• Vendor Relations & Event Management (West Side & Los Angeles)
  • Cultivate relationships with approved vendors for sales events. This includes registering for events, assisting with packing and preparation, and attending the events.
  • While at events, monitor sales, secure payments, and distribute earnings to participating artists.
  • Coordinate and communicate event details (e.g., hours, location) with participating artists.
  • Collaborate with the Daybreak Designs program facilitator volunteer (West Side).
• Administrative & Logistical Support
  • Develop and distribute starter art kits (as funding allows) to agency programs. Maintain distribution records for accurate monthly reporting.
  • Coordinate client interviews, community room use, and site tours, providing support as needed.
  • Ensure complete, accurate, and current member records in electronic databases/files (adhering to contracts/grants like DMH).
  • Ensure adherence to Public Health Standards.
  • Create monthly reports for the West Side arts program.

Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: A Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Illustration, Graphic Design, Music, or a related field, or two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly those with mental illness and/or substance use disorders; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with computers, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Communication & Organizational Skills: Excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to learn quickly and work effectively with diverse individuals and groups with minimal supervision.
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain).
• Transportation: A valid California driver's license, reliable vehicle, auto insurance, and a satisfactory driving record are required. Alternatively, the ability and willingness to use public transportation is acceptable.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to learn quickly and work effectively with diverse individuals and groups with minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Work Environment:

• Setting: This position involves a combination of field and office work.
• Physical Demands: The role requires regular sitting, standing, and bending. Occasional lifting and carrying of up to 35 pounds may be necessary.
• Mobility: Occasional walking or driving to various local sites is required.
• Working Conditions: The work environment may be busy and noisy. Exposure to elements such as cold, heat, dust, noise, and odors is possible.
• Physical Activity: Bending, stooping, twisting, and sitting may be required throughout the day.
• Safety: Occasional exposure to fumes from spray paint and epoxies may occur. All necessary safety precautions will be taken to ensure staff safety when using these materials.