Teen Youth Development Specialist

Department: Operations
Location: Club
Reports to: Service Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Hourly
Worker Category: Part-time

About the Role

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome-Driven Club Experience across a variety of programming areas that support our Core Program Pillars: Academic Success and Career Development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and social-emotional well-being. This position works directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other activities. The YDS is self-motivated, mature, energetic, and able to maintain clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. They communicate and interact with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner, remaining flexible and adaptable in a dynamic work environment.

Responsibilities

• Program Development and Implementation: Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area. Ensure facilities, equipment, and supplies are maintained and report any issues to the supervisor. Review program supply inventory and request supply orders promptly. Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed.
• Youth Development: Provide an active and engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment. Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching conversations and redirection when needed. Model and teach youth self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships.
• Program Administration: Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data as needed. Participate in Club staff meetings and training events. Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources, ensuring proper record-keeping and reporting.
• Daily Program Activities: Set up and clean up program areas daily. Provide club members with a daily program agenda and participation expectations. Ensure child and club safety guidelines are followed. Facilitate program activities aligned with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
• Administration and Reporting: Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems or issues.
• Safety and Compliance: Uphold all child safety standards and club policies, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance about potential risks during activities.
• Relationships:
  • Internal: Maintain daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information and address issues.
  • External: Cultivate long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and other organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and group volunteer partners.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or GED is required; an associate's degree in education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
• Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire youth positively, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members.
• Proficiency in modeling and guiding youth through trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving, promoting academic and personal development.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with Club members, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, including tracking attendance, program participation, and member progress.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training opportunities.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment if not already certified.

Skills

• Builds Positive Relationships: Creates and maintains strong, trusting connections with youth, colleagues, and stakeholders. Engages with young people in a fun, approachable manner while fostering a safe and supportive environment.
• Drives Engagement: Creates a climate where people are motivated to participate actively in programs and activities, supporting their academic development.
• Cultivates Innovation: Develops project-based learning and high-yield educational activities, requiring creativity and innovative thinking.
• Plans and Aligns: Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals, including program administration and evaluation.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations, effectively engaging with diverse youth and responding to changing program needs.

Working Conditions

• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
• Must be able to perform CPR or first aid if needed.
• Works in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards.
• Adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support volunteer activities and events.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Physically capable of performing activities on-site, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to maintain a high energy level when necessary.
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment, ensure safety standards, and respond to immediate safety concerns.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate various supplies and tools, and effectively recognize and address classroom management issues.
• Physical dexterity and cognitive alertness to move safely around the classroom, monitor student activities, prepare materials, and respond promptly to member needs.
• Mental resilience and the ability to stay focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing daily plans and priorities.
• Ability to survey the environment and respond to safety concerns in the moment, demonstrating situational awareness and quick decision-making skills.
• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a copy machine, phone, printer, tablet, and keyboard.
• Maintains various equipment and supplies in diverse settings, including sports equipment, audiovisual devices, art supplies, and other youth-related support materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers, youth members, community members, parents, and other staff.
• Ability to take and follow verbal directions effectively and communicate clearly with youth, supervisors, and other staff.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing situations and requirements.

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance

• Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Candidates must successfully obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge.
• Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings.
• Department of Children and Families Level II Background Check required.