Teen Youth Development Specialist

Location: Leesburg Branch, 1851 Griffin Road Unit #1, Leesburg, FL 34748

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt | Part-time, hourly

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 align with 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 to ensure their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and structured activities. The YDS is self-motivated, energetic, and able to maintain clear, healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. The role requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to remain calm and solve problems in dynamic, often changing environments.

Responsibilities

• Program Development and Implementation: Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in assigned program areas. Maintain facilities, equipment, and supplies, reporting any issues to the supervisor. Review and manage program supply inventory, requesting orders as needed. Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed.
• Youth Development: Provide an active, engaged presence to prepare youth for success while fostering a safe and healthy Club environment. Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching or redirection when needed. Model and teach self-confidence, self-awareness, and build supportive relationships with youth.
• Program Administration: Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data. Participate in staff meetings and training events to ensure a productive work environment. Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources, including proper record-keeping and reporting (e.g., activities conducted, daily participation, achievements, and issues).
• Daily Program Activities: Set up and clean program areas daily. Provide Club members with a daily program agenda and clear participation expectations. Ensure adherence to child and Club safety guidelines. Facilitate activities aligned with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
• Relationships:
  • Internal: Maintain daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines.
  • External: Cultivate long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers. Engage with external groups to build collaborative efforts and support volunteer recruitment.
• Safety and Compliance: Uphold all child safety standards and Club policies. Promote a culture of safety and vigilance regarding potential risks during activities. Ensure a safe, child-friendly, and family-oriented atmosphere.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; associate’s degree in education, youth development, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or developmental setting preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire youth positively, fostering an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
• Adaptability and willingness to support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members.
• Proficiency in trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving to guide youth in academic and personal development.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating cultural competence in program delivery and youth interactions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with Club members, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with 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 participation 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: Motivates youth to actively participate in programs and activities, supporting their academic and personal development.
• Cultivates Innovation: Develops project-based learning and high-yield educational activities through creativity and innovative thinking.
• Plans and Aligns: Prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. Plans and oversees program administration, evaluates programs, and ensures alignment with the mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands, effectively engaging with diverse youth and responding to changing program needs.

Environmental and Working Conditions

• Works in both indoor and outdoor environments, including office or facility settings, with exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
• Must be prepared 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 lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• High energy level when necessary, with visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment and ensure safety.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate supplies and tools, and effectively address classroom management issues.
• Physical dexterity and cognitive alertness to move safely around the classroom, monitor activities, prepare materials, and respond to member needs.
• Mental resilience 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.
• Ability to survey the environment and respond to safety concerns in the moment, demonstrating situational awareness and quick decision-making.
• Operates computers and office equipment (e.g., copy machines, phones, printers, tablets).
• Manages and maintains equipment and supplies in diverse settings, including sports equipment, audiovisual devices, art supplies, and other youth-related materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers, youth, community members, parents, and staff.
• Ability to take and follow verbal directions effectively and communicate clearly with youth, supervisors, and staff.
• Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing situations and requirements.

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance

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