Youth Development Specialist

Location: NE Lake Branch – Lifepointe Church, 3551 East Orange Avenue, Eustis, FL 32726

Part-time, non-exempt, hourly position reporting to the Service Director.

About the Role

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in delivering an Outcome-Driven Club Experience across 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. The YDS works directly with youth to ensure their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and structured activities. This role requires self-motivation, maturity, energy, and the ability to maintain clear, healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. The YDS must communicate and interact with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner, adapt to a dynamic work environment, remain calm under pressure, and solve problems effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in assigned program areas, ensuring facilities, equipment, and supplies are maintained and issues are reported promptly.
• Review program supply inventory and request orders as needed.
• Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the supervisor.
• Provide an active, engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe, healthy Club environment that fosters positive youth development.
• Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching conversations or redirection when necessary.
• Model and teach youth self-confidence, self-awareness, and supportive relationship-building.
• Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data.
• Participate in Club staff meetings and training events to ensure a productive work environment.
• Set up and clean program areas daily, provide members with a daily program agenda and participation expectations, and ensure adherence to child and Club safety guidelines.
• Facilitate program activities aligned with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
• Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources, ensuring proper record-keeping and reporting (e.g., activities, events, daily participation, achievements, and issues).
• Uphold all child safety standards and Club policies, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance during activities.
• Maintain close, daily contact with Club staff, volunteers, members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and collaborative efforts.

Requirements

• 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 commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective interaction 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 in a fun, approachable manner while fostering a safe, supportive environment.
• Drives Engagement: Motivates members to actively participate in programs and activities, ensuring engagement in 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, including program administration and evaluation.
• Situational Adaptability: Adjusts approach and demeanor in real time to match shifting demands, effectively engaging diverse youth and navigating dynamic Club environments.

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.
• Physically capable of lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• High energy level, visual and auditory acuity to monitor environments and ensure safety.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing daily plans.
• Operates computers, copy machines, phones, printers, tablets, and other office equipment.
• Manages sports equipment, audiovisual devices, art supplies, and other youth-related materials in diverse settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers, youth, community members, parents, and staff.
• Occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions.

Pre-Employment and Compliance Requirements

• 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.