Youth Development Specialist

Program Planning & Implementation

Design and implement engaging activities, including arts, sports, STEM, life skills, and leadership development programs. Working in an individual capacity at their respective area of delivery and expertise. Ensure all activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive. Modify and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse youth participants. Partner with Youth Development staff in order to provide individualized support to all program participants. Work in collaboration with Youth Specialist Coordinator and team of Youth Advocates to recruit and build relationships youth participants. Lead and facilitate weekly group sessions during out of school time, utilizing organizations principles and approach to youth development including actively engagement and participate with youth in activities.

Participate in monthly team meetings to support team collaboration and ensure consistent delivery to the program model.

Youth Engagement & Supervision

Build positive relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model. Supervise and engage youth in daily activities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Encourage teamwork, confidence, and social-emotional learning through structured programs.

Safety & Risk Management

Ensure all activities follow safety protocols and best practices. Identify and respond to potential conflicts or behavioral issues in a constructive manner. Report any safety concerns or incidents to supervisors following program policies.

Evaluation & Reporting

Track attendance, participation, and outcomes of youth activities. Gather feedback from youth to assess program effectiveness and make improvements. Prepare reports on program impact for leadership and stakeholders.

Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and other essential documents and correspondence as required by funding sources and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.

Perform other duties/special projects as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Recreation, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience 1–2 years of experience in youth programs, recreation, SEL, mentoring, or after-school activities.
• Experience in program planning, group facilitation, and youth engagement is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of youth development principles and positive behavior management strategies.
• Ability to design and lead interactive, educational, and engaging activities.
• Exhibit strong leadership abilities.
• Ability to relate to diverse population.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with youth and families.
• Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Qualifications

• Possess the ability to fulfill and any all activities normally expected in a classroom setting, to include, but not limited to active participation in group activities.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds.
• At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• This is not a sedentary position but requires constant movement in keeping the planned group activities.

Physical Demands

Possess the ability to fulfill and any all activities normally expected in a classroom setting, to include, but not limited to active participation in group activities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds. At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position. This is not a sedentary position but requires constant movement in keeping the planned group activities.

Work Environment

Internal office space. Classroom & gym setting Computer lab Offsite field trip sites, both indoor and outdoor settings. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Additional Requirements

• Extended work hours beyond 40 hours/week when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events.
• Flexibility with schedule as requested.
• Overnight trips may be required periodically.

Human Resources Review

This job description does not constitute an employment contract or an offer of employment. Marillac St. Vincent Family Services reserves the right to change and/or modify this job description. Every effort has been expended to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the job descriptions; however, it is not possible to detail every single task of the job or predict some circumstances and changes. As a result, employees may be assigned to perform other related duties in support of the program and the mission of the agency.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services is an equal opportunity employer.