Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth Engagement Specialist

Organizational Mission: Our mission is to bring out the limitless potential in young leaders through extraordinary experiences and nurturing relationships.

Peak Values and Beliefs: At PEAK, we know that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable. Below are the core values that we operate under at PEAK. Staff are expected to embrace and exhibit these values toward each other, participants, caregivers, and all stakeholders.

• Every living being has inherent value.
• We honor the unique identities of every person and uphold their right to a safe and fun environment where everyone belongs. We also treat our natural environment with care and respect.
• The community is better when everyone contributes.
• We unite in sharing responsibilities, creating a strong community. We inspire one another to embrace our authentic selves, celebrating the diversity of perspectives and experiences we each bring forth.
• We can only grow when we are honest about our mistakes.
• We accept accountability for our actions, look for ways to improve, and have opportunities to grow.
• Everyone has the power to change their world.
• We all have the ability to influence and make a difference in our own lives and our communities around us.

Position Mission: Deliver 1st-12th grade programming that offers growth and meaningful progression of leadership and social emotional learning skills for youth.

Reporting and Relationships: The Youth Engagement Specialist reports to the Associate Director of School-based Programs or the Assistant Director of Youth Programs, depending on the primary project area assigned to.

Position Availability: The Youth Engagement Specialist delivers programming after school, occasional day hours, and 1-2 weekends per month. This position is part time 10-25 hours per week.

Basic Function and Responsibility:

• Facilitate programs, including leading circles, activities, debriefs, and discussions with youth.
• Utilize pre-designed curriculum to engage youth and model activities with a clear sense of direction.
• Support the social-emotional learning and development of participants.
• Implement behavior management techniques based on PEAK training.
• Serve as a role model and engage with youth while creating an environment to actively promote mental, emotional and social safety.
• Prepare program materials and space; assist with transportation and logistics for activities that occur away from the PEAK Program Center.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This position is compensated at a rate of $16.25/hr, pre-tax.
• Part-time staff are paid on a bi-weekly basis and are classified as exempt, seasonal employees.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Belief that with the right support and access to quality programs and experiences, all young people are able to achieve at the highest level imaginable.
• Ability to receive constructive feedback and coaching from supervisor and make necessary adjustments
• Ability to work collaboratively with co-workers to achieve program objectives.
• Ability to relate to, support, and work with participants ages 1st-12th grade.
• Commitment to being punctual and adhering to a schedule provided by supervisors.
• Possess strong communications skills and apply them with coworkers and supervisors, maintaining confidentiality of sensitive staff and camper information when necessary.
• Ability to perform job duties in a fast-paced environment and able to embrace change and be flexible.
• Bilingual (English & Spanish) speaker preferred but not required.
• Experience serving youth facing social and/or economic hurdles; comfort working with diverse populations and as a member of a diverse multidisciplinary team.

Requirements & Certifications:

• Must be able to pass PEAK's motor vehicle background check and driver training and safely drive/transport adults and children in PEAK vehicles, including a 12-passenger van.
• Must be at least 18 and/or have a high school diploma or GED to apply
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.

Physical & Mental Demands & Working Conditions:

• Staff are required to actively participate in all participant activities, including water-related activities.
• Staff must be ready for new experiences and maintain a consistent level of energy throughout programming.
• Position requires standing, stooping, sitting, walking long distances on uneven terrain (5+ miles a day), and occasionally lifting up to 40 pounds with or without assistance.
• Program activities are often loud, involving many people talking, yelling, cheering, etc., in indoor and outdoor settings.
• Some programming may be hot, rainy, with bugs or other wildlife. Staff must be able to work outside in a nature setting for sustained periods of time without air conditioning.
• All PEAK Initiative properties, including Lake Valley Camp and the Milwaukee Program Center, are substance-free environments. Smoking, vaping, alcohol consumption, and the use of illicit drugs are strictly prohibited on all property regardless of whether or not staff are on break.
• Youth Engagement Specialists are in constant motion—participants and staff are interacting and moving for activities throughout the day, indoor and outdoor.
• Must be comfortable working in a city park as a significant portion of time will be spent at the PEAK Program Center in Tiefenthaler Park.

Additional Comments: The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

PEAK Initiative is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.