Youth Academic Professional - Float Staff

Job Description

Job Description

Reports To:  Club Manager

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Hours per Week: Working up to 27 hours per week for Part-Time positions and up to 40 hours per week for Full-Time positions

Direct Reports: None

Work Location: School-Based site

Position Summary

The Floating Youth Academic Professional is a front-line program staff member at Blue Door Academy school-based sites, with a designated home site and the expectation to provide support across multiple locations as frequently as is needed, which may include regular or daily travel across the 10 Blue Door Academy sites in Wauwatosa, WI. This role is designed to ensure continuity of high-quality programming at sites experiencing staffing gaps or increased need.

Working up to 27 hours per week for Part-Time positions and up to 40 hours per week for Full-Time positions, the Floating Youth Academic Professional reviews, facilitates, and delivers structured afterschool enrichment programming for youth in grades 4K–5th under the supervision of the assigned site’s Club Manager.

This role is grounded in the principles of Positive Youth Development and requires flexibility, adaptability, and a consistent, caring adult presence to create safe, high-quality learning environments across all assigned sites.

Blue Door Academy Floating Youth Academic Professionals are expected to arrive prepared, quickly integrate into site teams, execute programming with fidelity, and contribute to a culture that youth and families trust. This is a professional position with meaningful accountability for youth outcomes across multiple locations.

What This Role Requires: The Blue Door Academy Staff Standard

Every Floating Youth Academic Professional is expected to uphold three core commitments during every shift, regardless of site assignment. Program quality is a direct reflection of the staff member’s preparation, professionalism, and adaptability.

 

 

 

You Show Up for Youth

For a Youth Academic Professional, presence is foundational to student growth and long-term success. Young people thrive when they can rely on a caring, consistent adult who builds authentic relationships, recognizes individual strengths and challenges, and creates an environment of emotional and psychological safety. Every interaction, activity, and moment of engagement is an opportunity to strengthen developmental assets, reinforce positive identity formation, and influence a young person’s academic and personal trajectory. Consistency, responsiveness, and relationship-building are essential professional competencies of this role.

 

You Deliver High-Quality Programming

Blue Door Academy is defined by the quality, intentionality, and rigor of the learning experiences provided to youth. Youth Academic Professionals are responsible for reviewing, planning, and facilitating structured, engaging, and developmentally appropriate activities aligned to Blue Door Academy’s enrichment and academic support model. Staff are expected to implement programming with strong instructional practices, active youth engagement strategies, and measurable learning outcomes in mind. High-quality program delivery is not optional; it is the standard families, schools, and communities expect and deserve.

 

You Hold the Standard

Blue Door Academy sites operate with consistency, structure, accountability, and purpose. Youth Academic Professionals are expected to understand and uphold organizational expectations, implement established routines with fidelity, and contribute to a culture grounded in professionalism, safety, and excellence. Staff members play a critical role in maintaining high behavioral, operational, and instructional standards that support positive youth outcomes. The experience each young person has at Blue Door Academy is a direct reflection of the collective commitment, preparation, and professionalism of the team.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Delivery

• Plan and facilitate structured, engaging activities aligned with Blue Door Academy’s program model and BGCA core program areas.
• Deliver programming that incorporates BGCA’s Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development.
• Follow each site’s daily program schedule; arrive on time and prepared, regardless of location.
• Utilize Club Programs, BGCA resources, and approved curricula to plan and document sessions.
• Adapt programming to meet the developmental needs of youth and the unique dynamics of each site.
• Quickly step into existing programming structures and maintain continuity when supporting different sites.

Youth Engagement & Relationship Building

• Build authentic, respectful relationships with youth across multiple sites.
• Maintain a warm, encouraging, and consistent presence, even when working with unfamiliar groups.
• Recognize and respond to youth needs; communicate concerns to the site’s Club Manager.
• Model positive behavior, inclusivity, and conflict resolution at all times.

Site Operations & Safety

• Serve as a flexible staffing resource, traveling to assigned sites to provide coverage based on organizational needs.
• Maintain readiness to support short-staffed sites, new program launches, or sites requiring additional support.
• Follow all BGCGM Member Care Manual policies and procedures at every location.
• Maintain proper supervision ratios and ensure youth safety at all times.
• Implement all safety protocols and emergency procedures, including use of the Safety Matters App.
• Maintain accurate attendance and child tracking using activity rosters and required systems.
• Ensure program spaces remain safe, clean, and organized at all sites.

Professional Standards & Continuous Learning

• Complete required onboarding training prior to working with youth.
• Participate in ongoing professional development, including BGCA Spillett Leadership University coursework.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings at the home site and additional sites as required.
• Receive and apply feedback from multiple Club Managers; demonstrate adaptability and growth.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and compliance with all organizational policies.

Qualifications

Education

• Required: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth in an educational, recreational, or community-based setting preferred.
• Experience facilitating structured programming preferred.
• Experience with Boys & Girls Clubs or similar organizations preferred.

Required Certifications & Clearances

• Completion of all required background checks and clearances.
• CPR/First Aid certification within 90 days of hire.
• Mandated Reporter training upon hire.
• Completion of Wisconsin Childcare Registry requirements within 90 days.
• Wisconsin Childcare Registry Level 7 or higher preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong adaptability and ability to quickly integrate into new environments.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with youth, families, and staff.
• Ability to manage transitions between sites while maintaining program quality.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable with a flexible schedule.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Additional Requirement 

• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel daily between multiple program sites to provide coverage and support as needed.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand, move throughout program spaces, and actively engage with youth for extended periods. Staff may be required to sit on the floor, lift up to 25 lbs., and work in both indoor and outdoor environments. Travel between sites is required.

 

Working up to 27 hours per week for Part-Time positions and up to 40 hours per week for Full-Time positions