Youth Development Professional - YDP

Youth Development Professional

This is a part-time position, 5 hours each day, 25-28 hours per week. The hours will be 2:00pm-7:00pm or 2:30pm-7:30pm depending on your location. You must be able to work the full shift each day. This is a Monday-Friday position. There could be opportunities for working special events on weekends.

Wage is at $15 per hour.

The Youth Development Professional (YDP) supports the mission, vision, and goals of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Indiana by creating a safe, engaging, and positive environment where every member has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

The YDP is responsible for building meaningful relationships with youth, providing consistent supervision, supporting daily Club operations, and helping deliver high-quality experiences that promote Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, and Healthy Lifestyles. Depending on site structure and operational needs, the YDP may support assigned program areas, collaborate with Program Managers, and/or facilitate structured activities that engage members and support positive youth development. This position requires individuals who are passionate about mentoring youth, creating a welcoming Club environment, managing group dynamics, and ensuring members have meaningful and enjoyable experiences while participating in Club activities.

You will assist youth in learning to manage and express their emotions appropriately when they are inclined to act out behaviorally due to physical or emotional trauma, personal stress, medical issues, or other influences. You must exhibit a level of patience to effectively work with members dealing with those situations, and maintain emotional self-control when under personal stress. You will be responsible for ensuring members' safety and the day to day functions such as keeping accurate attendance & headcounts, reporting, and setting & enforcing classroom boundaries.

Member Safety & Supervision

1. Provide active supervision of an assigned group of members at all times, ensuring a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.
2. Maintain accurate attendance and accountability for assigned members throughout the Club day.
3. Lead safe and organized transitions between program areas and activities.
4. Communicate and enforce Club expectations, routines, and safety procedures.
5. Report and document incidents, accidents, injuries, and behavioral concerns in accordance with organizational policies.
6. Communicate concerns regarding member safety, well-being, or behavior promptly to the Program Manager or supervisor.
7. Ensure facilities, equipment, and materials are used safely and report maintenance or safety concerns.
8. Practice good sanitation safety by using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when handling food and when in contact with bodily fluids, and by regular hand washing when working with food, eating utensils, and bathroom facilities.

Member Engagement & Group Leadership

1. Build positive, supportive relationships with an assigned group of members.
2. Help members understand the daily schedule, available activities, and expectations throughout the Club day.
3. Encourage active participation in programs facilitated by the Program Manager.
4. Utilize attention getters proactively and always have a back up activity for members to engage in.
5. Support members during transitions and help them remain engaged throughout each activity.
6. Utilize positive behavior management and trauma-informed practices to create a respectful learning environment.
7. Recognize and celebrate member accomplishments and positive behavior.
8. Support members' social-emotional development by serving as a positive role model and mentor.
9. Assist members with homework and academic support as appropriate.
10. Monitor member engagement and communicate observations or concerns to your direct supervisor.

Program Support

1. Provide structured activities for large and small groups of students to facilitate positive youth development experience.
2. Assist in the planning and organizing of the Program activities which may include academic education and activities, games, arts & crafts, music, exercise & recreation, social skills development, independent living skills, and other developmental activities according to the Programs schedule.
3. Support the Program Manager in the daily implementation of programming within the assigned program pillar if working at the Fairfield site.
4. Provide feedback to the Program Managers and/or Directors regarding member participation, engagement, and opportunities for improvement.
5. Prepare activity spaces, materials, and supplies before and after programming.
6. Assist with room setup, cleanup, and organization.
7. Incorporate fun into all program areas.
8. Be flexible in supporting special events, Club activities, field trips, and organization-wide initiatives.

Professional Responsibilities

1. Complete required trainings and maintain required certifications.
2. Attend staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as required.
3. Complete required documentation accurately and on time.
4. Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and positive working relationships with members, families, volunteers, and fellow staff.
5. Follow all organizational policies, procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
6. Complete daily CACFP labor sheets if assisting with daily count and/or serving (food service).
7. Perform other duties as assigned to support Club operations.

DESIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

· Work with, care for, and win the respect of children and adolescents.

· Establish and maintain professional relationships with management, staff, parents/guardians and the community. Function as a team player.

· Accurately assess situations, solve problems, work effectively under stress, and meet deadlines.

· Understand and carry out instructions and procedures with minimal supervision.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Two years' experience working with children and adolescents in groups.

· Two years of post-secondary education in Human Services related fields.

· Bachelors' degree or higher in Human Services related fields.

· Live within a 45-minute drive to Fort Wayne.

Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

· Legally eligible to work in the United States.

· At least 18 years of age.

· High school diploma or GED.(must provide original)

· Perform high school level arithmetic calculations and reading comprehension.

· Have a valid Indiana driver's license.

· Have reliable transportation to and from work (preferably your own vehicle).

· Pass a comprehensive criminal background check, sex offender and BMV check (if driving vehicles).

· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using correct English.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Ability to adapt to inclement weather conditions and/or situations.

· Ability to move easily across a variety of indoor and outdoor surfaces.

· Possess the strength and agility to climb stairs, lift and carry 25 pounds at least 20 feet.

· Possess the speech, vision and hearing functions necessary for the direct supervision of members.

· Capable of performing physically and mentally in a reasonable manner all essential job responsibilities, with or without a reasonable accommodation.