Specialist, Youth Development

Job Description

Job Description

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Statement of General Purpose

The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for the administration and coordination of one or more of the services, programs, and activities provided throughout CPA’s Community Centers, including developing and implementing new programs; improving existing programs; recruiting and retaining participants and volunteers; and planning, coordinating, and participating in events and activities.   Youth Development Programs provide enriched academic, youth development, and recreational activities and services to older youth with special needs circumstances in after-school and evening programs. These activities and services typically include academic subjects, arts and crafts, drama, sports and recreation, fitness, computer technology, tutoring and mentoring, financial management, reading, public speaking, community service volunteer work, games, field trips, hikes, etc.

Examples of Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Identifies, plans, monitors, schedules, organizes, delivers, administers, supervises, and participates in new and revised activities and services for special needs youth and their families through structured programs in CPA Community Centers; ensures active and continuing parental involvement.
• Participates in recruiting and retention of program participants, parents, and volunteers through a variety of outreach techniques; contributes to positive image, public awareness, utilization, and support for programs; prepares, coordinates, and presents speeches, exhibits, special appearances, etc. before Community Center, school, community, civic, social, and similar groups.
• Provides ongoing counseling, guidance, direction, and support in a variety of academic, recreational, social, and other subject areas during regularly scheduled workdays as well as evenings and weekends.
• Oversees conduct and behavior during activities and events; prevents altercations and injuries through non-confrontational, non-physical, non-threatening techniques; teaches conflict resolution through the development and use of verbal skills.
• Orients and counsels’ participants and their families in program requirements for entrance and continuation; participates in development of case management plan; provides ongoing individual and group counseling, guidance, direction, and support for their participation.
• Assists in scheduling activities to maximize the use of facilities and services; officiates sports and games; instructs and leads participants in athletic, cultural, and social programs; distributes and controls the use and care of supplies and equipment.
• Assists in planning, organizing, scheduling, and accompanying participants and their families on field trips.

• Provides guidance and direction to parents and volunteers participating in CPA programs and services.
• Participates in evaluation and assessment of youth programs, services, and activities, and their impact on individual, family, and community needs and interests; participates in developing plans and processes to meet those needs and to increase interest and responsiveness.
• Develops knowledge, awareness, and working relationships with community, social and human services agencies, and other resources available to program participants and their families.
• Ensures that program environment is neat, clean, and safe for program participants, volunteers, parents, and others; ensures compliance with health and safety requirements.
• Prepares timely and accurate intake, planning, case management, program performance, caseload, routine, and exception reports in accordance with government, funding source, and CPA regulations and requirements and established policy and procedure.
• Ensures complete, accurate, and accessible files and records for program participants and their families.
• Assists in ensuring adequate inventory of supplies and equipment; assists in preparation of requisitions for additions and replacements; assists in receiving and storing of ordered materials; ensures neat, clean, and secure storage.
• Participates in in-service and outside staff training and development programs, supervisory meetings and conferences, etc.; utilizes training and education opportunities to augment skills and abilities; applies new skills to improve service to clients and their families.
• Participates in meetings with management, peers, staff, participants, families, volunteers, community agencies, etc. to maximize services, minimize costs, identify and resolve problems, etc.
• Performs related work as required.

Core Competencies

• Knowledge of the methods, principles, and practices of the field of social work.
• Ability to provide leadership and direction in operating one or more services, programs, and activities.
• Ability to apply creativity, imagination, spontaneity, humor, perseverance, and a variety of motivational techniques to make programs successful.
• Knowledge and skill in a variety of organized sports and athletics, cultural activities, and recreational programs, and the ability to teach, encourage, engage, motivate, guide, and direct program participants, volunteers, parents, and others.
• Ability to exercise tact, discretion, and judgment in ensuring that participants observe rules of good sportsmanship in recreational and sports activities.

• Knowledge and skill in a variety of academic and scholastic subjects, and the ability to teach, encourage, engage, motivate, guide, and direct program participants, volunteers, parents, and others.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of first aid and CPR.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods of organization, program planning and scheduling, and techniques of community and group relations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, families, employees, and others in a positive, pleasant, professional, and productive manner in writing, by telephone, and in personal contacts.
• Working knowledge of administrative policies, procedures, and work methods.
• Ability to provide management with timely and accurate reports and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain complete, accurate, and accessible program files and records.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and their use and applications in a human services or similar environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Five (5) years of experience working with adolescents/teens in a formal, organized, and structured social, recreational, academic, youth development, or similar program.
• Bachelor’s Degree in human services, social work, education, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of acceptable training, education, and experience

Other Requirements

• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Must be able and willing to operate a 13-passenger van to transport program participants for field trips, activities, and events, as required.
• This position includes the normal physical demands associated with sports and recreational activities in a community center or similar program, including lifting, bending, and carrying; and travel to other facilities throughout the Philadelphia area.
• This position requires availability and flexibility to participate in services, programs, and activities during regularly scheduled workdays, evenings, and weekends.
• This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.