Youth Development Specialist

Youth Development Specialist

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome-Driven Club Experience in a variety of programming areas that support our Core Program Pillars, including Academic Success and Career Development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, Fitness and recreation, and social-emotional Well-Being. This position works directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other activities as directed.

The YDS is self-motivated, mature, energetic, and able to maintain clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers; they are able to communicate and interact with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner. The YDS must be flexible, able to adapt to a work environment that changes often, remain calm, and solve problems in stressful situations. The YDS must anticipate and implement all elements of activities in an organized fashion.

Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities):

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area.
• Ensure facilities, equipment & supplies are maintained and report any issues to the supervisor.
• Review program supply inventory and request supply orders promptly.
• Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the Supervisor.

Youth Development:

• Provide active and engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment that facilitates positive youth development.
• Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching conversations and redirection when needed.
• Model and teach youth self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships.

Program Administration:

• Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data as needed.
• Ensure a productive work environment by participating in Club staff meetings and training events.

Daily Program Activities:

• Ensure program areas are set up and cleaned up daily.
• Provide club members with a daily program agenda and participation expectations.
• Ensure child and club safety guidelines are followed.
• Facilitate program activities that align with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems or issues.

Qualification Requirements:

• A high school diploma or GED is required, and an associate's degree in education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
• Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire youth positively, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members, showcasing flexibility in approach and mindset.
• Proficiency in modeling and guiding youth through trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving, promoting academic and personal development.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence in program delivery and youth interactions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with Club members, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders, contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, with the ability to track attendance, program participation, and member progress.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training opportunities to enhance skills in youth development and program implementation.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment if not already certified.

Key Roles & Competencies

• Builds Positive Relationships: Creating and maintaining strong, trusting connections with youth, colleagues, and stakeholders. The YDS must be able to engage with young people in a fun, approachable manner while fostering a safe and supportive environment for their growth and development.
• Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. The YDS must ensure that members actively participate in programs and activities and are engaged in their academic development.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. The role involves developing project-based learning and high-yield educational activities, which requires creativity and innovative thinking.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. The YDS needs to plan and oversee program administration, evaluate programs, and ensure they are aligned with the goals and mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. The YDS must be able to adjust their strategies and methods to effectively engage with diverse youth, respond to changing program needs, and navigate various challenges in the dynamic Club environment. Additionally, the YDS is responsible for ensuring a safe environment by upholding all child safety standards and club policies, promoting a culture of safety, and being vigilant about potential risks during activities.

Additional Responsibilities

• Relationships
• Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines and instructions.
• External: Cultivates long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and other organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and group volunteer partners. Engages with these external groups to build collaborative efforts and ensure a steady flow of volunteer support for Club activities and programs. Maintain oral, written, and personal contact with external organizations and community groups, serving as a resource for volunteer recruitment and selection.
• Other
• The position requires working in both indoor and outdoor environments of an office or facility setting, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
• Must be able to perform CPR or first aid if needed.
• Work in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards that ensure a child-friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
• Must be adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support volunteer activities and events.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Physically capable of performing activities and duties on-site, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to maintain a high energy level when necessary.
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment, ensure safety standards are maintained, and respond to immediate safety concerns.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate various supplies and tools and effectively recognize and address classroom management issues.
• Physical dexterity and cognitive alertness to move safely around the classroom, monitor student activities, prepare materials, and respond promptly to member needs.
• Mental resilience and the ability to stay focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing daily plans and priorities with a positive response.
• Ability to survey the environment and respond to safety concerns in the moment, demonstrating situational awareness and quick decision-making skills.
• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a copy machine, phone, printer, tablet, and typing on a keyboard.
• Maintains various equipment and supplies in diverse settings, including indoor and outdoor environments, school buildings, and youth program areas. This includes handling sports equipment, audiovisual devices, art supplies, and other youth-related support materials. Demonstrates ability to manage inventory and keep accurate records of program supplies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers