Program Coordinator - YouthConnect Worcester

Friendly House Massachusetts•Webster, MA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

YouthConnect Worcester is a neighborhood-based summer program providing recreational, educational, and cultural activities to underserved Worcester middle school-aged youth in an effort to reduce youth violence. The program serves 50 co-ed youth through activities including Basketball Skills & Drills, Cooking & Baking, and Visual Arts, supported by a team of 5 program staff and specialists. The Program Coordinator holds primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all YouthConnect Worcester program activities. This includes leading outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts for middle school-aged youth, and overseeing all engagement across the program: adult to youth, youth to youth, staff to staff, and adult to staff. The Program Coordinator serves as the main point of accountability for program quality, staff performance, and participant safety.

Requirements

Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of youth and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team.
Ability to build trusting relationships through compassion, empathy, and genuine engagement.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, community-based environment.
Bilingual preferred.
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for outreach activities.
Knowledge of American Sign Language helpful but not required.
Must meet eligibility criteria per state and/or federal summer employment guidelines.
Minimum five years of experience working with youth from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
Bachelor's degree preferred, ideally in Child Development, Human Services, Psychology, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.
Strong knowledge of youth development principles and experience working with at-risk youth in community-based settings.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading a team.
Experience serving youth from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Participation in: Youth Worker Training Institute, Worcester Youth Work Alliance, First Aid & CPR, Youth Mental Health First Aid, or Narcan Administration training.

Responsibilities

Lead and assist with the registration of program participants in accordance with grant guidelines, including collecting required enrollment forms, verifying eligibility, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date participant records.
Lead the design and implementation of all evening recreational and educational activities, including Basketball Skills & Drills, Cooking & Baking, and Visual Arts.
Recruit, orient, and provide ongoing supervision and feedback to program staff.
Lead weekly staff meetings and coordinate program operations.
Oversee and participate in staff training and professional development opportunities.
Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for all participants and staff.
Complete and review incident and accident reports in a timely manner.
Provide individualized and group-based supportive services to program youth.
Oversee the recording and collection of all program data, including participant demographics, attendance, assessments, checklists, and evaluation scales.
Represent Friendly House at citywide YouthConnect Worcester leadership meetings.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Director of Youth Programs regarding program updates, concerns, and outcomes.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Programs.
Directly supervises the Assistant Coordinator and 3 part-time program staff.
Responsible for day-to-day staff guidance, performance support, and ensuring adequate coverage and supervision at all program sites.