Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana•Lafayette, LA

About The Position

Youth Development Professionals provide daily programs, services, and activities for Club members in support of the organization’s youth development mission and goals. They are primarily, but not exclusively, responsible for core program areas and member well-being on and off Club premises. A key opportunity in the role is to develop positive, productive relationships with members. The position works in a high-energy Club environment and involves working with children throughout the workday. The schedule is part-time: 20–25 hours per week during the school year and 25–35 hours per week during the summer. Availability is required Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during summer and from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Regular local travel is required, and the schedule may include weekends depending on scheduling needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be at least 18 years old.
Experience working with children.
Knowledge of youth development.
Ability to motivate youth and manage behavior problems.
Ability to deal with the general public.
Ability to organize and supervise members in a safe environment.
Valid identification.
High energy level and comfort handling multifaceted projects alongside day-to-day activities.
Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personalities while demonstrating tact, maturity, and flexibility.
Good reasoning abilities and sound judgment.
Ability to speak and write for effective communication.
Ability to meet physical requirements including sight, hearing, sitting, bending, squatting, stooping, twisting, reaching, and daily lifting of 5–50 pounds.
Availability for regular local travel and potentially weekend work, depending on scheduling requirements.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certifications.

Responsibilities

Create an environment that facilitates achievement of youth development outcomes.
Promote and stimulate program participation.
Register new members and participate in their Club orientation process.
Provide guidance and serve as a role model to members.
Implement and administer programs, services, and activities for drop-in members and visitors.
Monitor and evaluate programs, services, and activities to ensure member safety, program quality, and the appearance of the Unit; prepare daily activity reports.
Participate in weekly Unit staff meetings to support a productive work environment.
Maintain close daily contact with Club staff, members, and the supervisor to exchange information, discuss issues, explain guidelines and instructions, and instruct, advise, or counsel.
Maintain contact with community groups, schools, members’ parents, and others to help resolve problems.
May participate in special programs or events.
May be required to drive for Club activities periodically.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Lead or Unit Director.