Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana•Opelousas, LA

About The Position

Youth Development Professionals provide daily programs, services, and activities for Club members in alignment with the organization’s youth development mission and goals. They are primarily, though not exclusively, responsible for core program areas and member well-being on and off Club premises. A key opportunity in the role is building positive, productive relationships with members. The position creates an environment that supports youth development outcomes, encourages program participation, welcomes and orients new members, and provides guidance and role modeling. It implements and administers programs for drop-in members and visitors, monitors safety and program quality, maintains the appearance of the Unit, and prepares daily activity reports. The role also contributes to a productive work environment by participating in weekly Unit staff meetings. The position is part-time: 20–25 hours per week during the school year and 25–35 hours per week during the summer. Availability is required between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday in summer, and 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday during the school year. The work takes place in a high-energy Club environment, with 100% of time working with children, and requires regular local travel. Weekends may be included depending on scheduling requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Must be 18 or older.
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 performing multifaceted projects alongside day-to-day activities.
Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse personalities while displaying tact, maturity, and flexibility.
Good reasoning abilities and sound judgment.
Ability to speak and write for successful communication.
Ability to meet physical requirements including sight, hearing, sitting, bending, squatting, stooping, twisting, reaching, and lifting 5–50 pounds daily.
Availability for regular local travel; work schedule may include weekends 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 role modeling 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.
May participate in special programs and events.
May be required to drive for Club activities periodically.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Lead or Unit Director.
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 assist in resolving problems.