Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana•Natchitoches, LA

About The Position

Youth Development Professionals provide daily programs, services, and activities for Club members in line with 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 developing positive, productive relationships with members. The role creates an environment that supports youth development outcomes, encourages program participation, registers new members and supports their orientation, and provides guidance and role modeling. It also involves implementing and administering programs for drop-in members and visitors; monitoring programs, member safety, program quality, and the appearance of the Unit; preparing daily activity reports; and participating in weekly Unit staff meetings. The position may involve special programs or events, periodic driving for Club activities, and other duties assigned by the Program Lead or Unit Director. The role maintains regular contact with Club staff, members, supervisors, community groups, schools, and members’ parents. It is based in a high-energy Club environment, with regular local travel and a schedule that may include weekends depending on scheduling requirements.

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; 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.
Speaking and writing skills essential for successful communication.
Physical ability to bend, squat, stoop, twist, reach, and lift 5–50 pounds daily; sight, hearing, and sitting are also listed physical requirements.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certifications are a plus.

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.
Maintain close daily contact with Club staff, Club members, and the supervisor to exchange information, discuss issues, explain guidelines and instructions, and instruct or advise/counsel.
Maintain contact with external community groups, schools, members’ parents, and others to help resolve problems.
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.