Youth Development Specialist (After School Program)

Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community•Scottsdale, AZ

11d

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Youth Services Manager, the Youth Development Specialist I supports youth programming and activities within assigned Boys & Girls Club program areas, including afterschool, teen, summer camp, school breaks, culture, education, health and life skills, and other areas. The position contributes to the Boys & Girls Club of America Native Services mission of helping young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible youth. It provides foundational, direct support for academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and leadership, and culturally grounded youth development rooted in O’odham/Piipaash values. This is an entry-level, progression-eligible role focused on program aide duties, learning operations, and building professional relationships. It is classified as FLSA Non-Exempt. The specialist supports daily activities and youth supervision, helps create a safe, positive, inclusive environment, and provides informal guidance in youth social, emotional, and behavioral development. The role includes supporting academic, cultural, health, fitness, prevention, and life-skills programming; working with families and community cultural practitioners; maintaining program records; and transporting youth in a 12-passenger tribal vehicle. The position may require non-standard hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, and participation in physically challenging activities such as camping, hiking, and recreation.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within six months of employment.
Obtain a Food Handler’s Card within six months of employment.
Pass an extensive pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting; direct-service employees and applicants are subject to the Community Code of Ordinances provisions concerning persons working with children.
Possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.
Undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.
Knowledge of Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community culture, customs, traditions, history, and government.
Knowledge of Boys & Girls Club youth development principles, monthly and quarterly planning, crisis intervention, and referrals.
Knowledge of prevention and intervention programs related to drugs, alcohol, violence, and gangs.
Knowledge of general office practices, confidentiality standards, youth record protocols, and mandated reporter responsibilities and legal requirements.
Skills in planning, scheduling, time management, program development, intervention, assessing youth needs, monitoring program progress, and establishing effective working relationships.
Skill in counseling individuals, groups, and families.
Skill operating standard office equipment and MS Office and Apple software.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and maintain accurate, timely program records.
Ability to make independent decisions related to youth care and program development.
Ability to drive a 12-passenger van and participate in physically challenging youth activities, including camping, hiking, and recreation.
Ability to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends; nights, weekends, and holidays may be required.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that allow the applicant to perform the duties satisfactorily may be considered.

Responsibilities

Provide informal individual and group guidance to youth in social, emotional, and behavioral development within Club program models.
Supervise youth during Club programs, maintain a safe and positive environment, and handle routine discipline consistent with Department and SRPMIC standards.
Assist with age-appropriate programming in reading, math, health, fitness, culture, and socialization aligned with Boys & Girls Club program pillars.
Support classroom activities that build life skills, social skills, resilience, coping skills, resistance skills, and positive decision-making.
Assist with home visits as needed to discuss youth goals, behavior, education, and concerns with parents or guardians.
Establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with youth and families.
Provide group and individual instruction in O’odham/Piipaash language and cultural activities; support cultural research and promote language and traditions in Club programs.
Collaborate with community cultural practitioners and participate in community cultural events, integrating cultural teachings into Club experiences.
Support tutoring, homework help, academic enrichment, and prevention education related to drugs, alcohol, violence, gangs, and teen pregnancy.
Support physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and diabetes-prevention activities consistent with the Healthy Lifestyles pillar.
Research and compile materials about SRPMIC history, culture, and language for daily instruction.
Create a fun, supportive, inclusive atmosphere and adapt or develop arts, dance, language, and customs materials to help youth discover interests and culturally relevant skills.
Assist Youth Development Specialists II and III with group programs, events, and activities.
Write reports and daily summaries; maintain files, track attendance, and enter computer data as required.
Participate in multidisciplinary staff meetings and contribute to program development and ethical conduct.
Drive a tribal 12-passenger transportation vehicle to transport youth to and from Club activities.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operations.