Youth Development Specialist

SOUTHERN ARIZONA AIDS FOUNDATION•Tucson, AZ

1d•$18 - $22•Hybrid

About The Position

The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for the day-to-day organization, program development, and staffing of youth programs, including the Spectrum+, Eon Youth Lounge, ALLY (Arizona Life Links for Youth), and YELL (Youth Empowerment, Lifeskills, and Leadership) programs. This position focuses on providing comprehensive support, suicide prevention, mental health referrals, and substance use prevention and education to prevent or reduce substance use to youth ages 12-24, particularly those identifying as LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and more) and other marginalized identities. This role involves working at the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th and at various community-based sites throughout Southern Arizona. The Youth Development Specialist ensures effective service delivery, fosters a safe, affirming, and inclusive environment, and collaborates with various community partners. The Youth Development Specialist is responsible for the creation, coordination, organization, and presentation of program activities. Program activities would include the creation and distribution of promotional fliers and other needs for conducting community outreach. This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk, non-exempt position that is benefits eligible, requiring a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This position reports to one of the LGBTQ+ Department Managers.

Requirements

Experience working with LGBTQ+ and allied youth and programming.
Knowledge of and comfort with the needs of marginalized youth.
Experience with building partnerships, relationships, or other collaborative efforts.
Experience with direct service delivery and community engagement.
Good interpersonal skills; demonstrated sensitivity to cultural and personal diversity.
Excellent verbal and written communication and organizational skills.
Appropriate fingerprint clearance through the Arizona Department of Public Safety (paid for by SAAF if not current).
Access to a reliable vehicle, a valid AZ Driver’s License, and a driving record supported by liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Phlebotomy or venipuncture training or experience.
A minimum of 3 years of direct services in social services or a mission-driven community agency.
Experience in reporting and contract administration.
Bilingual (English/Spanish).
Knowledge of SAMHSA’s Strategic Prevention Framework.
Experience implementing curricula, designing/conducting educational presentations/workshops, and targeted educational media campaigns.

Responsibilities

Staff the programs running out of the Thornhill Lopez Center on 4th and out in the community for LGBTQ+ and allied youth ages, which includes preparing, cleaning, and arranging the Center spaces before each structured program and workshop.
Responsible for the creation, practice, training of other staff, and delegation of shared duties, of all youth programming that will take place in the Center.
Provides referrals and support linkages to services when youth are seeking support or are in crisis.
Provides timely and thorough customer service to the youth, community, and potential partners by returning voicemail, email, and in-person inquiries to the services offered by the LGBTQ+ Department.
Supports the LGBTQ+ Department Program Managers with the scheduling, development of quarterly program delivery, and the creation and printing of program calendars for youth programming.
Oversight of program development, such as workshops, curriculum, identifying outside speakers, and manages the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of various youth services and programs associated with the Center.
Maintains efficient program monitoring systems for youth programs by updating and inputting weekly data.
Organizes activities that will engage the target population.
Supports participants in crisis, including survivors of violence, those with suicidal ideation, and who may be experiencing homelessness/near-homelessness.
Provides support to any guest presenters and/or volunteers for programming set-up, including tasks like; cleaning the program space beforehand, setting up and configuring center furniture for program needs, consistent check-ins and communication with guests/volunteers, etc.
Implement evidence-based interventions, health education, and workshops promoting positive life skills development, provides substance misuse and prevention education to youth and young adults.
Plan and facilitate both staff and youth-led programming, curriculum development, and participant orientations.
Conduct outreach, recruitment, and community engagement, including promotional activities and attending resource fairs.
Serve as a liaison with collaborating agencies and conduct referrals for participants.
Supports YELL Coalition activities.
Maintain an engaging social media presence for programs.
Responsible for completing and gathering accurate documentation of all activities and events using proper forms, files, and databases.
Responsible for accurate and complete data entry and monitoring supply inventories.
Ensures accurate program data collection and timely reporting for funding sources.
Assists with compiling and drafting program reports.
Assists in the development, delivery and tracking of targeted risk reduction social marketing and/or social media posts/campaigns.
Provide input for budget and grant spending.
Participate in agency events, programs, meetings, and training.
Design, plan, and implement skill-enhancing programs and training for staff, volunteers, and interns.
Maintain collaborations with program partners, schools, and community organizations.
Conduct outreach and recruitment for program activities.
Serve as a representative for community events and committees.
Conduct outreach and recruitment at venues frequented by the target population, including but not limited to Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) clubs, youth and community centers, businesses frequented by youth, etc.
Keep current on LGBTQ+ health-related issues, suicide prevention, harm reduction/risk reduction models, substance use, and other health-related issues, and serves as a resource to other agency and program staff on these topics.
Serve as a liaison with LGBTQ+ housing-related, and other community groups that serve youth.
Travel for grant-related meetings and conferences.
Work collaboratively within the organization.
Participate in agency events and attend program and agency meetings and training as deemed appropriate/necessary.
Participate in community outreach to other agencies or services that serve high risk, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized communities.