Youth Development Specialist

Boys And Girls Clubs Of•Orlando, FL

1d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an outcome-driven Club experience across programming areas that support the Core Program Pillars: Academic Success and Career Development; character and leadership development; health and life skills; the arts; sports, fitness and recreation; and social-emotional well-being. The YDS works directly with youth to support their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other directed activities. The role calls for a self-motivated, mature, energetic, and adaptable individual who maintains clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. The YDS communicates with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner, stays calm and solves problems in stressful situations, and organizes and anticipates the elements needed for activities. The position plans, delivers, and evaluates programs; supports positive youth development; maintains safe, organized program areas; and handles related attendance, participation, inventory, and reporting tasks. It also involves working with Club staff and volunteers and building relationships with schools, community partners, and other organizations. The work takes place in indoor and outdoor facility settings, including environments frequented by children and families, and may require evenings and weekends to support activities and events.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, with emphasis on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to motivate and inspire youth in a positive learning and personal-growth environment.
Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members.
Ability to model and guide trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving that promotes academic and personal development.
Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with members, parents, staff, and community partners.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, including tracking attendance, program participation, and member progress.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and participation in training opportunities.
Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
Ability to perform CPR or first aid if needed.
Ability to work a dynamic schedule that may include evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods; bend and reach; and move safely around program areas.
Ability to monitor the environment visually and audibly, recognize and respond to safety concerns, and remain focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, adapt to changing plans, and follow verbal directions.
Ability to operate a computer and office productivity equipment, including a copy machine, phone, printer, and tablet, and to type on a keyboard.
Ability to handle and maintain program supplies and equipment, including sports equipment, audiovisual devices, and art supplies, and keep accurate inventory records.
Successful completion of required pre-employment background and drug screening; obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge; continued employment is contingent on passing randomized drug screenings.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in education, youth development, or a related field.
Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting.
Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds and a commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence.
CPR and First Aid Certification; candidates without certification must be willing to obtain it within the first 90 days of employment.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area.
Maintain facilities, equipment, and supplies; report issues to the supervisor and promptly request needed supplies.
Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the supervisor.
Maintain an active, engaged presence and help create a safe, healthy environment that supports positive youth development.
Affirm positive behavior, coach and redirect members when needed, and model and teach self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships.
Collect and track member attendance, coursework, behavior, program participation, and progress data as needed.
Participate in Club staff meetings and training events.
Set up and clean program areas daily, provide members with a daily agenda and participation expectations, and follow child and Club safety guidelines.
Facilitate activities aligned with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
Manage administrative functions and assigned program resources; maintain records and report on activities, events, daily participation figures, achievements, problems, and issues.
Maintain daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, members, and supervisors to exchange information and address issues.
Cultivate relationships with community partners, schools, and organizations; support volunteer recruitment and selection and build collaborative volunteer partnerships.
Maintain a safe environment by following child safety standards and Club policies and watching for potential risks during activities.
Complete pre-employment drug screening and background checks, obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge, and pass randomized drug screenings during employment.