21st Century Youth Development Specialist

Boys And Girls Clubs Of•Orlando, FL

3h•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome-Driven Club Experience across various programming areas, including Academic Success and Career Development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, Fitness and recreation, and social-emotional Well-Being. This position involves direct interaction with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other directed activities. The YDS is expected to be self-motivated, mature, energetic, and capable of maintaining clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. They must communicate and interact with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner, while also being flexible, adaptable to changing work environments, calm, and capable of problem-solving in stressful situations. The YDS is also responsible for anticipating and implementing all activity elements in an organized fashion.

Requirements

A high school diploma or GED is required.
Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire youth positively, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members, showcasing flexibility in approach and mindset.
Proficiency in modeling and guiding youth through trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving, promoting academic and personal development.
Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence in program delivery and youth interactions.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with Club members, parents, staff, and community partners.
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders, contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment.
Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, with the ability to track attendance, program participation, and member progress.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training opportunities to enhance skills in youth development and program implementation.
Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
Candidates must successfully obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge.
Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings.

Nice To Haves

An associate's degree in education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting is preferred.
CPR and First Aid Certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment if not already certified.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area.
Ensure facilities, equipment & supplies are maintained and report any issues to the supervisor.
Review program supply inventory and request supply orders promptly.
Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the Supervisor.
Provide active and engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment that facilitates positive youth development.
Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching conversations and redirection when needed.
Model and teach youth self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships.
Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data as needed.
Ensure a productive work environment by participating in Club staff meetings and training events.
Ensure program areas are set up and cleaned up daily.
Provide club members with a daily program agenda and participation expectations.
Ensure child and club safety guidelines are followed.
Facilitate program activities that align with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources.
Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems or issues.
Maintain close, daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines and instructions.
Cultivate long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and other organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and group volunteer partners.
Engage with external groups to build collaborative efforts and ensure a steady flow of volunteer support for Club activities and programs.
Maintain oral, written, and personal contact with external organizations and community groups, serving as a resource for volunteer recruitment and selection.
Uphold all child safety standards and club policies, promoting a culture of safety, and being vigilant about potential risks during activities.