Youth Development Specialist- SPARK Academy

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory • Ferguson, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Salvation Army Midland Division Ferguson Community Empowerment Center is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to plan and manage the SPARK Academy program for students in grades 3–5. This is a seasonal, part-time role working 25 hours per week at the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center in Saint Louis, Missouri. The listed pay is $16.00 per hour.

The specialist supports educational, recreational, relational, and spiritual development activities, events, and trips. The role includes mentoring youth, providing Christian leadership, maintaining program records and attendance, recruiting and training volunteers, and working with program and case-management staff to maintain active enrollment. The specialist also helps create a safe environment, participates in staff meetings and trainings, and may assist with other programs or events at the center.

The position requires frequent walking in communities, at school sites, and at the worksite. The employee may need to lift up to 15 pounds and assist with picking up supplies and resources for SPARK Academy.

Requirements

• A minimum of two years of experience in the youth development field.
• Serve as a spiritual authority and role model for young people.
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs, including Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet the requirements of the state of residence and automobile insurance provider for passenger van or bus use.
• Knowledge of Christian theology and The Salvation Army's mission, philosophy, and doctrine.
• Experience or credentials in youth development and trauma-informed training.
• Ability to use PC hardware and approved Microsoft programs, database management, and graphic software to develop flyers and other SPARK Academy materials.
• Ability to use approved word-processing, spreadsheet, email, database-management, and graphic software.
• Sufficient English speaking, reading, and writing skills to consult with supervisors, employees, parents, and youth and perform the job requirements.
• Ability to perform the essential duties, including frequent walking tours of communities, school sites, and the worksite; may need to lift up to 15 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree with an emphasis in youth development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for and monitor educational, recreational, relational, and spiritual development activities, events, and trips.
• Encourage youth to discover love for God and neighbors and develop skills for participation in family and community life; provide Christian leadership to support their spiritual development.
• Serve as an intentional mentor and role model, and share meals and fellowship time with youth.
• Assist with recruiting and training volunteers.
• Record and maintain statistical information, data records, and daily SPARK Mates attendance.
• Plan and support program activities, including teaching observation and reporting, setup, and cleanup.
• Participate actively in staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintain confidentiality and appropriate client boundaries, and comply with Safe from Harm guidelines.
• Follow procedures in the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center Handbook.
• Work with the SPARK Academy program manager, Intake Specialist, and Case Manager to maintain active enrollment.
• Maintain a positive and professional work atmosphere through behavior and communication that foster good relationships.
• Create an environment where young people feel safe.
• Assist with other programs or events at the Ferguson Community Empowerment Center when required.
• Assist with picking up supplies and resources for SPARK Academy.

Benefits

• Generous time off, including personal days, sick time, a floating holiday, and vacation.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Voluntary life insurance, including spouse and children coverage.
• AFLAC insurance products.
• Company-funded pension.
• Optional 403(b).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed