Youth Engagement Specialist

South Hills Interfaith Movement•Pittsburgh, PA

just now•$20

About The Position

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a human services organization dedicated to mobilizing community resources and implementing sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. We provide direct assistance (food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as a variety of programs including service coordination, children and youth programs, and the South Hills Family Center. SHIM’s Youth Mentoring Program is designed to offer a safe multicultural space for adolescents, primarily from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, to build a community of peers and trusted adults, discover passions and skills, and grow social emotional and academic knowledge to become resilient and capable young adults. The program is a year-round program that runs continuously throughout the academic year into the summer. It currently operates Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 8:00 pm and Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. During the hours of 3:30 to 5:30, 6th through 12th grade students engage in homework help during the school year and hangout time during the summer. Year-round, students participate in enriching group mentoring sessions from 6:00 to 8:00pm. The Youth Engagement Specialist is a part-time, full-year position. The Engagement Specialist will oversee student engagement efforts, including but not limited to, daily check-ins, new student recruitment, student retainment efforts, and parent communication. The Engagement Specialist will assist the Youth Mentoring Coordinator and other staff with planning and leading evening groups for secondary and college-aged students. The Engagement Specialist will also oversee transportation efforts ensuring students safely get to and from the program. Hours of this job may fall within the range of 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, for up to 25 hours per week and negotiated upon hire.

Requirements

Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude
Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development
Sensitivity and awareness of working with a multi-cultural community
Comfortability navigating new programs and projects
Ability to positively guide and direct students
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents from immigrant and refugee communities
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills
Must possess initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills
Ability to work as a team member and to be highly flexible
Familiarity with secondary academic standards preferred
Ability and willingness to work evening and occasional weekend hours
Valid PA driver’s license and comfort operating large vehicles preferred
Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
NSOR
Mandated Reporter Training
Ability to reasonably engage in play with students

Nice To Haves

Associate’s Degree preferred (Preferred Degrees within Social Work, Counseling, Education, Nonprofit Management)
Relevant experience or education within youth development, education, social emotional support, and program management will be considered

Responsibilities

Create and manage a daily check-in system for all returning and new students to ensure safety, accurate records, and student wellbeing
Build innovative strategies to recruit and retain 6th – 12th grade students within the program
Build and oversee effective parent engagement strategies to encourage parent involvement and build parent skills
Assist the Program Coordinator in developing and implementing weekly plans for evening groups
Collaborate on strategies to reach program goals, create sustainability, and meet the needs of all students
Support efforts to create a new group for college-aged students
Keep records and prepare documents, consent form and all other program documentation
Assist in coordinating transportation needs for all students
Maintain all supplies, equipment, and overall cleanliness of program spaces
Communicate student needs (academic, behavioral, social-emotional, etc.) to Coordinator
Engage in physical activity/play, communication, and activities as appropriate to build strong relationships with students
Assist with field trips, as appropriate
Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and students
Attend staff meetings and professional development trainings
Fill in for Program Coordinator as needed
Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Program Coordinator