Youth Program Specialist

Our House, Inc•Big Rock Township, AR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Our House empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals to succeed in the workforce, in school, and in life through hard work, wise decision-making, and active participation in the community. The Our House team has defined a set of seven Guiding Principles that characterize our culture and that we intentionally seek to uphold: Hard Work, Wise Decision-Making, Community, Initiative, Integrity, Safety, and Heart. You will be responsible for providing a safe and enriching out-of-school time program for K-12th grade in accordance with Arkansas’ Minimum Licensing Standards. Our Club operates every day after school and all day during school-out-days (school breaks, summer break, teacher in-service days). Youth Program Specialists will implement a trauma-informed, two-generation approach to support youth and families in their journey out of homelessness.

Requirements

High School diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred
A background or college courses in education, social work, or psychology preferred
At least 2 years of experience working with youth is preferred
Ability to swim is preferred
Obtain CPR / First Aid certification within first 90 days of employment
Must be able to lift 30 lbs
Complete Youth Worker Certification within 6 months of hire
Complete the Arkansas New Staff Orientation within 90 days of hire
Must be able to pass criminal background checks, child and adult maltreatment registry checks, sex offender registry checks, and a pre-employment drug screen

Nice To Haves

Ability to work effectively with diverse staff, parents, and community members
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-direction
Some supervisory experience with youth and staff
Ability to develop relationships with the youth and nurture them through behavior and family challenges

Responsibilities

Provide direct service, supervision, and lesson planning for youth, ages K-12th grade, using a strengths-based, positive youth development framework
Create an enriching, fun, and safe environment for youth and families in Our Club
Ensure that best practices are used in the classroom, actively seek feedback from youth on program choices, and foster supportive staff and peer relationships
Support youth who have special needs or struggle with emotional regulation
Assist with the meal and snack service and complete required paperwork
Maintain clean and organized classroom and program spaces
Support academic success of youth and help bridge the gap between school and home
Help youth with homework and tutoring when needed and incorporate Arkansas Department of Education K-12 standards
Build relationships with feeder schools and track academic strengths and needs
Support transportation needs, including helping families navigate school bus routes, or riding the Our House van for school pick-ups
Connect youth to academic supports like tutors with ARKids Read
Collaborate with the Mental Health team to deliver social and emotional learning activities that explore identity, emotional intelligence, and empathy
Plan enrichment activities that engage youth and integrate a two-generation approach.
Develop programming in areas of STEAM, Health & Wellness, Youth Voice, Literacy, Life Skills, or other topics of interest to the youth
Plan and execute field trips or special guest visits during out-of-school days that expose youth to new and exciting experiences
Plan family engagement events like Family Fun Night, Parenting Education, holiday celebrations and an annual Black History Program
Regularly communicate with parents about youth needs, successes, and progress
Communicate through the program communication app, Bloomz
Discuss youth’s development and behavior with supervisor and parents regularly
Provide youth and families wrap-around services by collaborating with the Stability Program, Mental Health Program, Early Childhood Program, and Housing Programs
Maintain important program documents, including youth sign-in/sign-out sheet records, program bulletin boards, and monthly calendars and newsletters
Assist with data tracking, performance measurement, and complete required professional development for Our Club
Conduct literacy assessments, collect quarterly report cards, and complete Strengths Difficulties Questionnaire assessments to measure progress
Monitor attendance and input youth daily attendance into Our House Database
Attend at least 30 hours of professional development each year, including participating in Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA).
Follow all grant requirements and Arkansas Minimum Licensing requirements
Conduct other duties as assigned to fulfill Our House’s mission