Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth
360 is an initiative to connect local youth to their peers, parents, and community to improve health and well‑being throughout the Mat‑Su area. The more connected a young person is, the more likely they will become happy, healthy, and thriving adults. Social connection is linked to increased rates of health and well‑being and reduced rates of bullying, suicide, depression, and substance misuse.

Youth
360 builds connection by providing positive, meaningful activities and opportunities for young people and their families. Youth will be able to contribute their ideas to help shape programs. Youth
360 offers after‑school youth clubs providing fun and interesting activities, stipends for community and school‑based activities, family events, summer programs, behavioral health services, transportation, and more.

• Responsible for supervision, oversight and safety of youth participating in the Youth Club, in coordination with program providers and volunteers.
• Establish and maintain a program atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and connection for all youth participants.
• Cultivate and encourage youth voice and choice, youth leadership and youth opportunities for growth in all activities and decisions.
• Assist Club Manager in implementing and facilitating daily activities. Regularly plan and implement club activities based on youth interest, staff skills and positive youth development principles.
• Resolve conflict in a consistent, strengths‑based manner, regardless of race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or religion. Discuss concerns with the Club Manager.
• Regard any personal information about youth as confidential.
• Be outgoing, engaged and genuine while consistently building relationships with youth.
• Embrace a multicultural environment.
• Build relationships with school district staff and community partners.
• Participate in outreach and promotional efforts to recruit and retain youth participants and build family engagement.
• Support Youth
  360 efforts to strengthen community attitudes and beliefs valuing youth voice and prioritizing positive youth development.
• Assist with day‑to‑day tasks, including supplies and purchasing, organization, general cleanliness of club site, food provision and other tasks as assigned by Youth Club Manager.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Uphold Youth
  360 policies and risk management program to minimize risk for youth and families.

• Commitment and passion for working with youth, families, and the community.
• Strong leadership abilities including strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, assertiveness, enthusiasm, creativity, and integrity.
• Ability to multi‑task, learn quickly, stay flexible and highly organized in a fast‑paced environment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build authentic relationships with diverse youth and families.

• The Specialist must be committed to the mission and vision of Youth
  360 and be able to demonstrate interest in working with youth ages 12‑18 and providing a safe and positive environment for them.
• Must possess leadership abilities in terms of interpersonal skills, sensitivity, assertiveness, enthusiasm, creativity and good judgment.
• Be accepting of the diversity of beliefs, values and interests of youth.
• A minimum of two years of work experience.
• Experience working on issues that impact children or families.
• A degree, or pursuing a degree, in education, social work, recreation administration or a related field is preferred.
• CPR certified or the ability to be certified.
• Preferred will be given to applicants who reside in the Mat‑Su Borough.

This is a part‑time position (approximately 25 hours per week) with paid holidays and paid time off. Position is contingent upon passing all required MSBSD screenings. This position reports to the Director of Youth
360 and will be a United Way of Mat‑Su employee.

Pay: $18‑$22 hourly DOE;
Education: Min. High School Diploma.