Youth Engagement Coordinator

Description

This is a Part-time position 17.5 hours per week that supports the creation of welcoming, safe and engaging space for youth at the Camden Life Center. Rooted in the HOPE model(Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences), this role focuses on building trusting relationships, fostering belonging, and providing opportunities for youth to connect, grow and feel supported in a substance-free environment.

The Youth Engagement Coordinator works alongside youth to help shape activities and experiences, encourages positive decision-making, and promotes youth leadership and community connection.

Requirements

Essential Functions

• Create and maintain a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where youth feel comfortable gathering, connecting, and participating.
• Build consistent, positive relationships with youth, serving as a trusted adult presence and role model.
• Support youth-led activities and informal programming that encourage healthy decision-making and positive peer connections.
• Utilize the HOPE model to foster resilience, belonging, and personal growth among youth participants.
• Collaborate with the Youth Advisory Board to ensure youth voices guide space use and activities.
• Provide opportunities for recreation, creativity, service, and leadership based on youth interests and community needs.
• Maintain a visible and approachable presence during youth center hours.

• Build and maintain relationships with Camden Central School District and community partners to support youth participation and collaboration.
• Represent the Youth Center in community settings to increase awareness and accessibility.
• Identify partnership opportunities that enhance youth engagement and support.

• Track participation and gather feedback from youth to inform program improvement.
• Share program updates, successes, and emerging needs with leadership.
• Maintain attendance records and required documentation while adhering to confidentiality standards.

• Collaborate with Life Center staff to coordinate schedules, volunteers, and resources that support youth engagement.
• Stay informed about best practices in youth development and rural community engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Life Center mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Youth development principles and prevention approaches or willingness to learn
• Understanding of rural community needs and resources
• Familiarity with the HOPE framework or willingness to learn

• Relationship-building and mentorship skills
• Strong interpersonal communication
• Creativity in supporting youth interests and activities
• Organizational skills for managing schedules and resources

• Create welcoming environments for diverse youth
• Adapt engagement strategies to meet evolving needs
• Collaborate effectively with staff and community partners
• Respond calmly and effectively to challenges or conflicts

Work Values

Kindness, Integrity, Excellence, Efficiency, Purpose, and Courage guide all work within the organization, emphasizing compassion, accountability, collaboration, and growth.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working with youth or young adults
• Certified Peer Recovery Advocate (CRPA) or similar peer credential welcomed and applicable
• Experience working with rural or underserved communities strongly preferred
• Training in mental health first aid, recovery support, or youth engagement preferred

Work Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Frequent standing and walking; occasional bending or kneeling
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors
• Ability to engage youth in recreational activities

• Availability for some evening or occasional weekend hours to support youth engagement
• Ability to adjust schedule to meet program needs

Other Requirements

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Successful completion of background and child abuse registry checks
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms