Youth Program Specialist II

Job Overview

This position involves overseeing, developing, and supporting youth programming to ensure daily operations and workflow. The role facilitates safety and coordinates communication between staff and parents.

Work is performed in various recreational environments and may expose the employee to inclement weather, hazardous chemicals, or other hazards. The position requires moderate physical demands, including the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and to communicate verbally and listen to participants and parents effectively.

The position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is essential. The position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

• Designs, implements, and leads educational, recreational, and social programming for school‑aged children grades kindergarten‑12 at City of Las Cruces and Las Cruces Public School facilities.
• Provides educational, recreational, and social programming for K‑12 students; supports teens and transports youth from around the city.
• Teaches, mentors, and facilitates youth programs and helps participants navigate difficult times.
• Monitors safety and maintains a safe environment for participants and youth; supports connections with youth and aids them in understanding and listening to instructions.
• Uses and operates transport vehicles and utility trucks; transports youth and teens providing access to programs and coordinates equipment.
• Assists participants with schoolwork at a variety of levels; communicates well and supports a solid understanding of schoolwork.
• Provides meals for the community and program participants; maintains food safety and proper notation.
• Plans field trips and ensures all personnel are scheduled to facilitate safety of program participants.
• Develops and creates daily and monthly schedules of events for various activities; coordinates community service or simulations at the Challenger Learning Center.
• Ensures appropriate supplies, equipment, and food items required for various programming.
• Assumes lead responsibility while the program supervisor is absent; monitors, coordinates, and organizes staffing, activities, events, and assists patrons and guests.
• Enforces rules, provides direction, customer service, and ensures programs are delivered in a safe manner.
• Provides outreach with participants, parents, schools, and the general public to promote programs.
• Responds to emergency situations, provides first aid as needed, maintains calm and responsive demeanor during emergencies, and prepares incident reports.

High School Diploma or GED and two (2) years of experience with youth and recreational programming. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record. First Aid and CPR certifications required within six months of hire.

Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the conduct and safety of persons using municipal recreational facilities, programs and equipment; equipment used in youth and recreational programs; community resources and support agencies; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis; customer service and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices;

safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications;
City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and…