Youth Academic Professional
Listed on 2026-07-01
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Education / Teaching
Child Development/Support, After School, Special Needs / Learning Disabilities
Youth Academic Professional
The Youth Academic Professional is a front-line program staff member at a Blue Door Academy school-based site. Working up to 27 hours per week for Part-Time positions and working up to 40 hours per week for Full-Time positions, the Youth Academic Professional reviews, facilitates, and delivers structured after school enrichment programming for youth in grades 4K - 5th under the direct supervision of the Club Manager.
This role is grounded in the principles of Positive Youth Development and requires a consistent, caring adult presence that creates safe, high-quality learning environments every day.
Blue Door Academy Youth Academic Professionals are expected to arrive prepared, execute programming with fidelity, and contribute to a site culture that young people and families trust. This is a professional position with meaningful accountability for youth outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Program Planning & Delivery
• Plan and facilitate structured, engaging activities and enrichment sessions aligned to Blue Door Academy's program model and BGCA's core program areas.
• Deliver programming that incorporates BGCA's Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development: safe environment, fun and belonging, supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition.
• Follow the daily program schedule established by the Club Manager; arrive on time and prepared for each session.
• Use Club Programs, BGCA resources, and Blue Door Academy-approved curricula to plan and document sessions in advance.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of youth in grades 4K- 5th.
Youth Engagement & Relationship Building
• Build authentic, consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust, respect, and high expectations.
• Greet youth by name; maintain a warm, encouraging presence throughout each session.
• Recognize and respond to behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs; escalate concerns to the Club Manager as appropriate.
• Model positive behavior, conflict resolution, and inclusive communication in all interactions.
Site Operations & Safety
• Follows BGCGM's Member Care Manual policies and procedures
• Maintain supervision of youth at all times in accordance with required staff-to-member ratios.
• Implement all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and organizational policies, including the use of Safety Matters App.
• Keep program spaces clean, organized, and safe; report facility or supply issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate real-time child tracking of all members by using activity rosters, documenting all member time in/out, destinations, room locations, staff names, and ensuring parents sign children out at the front door.
Professional Standards & Continuous Learning
• Upon hire, complete a mandatory 15-hour Blue Door Academy onboarding training program prior to working directly with youth at any Academy site.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuous professional learning throughout the year, including BGCA Spillett Leadership University (SLU) coursework and site-level training.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Receive and apply feedback from the Club Manager; demonstrate consistent growth in program quality.
• Maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, and compliance with all organizational policies.
Qualifications
Education
•
Required:
High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth in an educational, recreational, or community-based setting is preferred.
• Experience facilitating structured activities or group programming is preferred.
• Prior experience with Boys & Girls Clubs of America or a comparable youth-serving organization is preferred.
Required Certifications & Clearances
• Successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, TB and physical tests, as well as any other regulatory clearances prior to being hired.
• CPR/First Aid certification (required within 90 days of hire).
• Complete Mandated Reporter training upon hire.
• Within 90 days, completion of required required Wisconsin Childcare Registry/Certification classes and…
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