Youth Development Professional

Position Title: Youth Development Professional

Department: Youth Services - Programming

Supervisor: Site Coordinator / Supervisor

Rate: $16 per hour (Sept 2024 - Jun 2025)

Schedule: Mon - Tue (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM) Wed (12:00 PM - 7:00 PM) TH - Fri (3:00 PM - 7:00 PM) – Part-time/seasonal position

Summer Positions available: Mon - Fri (Morning Shift 7:30 AM - 1:00 PM, Afternoon Shift 12:30 PM - 5:45 PM, Full Time 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Mission Statement: Founded in 1938, the Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN) is a non‑profit organization working with youth to help them achieve academic success, build good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lifestyles.

Position Overview and Primary Functions: The Boys & Girls Club of Newark is a dynamic and passionate non‑profit organization committed to empowering and supporting the holistic development of young individuals in our community and programs. Through our trauma‑informed approach, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where youth can flourish, learn, and thrive. Job duties for this part‑time/seasonal position include, but are not limited to, creating and maintaining a safe physical & emotional environment, direct supervision of children during all program hours, and the planning and implementation of our core program areas – Academic Success, Good Character & Citizenship, Healthy Life Skills, and the Arts.

As a Youth Development Professional focusing on trauma‑informed practices, you will play a pivotal role in directly serving and supporting youth participants, designing and delivering engaging programming, and ensuring that our organization’s trauma‑informed principles and Youth Development Practices are integrated into all aspects of our work. Your dedication and expertise will contribute to the emotional well‑being, personal growth, and resilience of the youth we serve.

• Infuse trauma‑informed principles into all program components, interactions, and activities, ensuring that youth participants’ physical, emotional, and psychological safety remains a top priority.
• Implement strategies to avoid traumatization, such as offering choices, respecting personal and professional boundaries, and promoting a sense of agency.
• Through trauma‑informed training, develop the ability to recognize signs of distress and crisis in youth participants and provide immediate trauma‑informed interventions using de‑escalation techniques and crisis management protocols.
• Offer emotional support and guidance during challenging moments, helping youth develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.
• Recognize and respond quickly to unacceptable behavior – arguing, fighting, etc. – using positive discipline and trauma‑informed practices outlined in training.

• Develop meaningful and trust‑based relationships with youth participants, creating a safe and supportive space for them to express themselves, share their experiences, and build a sense of belonging.
• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment for youth.
• Utilize active listening and empathetic communication to understand the unique needs, strengths, and challenges of each youth, taking into account their trauma histories.
• Provide homework support and collaborate with the school leadership and teachers to learn more about youth’s day and learnings.
• Collaborate with youth to set realistic goals, and track progress over time, adapting support strategies as needed to address evolving needs.
• Stay current with the latest research, theories, and best practices in trauma‑informed care, youth development, and related fields.
• Attend all mandatory training and complete all training requirements for the role.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth participants, demonstrating resilience, empathy, and healthy coping strategies in your interactions and behaviors.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff members, sharing your expertise in trauma‑informed practices.
• Be prompt, courteous, and neat during working hours, according to uniform guidelines.
• Work with staff on special events and facilitate programs in any department when needed.