Adult Support Staff Oak WashCo Youth Center

Oak Support Staff Overview

Oak Support Staff will work with various prevention department staff and be in the direct supervision of the Youth Programs Specialist. Oak Support Staff will manage the milieu of The Oak Youth Center, develop relationships with youth utilizing the facility, engage youth in activities and planned programming, act as a Support Staff and support youth in developing their interpersonal and life skills.

The Oak Youth Center serves all students age 11‑17 in Washburn County. Youth with behavioral, social, emotional and substance challenges utilize the facility to improve their social network. Oak Support Staff are encouraged to pursue a career in the HEAL (health, education, administration and literacy) fields or a youth‑serving profession.

Formal oversight by the Prevention Coordinator, daily supervision with the Youth Programs Specialist, and review of the programming schedule. The Youth Programs Specialist supports Oak Support Staff in developing planned programming schedules and activities and provides in‑moment feedback. Oak Support Staff work in partnership with the Oak Mentor, who is the acting lead staff person after business hours.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all‑inclusive. Oak Support Staff will shadow, assist with, and/or perform some of the following duties as part of their position. The level of independence will be determined by their demonstrated abilities and willingness along with approval from the Youth Programs Specialist. All duties listed may not occur and other duties may be assigned, dependent on program initiatives.

• Create and maintain a structured and safe environment for youth as they participate in youth center programs and activities.
• Plan and implement scheduled programming.
• Support the Oak Mentor with evening programming and implementation.
• Recognize and adjust communication to meet youth needs. Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
• Maintain a prosocial youth center culture by addressing unsafe or disrespectful language and/or behaviors.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
• Maintain a clean, orderly and safe environment.
• Understand and follow basic facility policy and norms.

• Knowledge of operating a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems, including the ability to demonstrate experience and knowledge of MS Office Suite products, Windows operating systems, computers and peripheral devices.
• Skill or willingness to learn the operation of various office equipment and other peripherals.
• Basic understanding and the ability to grow in the following areas:
• Demonstrate the ability to develop rapport and interact appropriately with young people.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, other employees, representatives from community resource groups, contract agencies and the general public.
• Maintain a positive, optimistic, upbeat demeanor.
• Experience in working with youth in group settings and individually.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Considerable ability to make appropriate decisions independently and with guidance from Support Staff/supervisors.
• Willingness to learn availability of community resources for the target groups.
• Ability to self‑analyze areas of strengths and weaknesses and the determination to work on both.
• Be able to identify and set clear boundaries and ethical practice.

High School diploma or equivalent. Previous experience with youth preferred. Demonstrate basic knowledge of youth management and current issues facing youth in the community.

The physical demands described here are representative of an average day employed as an Oak Support Staff at The Oak Youth Center. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an open milieu that is representative of a small community center. Work is largely low impact – sitting and standing with limited…