Character and Leadership Youth Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome-Driven Club Experience in programming areas that support our Core Program Pillars, including Academic Success and Career Development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation, and social-emotional well-being. This position works directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other activities as directed.

The YDS is self-motivated, mature, energetic, and maintains clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers. They communicate in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner. The YDS must be flexible, adapt to a changing work environment, remain calm, and solve problems in stressful situations. The YDS should anticipate and implement all elements of activities in an organized fashion.

• Program Development and Implementation: Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area. Ensure facilities, equipment and supplies are maintained and report issues to the supervisor. Review program supply inventory and request supply orders promptly. Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the Supervisor.
• Youth Development: Provide active and engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment. Affirm positive behavior, deliver coaching conversations and redirection as needed. Model and teach self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships.
• Program Administration: Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data as needed. Participate in Club staff meetings and training events to maintain a productive work environment.
• Daily Program
  
  Activities:
  
  Ensure program areas are set up and cleaned daily. Provide a daily program agenda and participation expectations. Follow safety guidelines. Facilitate activities that align with BGCCF Core Program Pillars.
• Administration And Reporting: Manage administrative functions of program areas and resources. Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, daily participation figures, notable achievements, and issues.

• A high school diploma or GED is required; an associate’s degree in education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
• Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting is preferred.
• Ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and inspire youth positively.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members.
• Proficiency in trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving and promoting academic and personal development.
• Experience with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating inclusivity and cultural competence.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact with youth, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, including attendance and program participation tracking.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training opportunities.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred; willingness to obtain within the first 90 days if not already certified.

• Relationships: Internal: daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors. External: cultivate long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and organizations for volunteer support.
• Other: Environmental and
  
  Working Conditions:
  
  indoor/outdoor settings, safety awareness, and adaptable to a dynamic schedule including evenings and weekends.

• Work…