Youth Development Specialist

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Youth Development Specialist (“YD Specialist”) is responsible for providing program and administrative support for the agency’s youth development programming, as well as our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Reporting to the Youth Development Coordinator, the YD Specialist is an energetic, trust-worthy, organized and detail-oriented self-starter who is mission focused and thrives on working – and building trusting relationships – with adolescents and young adults. The YD Specialist is expected to support the program and operational needs of the Youth Development department. This includes providing staff coverage for Life Skills workshops during the week, supporting the department for Creative Arts on Saturdays for Saturday programming, assisting with the development of a monthly program calendar and program flyers; and performing other related work as required. Additionally, the YD Specialist will dedicate part of their time to supporting the organizations DEI’s initiatives being led by the VP of Youth Development, Equity, and Inclusion. This includes providing high-level administrative support to ensure deliverables are met on a timely basis. The schedule is flexible based on the needs of the program, however a willingness to work in the evenings and Saturdays is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Responsibilities to include but not limited to the following)

• Work collaboratively with the Youth Development Team to support all life skills programming to ensure opportunities for growth and development are made available for all CHNY youth.

• Provide staff coverage for weekday and Saturday programming

• Assist in creating and managing monthly program calendar

• Assist with creating and posting event flyers

•  Assist with facilitating new resident orientation

•  Regularly promote programs so that residents are aware of available opportunities and activities and motivate residents to participate in program offerings.

•  Attend both Youth Development and DEI planning meetings as needed.

•  Provide administrative support to the department and supervisor.

• Provide clerical support including but not limited to: preparing responses to correspondence, creating meeting agendas and maintaining minutes.

• Provide technical support including but not limited to; scheduling DEI steering committee meetings and focus groups, creating reports and spreadsheets to track data.

• Prioritizes the office workload and works collaboratively with colleagues to meet assigned deadlines.

• De-escalate conflicts among clients through non-violent intervention.

• Instruct and demonstrate to youth Covenant House’s Mission and 5 Principles.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Education & Experience

• Associate Degree or 2 years of youth development or related experience required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in providing program support for a childcare non-profit organization preferred.
• Flexible schedule required; ability to work evenings and weekends. 
• Project management skills
• Program administration skills

Knowledge/Skills 

• Organized, forward thinking and detail oriented.
• Flexible and able to manage in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment and maintain a positive, upbeat attitude.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize work effectively.
• Enjoys working with youth and possesses excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate ability to bend and lift moderately heavy donations of up to 40lbs.
• Basic computer skills Ability to create and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong mediation/de-escalation skills.

INITIATIVE AND JUDGMENT/ATTENDANCE AND RELIABILITY

• Independently recognizes and performs duties that need to be done without being directly assigned.

• Establishes priorities; organizes work and time to meet them

• Recognizes and responds to emerging priorities, accepts changes and new ideas

• Has insight into problems and the ability to develop workable alternatives.

• Responds to supervision, coaching and constructive criticism in a positive manner.

• Adheres to attendance and punctuality requirements per policy. Provides proper notification for absences and tardiness. Takes corrective action to prevent recurring absences or tardiness.

• Observes all policies governing conduct while at work (e.g., telephone and computer use, electronic messaging, smoking regulations, breaks and other related policies).

• Ability to professionally communicate and relate well with all levels of personnel (individuals, peers, customers and related professionals).

• Dedicated to the mission of Covenant House.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• High concentration.

• Frequent interruptions.

• Moderate noise level.

• Frequent standing, walking, bending and lifting (up to 20 lbs.).

• Frequent sitting for periods of time at a computer workstation.

Salary $38,500 - $40,000.

Hours 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Compensation

Covenant House New York offers a rich package of benefits including but not limited to full medical, vision, dental, life and short and long-term disability insurance and other fringe benefits. Eligibility for medical benefits begins on the date of hire. PTO includes 3 weeks of vacation in the first year, 10 holidays, 13 sick days, 5 personal days and birthday days off. Benefits include a 403b with employer contribution after 12 months. There are also multiple additional optional benefits (including additional life, disability, accident and cancer insurance) available at significantly reduced rates. "CH is a vaccinated employer. As such, prospective new hires will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by the date of hire to be considered." 

Covenant House New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer