What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth Development Specialist position at Bethany Christian Services?
Requisition # : req16234
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.
As a Youth Development Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for supporting youth services programming, coordinating barrier removal efforts including housing, connecting youth and alumni youth with resources, and providing the overall support for at-risk youth ages 14 to 24 and older. This individual will also be responsible for participant recruitment, youth engagement, retention, survey administration, events, and documentation. The Youth Development Specialist will also develop positive working relationships with referring agencies.
This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.
As a Youth Development Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for supporting youth services programming, coordinating barrier removal efforts including housing, connecting youth and alumni youth with resources, and providing the overall support for at-risk youth ages 14 to 24 and older. This individual will also be responsible for participant recruitment, youth engagement, retention, survey administration, events, and documentation. The Youth Development Specialist will also develop positive working relationships with referring agencies.
This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
Essential Job Responsibilities
- Administer the required documentation for gathering participant survey data;
- Conduct all intake, referral, and case note documentation;
- Effectively prepare for classes to include planning, coordinating, communicating, transporting, supplies, and curriculum delivery in accordance with training and grant requirements;
- Provide “continuing contact” support to designated youth and document the follow-up to ensure the youth remains connected to the program;
- Serve as a liaison with the youth’s parent/guardian and maintain a healthy, positive relationship with the youth to ensure their safety, support, interaction, and engagement;
- Meet with supervisor regularly to review work assignments and projects;
- Assist with the planning, program design, and cross grant collaboration opportunities within the program;
- Administer a system of incentives and rewards for participation, retention, rites-of-passage celebration and behavior management;
- Provide the necessary follow-up with "graduates" to support decision-making;
- Create and provide learning opportunities to youth in group decision-making, club governance, leadership skill development, civic education and direct/indirect action;
- Assist the grant implementation team in setting the local project structures, to include building referral relationships, caregiver relationships, experiential learning, guest speakers, and connecting with local civic organizations as venues for service-learning projects;
- Attend staff meetings, training, and webinars to ensure up-to-date knowledge is obtained to apply of the job;
- This position requires strong writing and visual storytelling skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex information into accessible and compelling content for diverse social media;
- Promote programs and events through communication channels, including visual and video content as appropriate;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
- Bachelor’s level degree in Human Services, Business, or equivalent field of study from an accredited college;
- At least two (2) years of experience leading youth and/or groups;
- Prior experience in youth development, strongly preferred;
- Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire;
- Possess a passion for inclusion, equity, and sustainability;
- Must be a self-starter with an entrepreneur spirit;
- Excellent verbal and written communication with strong interpersonal skills;
- Strong project management, and organizational skills;
- Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
- Must be willing and able to work days, evenings, and weekends, as necessary;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.