Youth Specialist

Youth Specialist – Clubhouse
FT (40 hours per week)
Schedule: M-F, typical hours 12:00pm to 8:00pm, during the school year 10:00am to 6:30pm, occasional weekends due to school events or projects
Location: Elmira, NY 14901

Under the direct supervision of the Youth Clubhouse Supervisor, the Youth Specialist will be responsible to lead and implement group activities, and monitor Clubhouse activities with groups of youth in accordance with the Clubhouse protocols, vision and philosophy. The goal is to increase protective factors and reduce risk factors to improve the behavioral health of youth, families and communities. The AIR Youth Clubhouse is an afterschool program and the position requires evening and some weekend hours. This is a year-round position.

Essential Job Functions:

· Work as part of a team to successfully implement enrichment activities for assigned youth groups

· Support the overall vision and strategic plan of the Clubhouse

· Participate in designated staff meetings, trainings and department planning sessions

· Develop group session/lesson plans and actively engage youth ages 12-18 in social-emotional and substance abuse prevention/recovery workshops, activities, events and/or projects utilizing established curricula

· Work in conjunction with other staff when not conducting activities and/or monitoring youth groups

· Work with other human service providers to implement program activities

· Assist in monitoring groups on field trips and other assigned activities

· Serve as positive adult role model for participating youth; engage in problem solving with youth and encourage healthy choices and decision-making

· Take responsibility for the conduct, safety, and supervision of youth participants; maintain order and ensure adherence to safety rules and operating procedures. Assumes lead role when Lead Youth Specialist is not present.

· Complete mandatory training as assigned by the agency and funders

· Maintain accurate data and tracking records on all assigned youth (i.e. incident reports, registration forms, evaluation instruments, etc.)

· Assist with the sign-in and sign-out of youth using real-time attendance database

· Operate company van to transport youth to and from agency approved field trips and events, in compliance with company vehicle policy

· Complete necessary reporting requirements related to mandated reporter, OASAS, and law enforcement as necessary in consultation with program and agency administrators.

· Ability to work day, evening and weekend hours

Physical Elements

· Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational skills of stooping, kneeling, walking, lifting, grasping, pulling, standing and talking

· Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects

· Must be able to operate company vehicle to transport youth to and from agency approved field trips and events

· Must possess the visual acuity to perform extensive reading, monitor children’s activities, and complete records

· Must be able to participate in sports and other activities with youth

· Employees may be required to travel short distances

· Cognitive capabilities are needed for objective analysis of varied circumstances

Skills Necessary to Perform Job:

· Experience with and ability to show examples of past successes developing and facilitating presentations and programs with diverse groups of teens

· Excellent group facilitation, leadership development and public speaking skills

· Demonstration of past experiences engaging youth in conversations around health/wellness based on the audience needs and style

· Must have strong technology skills, good record keeping and time management skills.

· Excellent oral and written communication skills and familiarity with computer software such as Microsoft Office are a must.

· Energetic and knowledgeable about adolescents and youth development

· Ability to produce media advocacy and health communication messages, flyers, power points, PSAs

· Demonstrated ability to relate and interact with diverse youth coming from different social, economic and ethnic backgrounds

· Ability to exercise excellent independent judgment following program policies and procedures.

Qualifications

· Associate’s Degree in social science, human services, counseling or related field desired; Bachelor’s Degree preferred. At least one year experience working within a structured youth program

· Requires a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation and pass an initial driving background check

This job description is intended to provide a description of essential job functions that are used in order to assess employee performance. It is not an all inclusive statement of job responsibilities.

The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Prevention Programming: 2 years (Preferred)
• Mental health counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
• Working with Youth and Communities: 1 year (Preferred)
• Social Services: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPP or CASAC (Preferred)
• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Elmira, NY 14901 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $21