Creative Youth Development Specialist

The Mattie Rhodes Center provides a holistic approach to individual and family well-being through social services, mental health counseling and the arts. Our staff provides culturally competent programming in the following four areas:

• Family Services (behavioral health, family violence, substance abuse)
• Youth Services (in-school intervention, youth development, supportive living)
• Community Support (health and wellness, community engagement)
• Cultural Arts (arts education, exhibits and collections)

Mattie Rhodes is the only fully bilingual/bicultural state-certified behavioral health care provider in the Greater Kansas City region, and is state-certified in intensive outpatient substance abuse therapy.

Mattie Rhodes is nationally accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and began serving the community in 1894.

Job Summary:

The Mattie Rhodes Creative Youth Development Specialist is responsible for providing creative, supportive, and engaging arts instruction within an after school, summer, arts program environment. This position implements high-quality creative youth development practices that use the arts to support students’ artistic growth, leadership development, self-expression, collaboration, and social emotional learning. The Creative Youth Development Specialist facilitates classes, workshops, summer camps/classes, and community-based arts experiences for youth in grades 1st–12th at the Mattie Rhodes Center, Mattie Rhodes Art Center, and partner schools/community locations.

The Creative Youth Development Specialist designs and delivers relevant, culturally responsive, arts experiences in ceramics, digital art, drawing, mixed media, 2D art, and other traditional and non-traditional materials. This role contributes to a positive learning environment where young people feel welcomed, respected, and encouraged to take creative risks while building confidence, problem-solving skills, and healthy relationships. The Creative Youth Development Specialist may also support Cultural Center programming/tours, exhibition-related art activities and events, general agency initiatives, and community-based events as needed. This is a part-time, non-exempt position with a semi-flexible work schedule; evenings and select weekends may be expected.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION & ENGAGEMENT

• Implement relevant, culturally responsive, and engaging arts activities for youth in grades 1st–12th in alignment with Mattie Rhodes Center’s Youth Development goals, and program standards.
• Design and deliver age-appropriate lesson plans, workshops, camps, and class activities that support artistic growth, creative risk-taking, leadership development, collaboration, and social emotional learning.
• Create a welcoming, structured, and supportive classroom/studio environment where youth feel respected, encouraged, and safe while using tools, materials, and equipment appropriately.
• Maintain positive, professional relationships with youth, parents/caregivers, program partners, and community members through regular communication, and program outreach.
• Address student needs, safety concerns, and behavior issues in coordination with the Program Manager and Teaching Artist team following Mattie Rhodes center policies and Student Handbook.

PROGRAM SUPPORT

• Maintain daily attendance, registration and student file management.
• Complete required program assessment tools, evaluations, surveys.
• Familiarize and use selected online reporting and data collection tools.
• Coordinate, communicate, and collaborate with team members.
• Manage personal & agency email communication, calendars, and daily correspondence across platforms.

PREPARATION

• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the classroom and studio spaces.
• Maintain supplies, equipment, and inventory.
• Understand & learn various art tools, materials and available technology.
• Ability to demonstrate techniques with students and Teaching Artist team.
• Complete required agency & department training and training log.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Two to three years of experience working with school-age children and young adults in out-of-school-time or similar instructional settings.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skill in the use of various art tools, materials and processes.
• Strong organization, communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity, flexibility, and teachability.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate as a team member.
• An awareness and commitment to positive youth development practices, creative youth development and community arts education.
• Able to demonstrate patience and compassion when working with youth and the ability to think clearly in crises.
• Proficient & capable in PC-based OS, Microsoft Office/OneDrive applications, Apple iPad functions and creative design applications

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in art or art education or relevant field of study.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) speakers are preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, access to reliable transportation to programming sites (as needed), and a clean driving record.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $21