Assistant Youth Services Director

OBJECTIVES

Under the supervision of the Youth Services Director, assists the Director in the development, implementation and coordination of a variety of positive youth development programs including recreational, educational and social youth-based activities for all ages. Assumes responsibility of the office in the absence of the Youth Services Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists Youth Services Director in planning curriculum and implementing and promoting youth, teen and family programming.
•  Assists in monitoring finances of special programs and grants, as well as maintains data on participants. Prepares reports related to programs and activities for budgetary, grant and development purposes.
• Supervises employees, volunteers, and youth, both on-site and off-site, while involved in Youth Services programs. Supervises Youth Services employees in the absence of the Youth Services Director.
•  Exercises independent judgment in the supervision, evaluation and assignment of subordinate employees.
•  Recommends training, recognition, promotion, assignments, and discipline of subordinate employees.
•  Participates in the development and implementation of   short and long-term goals and objectives for programs and special events.
•  Plans and coordinates special events; Develops marketing and public relations material both electronically and in print through program brochures, flyers, press releases, posters, website and social media marketing campaigns and e-mail systems. 
•  Manages the Youth Services Department website and social media presence ensuring proper messaging to reach departmental objectives; coordinates information to be posted and ensures that each site is current providing residents with general and time-sensitive information, to nurture community interaction, and to maintain a positive public image.
•  Acts as early childhood (birth to 5 years old) liaison for parents and community on resources and programs. Supervises the programming and staff for early childhood programs. Assesses the needs of the community and implements resources/programs to address those needs.
•  Assists the Youth Services Director in the selection, training and supervision of volunteer workers, instructors, and program assistants.
•  Acts as Lead Advisor to High School Community Leadership Program. Plans and facilitates core group and monthly meetings. Mentors students in the planning of events and community outreach.
•  Provides case management and advocacy for Ellington families on a variety of educational issues including PPTs, 504 plans and IEP plans. Meets with families and school personnel on these issues, as well as truancy, juvenile justice, mental health, children with special needs, etc.
•  Works collaboratively with state/local government agencies, local businesses, media outlets, police, courts system and other community resources as needed.
•  Promotes the goals and philosophy of the Youth Services Department.
•  Promotes Youth Services programs through social media, newsletters, and outreach at community and school events.
•  Serves as liaison between schools, parents, and community in advocating Youth Services program initiatives. Acts as the athletics advocate, supporting mental health initiatives within the student-athlete community. 
•  Manages the investigation and resolution of procedural, operational and other work-related problems by communicating with and responding appropriately to a challenging and diverse public in answering questions, explaining Department policies and handling complaints. Keeps Director advised of issues and trends.
•  Participates in local and regional collaborative efforts as assigned by the Youth Services Director.
•  Conducts program evaluations.
•  Attends educational conferences to keep current.
•  Performs additional job functions, tasks, and duties as necessary and/or requested.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•  Must be self-directed, detail-oriented and organized. 
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
•  Ability to maintain confidential records and information.
•  Must be experienced in child and family development. 
•  Knowledge of cultural and social needs of the community including social trends and indicators and their impact on youth services policy.
•  Demonstrates awareness of community resources and ability to connect with resources to enhance programs and services.
•  Ability to create and maintain a warm, caring and safe environment for youth.
•  Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule including after-school, evenings and some weekends.
•  Ability to provide leadership and supervise youth engaged in program activities. 
•  Ability to follow program procedures to safeguard health, safety, and well-being of participants. 
•  Ability to provide clear instruction, relay safety protocols, motivate staff and participants and maintain safety.
• Must have youth counseling abilities and case management skills, which encompass effective communication, active listening, and assessment capabilities. Must know when to make appropriate referrals.
•  Ability  to apply critical and creative thinking to understand the presenting situation, handle crises as they arise, and effectively solve problems.
•  Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to prepare and present programs and statistical and narrative reports in oral and written form.
•  Ability to develop and implement a wide range of youth-oriented programs and activities, evaluate programs, and prepare and administer grant programs for youth that focus on positive youth development.
•  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, employees, school personnel, other agencies, and the public.
•  Must possess a strong understanding of the principles and practices related to positive youth program development and operations. Additionally, be knowledgeable about adventure-based activities.
•  Must possess a working knowledge of school policies and procedures including PPT, 504 and IEP, special needs resources in the community, truancy procedures, juvenile justice and OEC regulations.
•  Must possess a solid understanding of suicide prevention curricula, mental health resources, substance abuse awareness, social media training, mandatory reporting laws, trauma-informed teaching, and mindfulness practices.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Operates a computer, software applications, telephone, and standard office equipment; drives a motor vehicle.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT

Performs duties in office, school and outside environment. Sits at a desk or stands at an assigned location and works continuously for extended periods of time; utilizes office equipment; walks, climbs stairs, stretches and bends, sitting and/or kneeling on floor, enters/exits a motor vehicle; some lifting and carrying materials, may be occasionally required to move and/or lift up to fifteen (15) pounds. Some stress involved in public contact.

 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field and three (3) years of increasingly responsible youth services related experience with children and adolescents or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Must understand the social/emotional challenges facing today’s youth. Trained in Mental Health First Aid, QPR, CPR and DCF Mandatory Reporting Training. 

 Must possess a motor vehicle license valid in Connecticut.