The Life & Workforce Readiness Program Specialist is primarily responsible for equipping young people to navigate adulthood and pursue a fulfilling, economically viable career path, through the development and implementation of our YouthForce program, which provides meaningful programs and experiences toward that goal. Under the guidance of the Teen Center and YouthForce Director, this role will ensure programming fulfills grant requirements while also providing Club members with a high-quality, outcome-driven Club experience. Primary responsibilities of this role include program development and implementation, positive youth development and behavior support, community engagement and partnerships, administration and grant reporting, marketing and public relations, and safety and facility management.
Program Development & Implementation (40%)
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Under the guidance of the Teen Center and YouthForce Director, support the development, implementation, and growth of the YouthForce program for teens.
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Design, coordinate, and implement life and workforce readiness programming, experiences, and resources that support the YouthForce program's priority outcomes, goals, and objectives.
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Work closely with the Teen Center & YouthForce Director to ensure program schedules meet the needs of grant-funded objectives.
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Monitor, evaluate, and report on program quality and outcomes, ensuring effectiveness and impact.
Positive Youth Development & Behavior Support (20%):
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Promote a high-quality, Outcome-Driven Club Experience for all Club members by utilizing positive youth development principles.
- Foster recognition opportunities for Club members by showcasing program achievements.
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Build supportive, meaningful relationships with youth and their families to support Club members’ success.
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Establish and enforce behavior expectations, providing consequences per organizational policy.
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Provide behavior support utilizing trauma-informed strategies to promote Club members’ success.
- Exercise authority in resolving issues involving Club members.
Community Engagement & Partnerships (15%):
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Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, employers, and community organizations to provide meaningful opportunities to youth while supporting partner objectives.
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Participate in community groups and committees to enhance networking opportunities and support Club goals.
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Serve as the organization's subject matter expert on Life & Workforce Readiness programming, staying current on developing trends and new initiatives from BGCA.
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Conduct outreach to potential partners, stakeholders, other Clubs, and workforce development experts to identify best practices and incorporate appropriate elements into the YouthForce program.
Administration & Grant Reporting (10%)
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Ensure timely completion of participation, attendance, and other grant-related reports, and maintain the data needed to support them.
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Ensure progress stays on track to meet all grant deliverables associated with YouthForce programming.
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Collaborate in defining and reaching annual goals, objectives, and outcomes for programming.
Marketing & Public Relations (10%):
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Recruit and engage both Club members and non-Club members through marketing and outreach.
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Support and implement marketing strategies to promote YouthForce programs and events.
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Increase visibility of YouthForce programs through timely announcements, advertising, and promotions in the community.
Safety & Facility Management (5%):
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Ensure child safety practices always meet or exceed the requirements of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Boys & Girls Club of Portage County, government agencies, and other collaborative entities.
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Assist in ensuring the overall Club environment is safe and inviting for all Club members, staff, and visitors.
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Implement and maintain cleaning schedules and equipment upkeep.
Education & Experience (any combination of the following that demonstrates readiness for the role):
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Bachelor's degree in education, sociology, youth development, nonprofit management, or related field.
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A minimum of two years' experience in a Boys & Girls Club or similar youth-serving organization, including direct experience working with teens.
Other Qualifications:
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Valid driver's license and access to regular and reliable transportation; eligible and able to drive a Club vehicle and transport members.
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Strong and effective communication skills, both verbal and written.
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Ability to problem-solve, prioritize, multitask, and delegate assignments to meet deadlines with limited supervision.
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Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Club staff, direct reports, Board members, community groups, and other related agencies.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel; experience with database or program management software preferred.
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Flexibility to work hours that vary daily and throughout the year.
