Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Children Services Manager, the Youth Engagement Coordinator plans, organizes, and implements age-appropriate activities and events that promote healthy living and positive social interactions. This role is responsible for engaging, retaining, and increasing teen participation in program services and activities. Serves as a key point of contact for families in coordination with school liaisons, works directly with teens and families residing at House of Refuge, and provides administrative support as needed for aspects related to youth services. Ensures compliance with all safety protocols, maintains accurate documentation of services, attends required meetings, and ensures leadership is well informed. Takes initiative and collaborates to ensure all aspects of service provision are in alignment with the House of Refuge mission and Philosophy of Care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Development & Implementation
- Utilizing the eight dimensions of wellness framework, plans, coordinates, and supervises Teen Center program activities and special events. Directs volunteers and facilitates curriculum-based lessons with an emphasis on health education, self-enrichment, and positive social interaction. Actively engages and recruits teens to increase participation in all program services, in order to improve consistent attendance, retention, and engagement outcomes.
- As part of partnerships and youth development opportunities, maintains collaborative relationships with community partners and secures guest speakers and volunteers for workshops and enrichment activities. Researches and connects teens to job leads, career exploration, educational opportunities, skill-building, and other community resources that support the physical and mental health needs of teens.
- Practices responsible stewardship of resources by identifying needs and ensuring the effective use of resources and program budget. Submits requests in advance, completes approved purchases and expenditure documents. Collaborates with other departments and with the Donation Center to secure donations and supplies needed for the Teen Center’s programming.
- Conducts general housekeeping matters such as basic upkeep of the Teen Center, follows a daily cleaning schedule and coordinates weekly and quarterly cleaning, and space beautification projects. Prepares snacks and simple meals following all health and safety standards for food preparation and cleanup.
Coordination of Client Services
- Serves as the primary point of contact with school liaisons and supports families with school enrollment and transfers. Maintains updated school information for all teens and obtains appropriate releases of information, as needed, to coordinate services for the families.
- Maintains resident confidentiality and demonstrates professional boundaries at all times. Builds rapport with teens and families to encourage engagement in services, activities, and educational opportunities. Collaborates with case management, attends staffing meetings, documents services, and supports families with the needs of the teens throughout their stay, and during their transition out of the program.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm, fosters and maintains an atmosphere of interest in all phases of work. Serves as a positive role model to program teens and children. Provides services in a caring manner, provides clear instructions, and addresses concerns to ensure accountability and continued program partnership.
Administrative Responsibilities and Team Culture
- Performs administrative duties such as data collection and reporting, tracking daily Teen Center attendance, creating flyers and monthly calendars, managing email correspondence, answering phones, and preparing and distributing program materials in a timely manner.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of services, activities, and participation in Teen Center activities. Completes timely and accurate documentation of services and communication with residents, as needed, to ensure compliance and accurate reflection of service provision.
- Consistently demonstrates knowledge of House of Refuge policies and procedures and ensures compliance in all areas of work. Maintains organization of the Teen Center, ensuring the space is clean, structured, and tour-ready at all times. Ensures the area is clean and free of hazards, communicates maintenance or safety concerns promptly, and submits work orders as needed.
- Plans, organizes, and prioritizes work activities to meet program goals and deadlines, demonstrating reliability and adaptability in a dynamic environment. Collaborates closely with the Children Services Manager and serves as backup support for Community Center operations as needed.
- Actively contributes to the implementation of the organization’s core values and program philosophies. Maintains an atmosphere of enthusiasm and professionalism, fosters open communication, and contributes to a culture of mutual respect, accountability, performance, teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education/Experience:
- A 2-year undergraduate degree in a related field is required; or be working towards a 4-year degree or higher in any child-related fields (Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Social Work, Psychology, Elementary Education, etc.) or any combination of advanced education plus experience working with teens in a social service agency, summer or afterschool program. Experience working with teens in a residential setting, school setting, or other equivalent experience.
- Must agree to, and successfully pass, a background check.
- Must have or be able to obtain a current Food Handler’s Card.
- Must have or be able to obtain a fingerprint clearance card.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/ Working Conditions:
- Effective oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal, analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to multitask.
- Coordinates the work of volunteers. Develops professional relationships with a variety of users and sponsors. Has computer and related software skills. Excellent communication, both verbal and written, to interact effectively with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, volunteers and the general public sufficient to showcase House of Refuge in a positive manner.
- Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Sits, stands, walks, runs, reaches, stoops, bends, lifts, carries, manipulates various objects. Position requires moving around the House of Refuge and between buildings, including spending time outside.
- Required to have a valid driver’s license and clear MVD record. Position requires transportation of teens in a company vehicle for up to 15 passengers.
Salary: $45,000 - $48,000 annually
Hours: Typical hours are M-F, 10 AM to 6 PM; or M-F, 11 AM to 7 PM. Must be willing to work a flexible schedule for special family events, and occasional Saturdays.
Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
