Youth Engagement Specialist  

Background and Position Summary

Youth 360 is an initiative to connect local youth to their peers, parents, and community to improve health and wellness throughoutthe Mat-Su. The more connected a young person is, the more likely they will become happy, healthy, thriving adults. Socialconnection is linked to increased rates of health and well-being and reduced rates of bullying, suicide and depression, andsubstance misuse.

Youth 360 builds connection by providing positive, meaningful activities and opportunities for young people and their families.Youth will be able to contribute their ideas to help shape programs. Youth 360 offers afterschool youth clubs providing fun andinteresting activities, stipends for community and school-based activities, family events, summer programs, behavioral healthservices, transportation and more.

Youth Engagement Specialists staff a Youth Club for middle and high school students after school, during school breaks and scheduled summer hours.  Youth Engagement Specialists are responsible for building and maintaining a positive, accepting program atmosphere that allows youth to build their sense of belonging and connection to their peers, their school and their community.  Youth Engagement Specialists will receive specialized training in positive youth development and trauma-informed practices to enable them to promote positive protective skills in youth they work with and support. Youth Engagement Specialists will help youth plan programming for the Youth Club and develop a welcoming, safe, judgment-free environment that the youth feel they belong to. Youth Engagement Specialists model the initiative’s guiding values while fostering a culture in which youth and families thrive.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for supervision, oversight and safety of youth participating in the Youth Club, in coordination with program providers and volunteers.
• Establish and maintain a program atmosphere that fosters a sense of belonging and connection for all youth participants.
• Cultivate and encourage youth voice and choice, youth leadership and youth opportunities for growth in all activities and decisions.
• Assist Club Manager in implementing and facilitating daily activities. Regularly plan and implement club activities based on youth interest, staff skills and positive youth development principles.
• Resolve conflict in a consistent, strengths-based manner, regardless of race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation or religion. Discuss concerns with the Club Manager.
• Regard any personal information about youth as confidential.
• Be outgoing, engaged and genuine while consistently building relationships with youth.
• Embrace a multicultural environment.
• Build relationships with school district staff and community
• Participate in outreach and promotional efforts to recruit and retain youth participants and build family engagement.
• Support Youth 360 efforts to strengthen community attitudes and beliefs valuing youth voice and prioritizing positive youth
• Assist with day-to-day tasks, including supplies and purchasing, organization, general cleanliness of club site, food provision and other tasks as assigned by Youth Club Manager.
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• Uphold Youth 360 policies and risk management program to minimize risk for youth and families

Competencies

• Commitment and passion for working with youth, families, and the
• Strong leadership abilities including strategic thinking, problem solving, teamwork, assertiveness, enthusiasm,creativity, and integrity
• Ability to multi-task, learn quickly, stay flexible and highly organized in fast-paced environment
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build authentic relationships with diverse youth and families

Position Qualifications

The Specialist must be committed to the mission and vision of Youth 360 and be able to demonstrate:

• Interest in working with youth ages 12-18 and providing a safe and positive environment for youth
• Must possess leadership abilities in terms of interpersonal skills, sensitivity, assertiveness, enthusiasm, creativity and good judgment
• Be accepting of the diversity of beliefs, values and interests of youth
• A minimum of two years work experience
• Experience working on issues that impact children or families
• Associate degree, or pursuing a degree, in education, social work, recreation administration or related field preferred
• CPR certified or the ability to be certified
• Preference will be given to applicants who reside in the Mat-Su Borough

This is a part-time position (approx. 25 hours per week) with paid holidays and paid time off. Position is contingent upon passingof all required MSBSD screenings. This position reports to the Director of Youth 360 and will be a United Way of Mat-Su employee.

Pay: $18-$22 Hourly DOE            Education: Min. High School Diploma

 

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume to the Youth 360 Director, at director@youth-360.org or call 373-3613 for more information.