Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo is a premier Youth Development organization celebrating 70 years in 2023 and we're looking for qualified people with a passion for improving young lives. Our programs, training and services impact over 1,300 local youth every year!

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo we have strong values and embrace diversity. We provide our team with:

• growth opportunities
• on-the-job training
• a lively atmosphere
• competitive living wages
• Must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to work the shift hours of 3:30-8:00 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Wage is $16.38/hour for 22.5 hours per week

Preference will be given to candidates who can work the full shift time Monday-Friday.

This position will be working with a kindergarten - 5th grade age group.

Youth Development Professionals are responsible for creating a fun, engaging, and positive Club experience for Club members while embracing the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo (BGC). This includes teaching Social Emotional Learning skills, providing quality Youth Development, building positive relationships, planning and implementing high-yield activities, upholding member behavior expectations, and maintaining a safe and supportive environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be welcoming and provide youth with a fun, high-energy experience with positive engagement. Help set and maintain a culture of fun that is infused with everything we do.
• Plan and facilitate a variety of age-appropriate High-Yield Activities that provide youth with social-emotional and educational skill development. This also may include facilitating special programs and/or events.
• Help with reaching Unit goals around Youth Development quality and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) by assessing Club members’ social-emotional behaviors with Hello Insight. Provide opportunities and activities that strengthen SEL need areas.
• Have a working understanding of Club activities, programs, intake, and outcome-driven Youth Development methods.
• Be cross trained in all Unit positions to fill in as needed at all units and participate with training and onboarding new hires.
• Work closely with programmers to deliver high-quality targeted programs.
• Ensure a healthy, productive environment that supports positive peer and adult relationships through physical and emotional safety.
• Set clear expectations and model to youth what you want to see from them.
• Enforce Club Managing Member Behavior Policy, which includes Positive Behavior Support, Anti-Bullying and Trauma-Informed Care protocols as well as using reframing conflict and de-escalating tools.
• Input membership forms and track member attendance in MyClubHub database.
• Practice National Youth Outcome Initiatives (NYOI) and Weikart methods as well as participate in the Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) and Assessment (YPQA) process to plan and improve overall program practices.
• Maintain the organization and cleanliness of the Club space, which includes completing a closing checklist at the end of the day, as well as maintenance and inventory of Club materials and supplies.
• Assist Unit Manager with distribution and collection of information to members, including field trip permission forms, special event announcements, notifications of Club closings, and targeted programs. Ensure that all members have equal access to this information.
• Create and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as instruction and training tools for the responsibilities of this job.
• Comply with mandated reporting policies.

Other

• Assist with planning and implementation of Club-wide special events, including fundraisers as requested as well as outreach opportunities.
• Attend all required staff meetings and/or trainings.
• Must wear a Boys & Girls Club staff uniform during working hours. Dress in a professional manner conducive to working with youth in a recreational program and at special events.
• Review and familiarize oneself with the Boys & Girls Club Safety Policies and Crisis Management Plan. Respond to crisis situations in accordance with the outlined plan.
• Display professional behavior in alignment with the Boys & Girls Club Personnel Policy and Standards of Conduct.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• One year of experience in a Boys & Girls Club or similar Youth Development organization with experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience creating and implementing educational and recreational activities that are creative, fun, engaging, and inclusive.

Skills, Knowledge, and other Competencies

• Ability to effectively interact with members, including addressing discipline problems in age appropriate and non-punitive ways.
• Enthusiastic about working with and engaging youth.
• Experience in facilitating small groups with all ages. Ability to plan and execute a wide range of programs for youth of all ages that are creative, fun, and engaging.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Continuing required training as needed.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team and promote a team culture.
• Demonstrated ability in working with youth, parents/guardians, and other staff.
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus.

Note: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Regularly scheduled hours Monday through Friday and based on Kalamazoo Public School dismissal times (2:05 pm – 7:35 pm or 3:45 pm – 8:15 pm) with flexibility to attend occasional events earlier or later in the day and/or weekends. Schedule is subject to change during the summer and based on Kalamazoo Public School dismissal times.

Must possess a valid driver’s license with reliable transportation for business and proof of insurance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Operates devices which may include a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, calculator, copy machine, scanner, and printer.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 25% of the time, along with regular standing, walking, bending, and carrying objects.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move objects up to 30 pounds at one time.
• Frequently communicates with team members who have questions and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to drive a vehicle to carry out work duties listed above.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity. The organization will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to, veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, age, height, weight, marital status, or any other protected group status as defined by law. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kalamazoo will also not discriminate against employees or applicants based on sexual orientation or gender identity. As part of its commitment to equal employment opportunity, Boys & Girls Club provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.38 per hour

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• If your resume does not reflect your experience working or volunteering with youth, please describe your experience here. Preference will be given to candidates who complete this section.
• Were you a Boys & Girls Club member as a child? If yes, what city?
• Were you referred by a current Boys & Girls Club employee? If yes, please type their name below.
• We will communicate about this job through email. Are you able to access your email?
• How many days per week are you available to work? Preference will be given to candidates who can work 5 days per week.

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• working or volunteering with youth: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person