Youth Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Development (YD) Specialist will support the implementation of the Community School (CS) strategy and Out-of-School Time (OST) programming within Family League of Baltimore-funded school-based OST Programs. The Specialist will support a network of Out-of-School Time staff, principals, and lead agencies. The Specialist will ensure funded partners are working toward identified outcomes by supporting the implementation of best practices, providing onsite coaching, reviewing and approving reports, providing feedback on strategies, and utilizing evaluation tools to assess needs/assets at each program. This position requires a person to fulfill job responsibilities in ways that support an equitable and inclusive environment for colleagues and community stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

School-based OST Program Support

Support network of school-based OST programs in implementing high-quality, safe, supportive, interactive, and engaging environments using identified strategies and achieving desired outcomes:

• Ensure funded partners meet requirements in the scope of work, comply with all programmatic contract deliverables, and provide support when challenges arise.
• Provide onsite coaching and technical assistance via programmatic site visits.
• Provide virtual coaching and technical assistance via virtual check-in meetings.
• Utilize Weikart’s School-Age & Youth Program Quality Assessments, data, and other specialized tools to identify needed resources and supports.
• Develop support plans incorporating best practices and evidence-based strategies that support positive outcomes.

Professional Development

• Coordinate with the Program Director of Professional Development and Program Director of Youth Development to support professional development offerings based on local and national best practices, standards, data, and identified trends.

• Such standards may include but are not limited to:
• The National Afterschool Association’s Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
• Maryland Out of School Time (MOST) Program Quality Standards
• The David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality’s Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI)
• Institute for Educational Leadership’s (IEL) and Coalition for Community Schools’ Community School Standards
• Maryland State Department of Education’s (MSDE) Blueprint for Maryland’s Future
• Baltimore City Public Schools (BCPS) Community School Strategy
• Support implementation of required professional development and networking meetings.

Strategy Development

• Work closely with internal teams to develop strategies and best practices for implementing sustainable quality models in programs.
• Support the network in making improvements and addressing challenges.

Funded Partner Reports Reviewing

• Review funded partner reports for completion, accuracy, and quality.
• Notify and assist the appropriate people when concerns arise
• Identify themes, strategies, and best practices to share across the network and with internal teams.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with Family League’s Communications Team and Youth Development Team to help convey the initiative’s vision & goals, and success stories related to program outcomes with stakeholders and the wider community.
• Work collaboratively with the Program Director of Youth Development, internal teams, and external partners to leverage resources for youth, families, schools, and communities.
• In collaboration with internal teams, review and analyze programmatic data to highlight successes, address challenges, develop new strategies, and plan for continuous improvement to support program performance.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Organization Representative

• Represent Family League of Baltimore at local, state and national meetings and conferences.
• Attend meetings and community events as applicable.

Professional Growth

• Participate in professional development opportunities that build effectiveness in OST best practices, program quality, inclusion, intercultural communication, and advancing diversity. Presenter/Facilitator
• Assist in coordinating presentations and visits for local and national stakeholders.

Reporting

• As applicable, support the completion of local, state, and national reports pertaining to Community Schools and OST programming. Special Projects
• Participate, collaborate, and lead special projects aligned to work.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Director of Youth Development.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Commitment to working with a diverse team on implementing culturally inclusive and anti-racist practices and participating in dialogue on equity in the communities served.

Programmatic Expertise

• Must possess vast knowledge and understanding of Community School strategy and Out-of-School Time programming, preferably in Baltimore City. Previous experience in Youth Development is strongly desired.
• At least three years of experience with public K-12 education, community schools, after-school programs, or summer youth programs.
• Familiarity with Weikart Center’s Youth Program Quality Improvement (YPQI) approach is preferred. Language Proficiency and Educational Qualification • Bi-lingual (Spanish) and BS degree in education, social work, or related field a plus.

Technology Proficiency

Excellent technology skills, including all Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Google Chrome, internet use, and database experience.

Time Management and Detail Orientation

• Ability to be focused and detailed, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
• Initiative - Must be a team player motivated by working in a collaborative environment, yet able to work independently and show high initiative and self-motivation.
• Exceptional learning agility, with the ability to quickly grasp new concepts and adapt to evolving tasks. A fast learner who thrives in dynamic environments, seeks opportunities for skill enhancement, and delivers results with a rapid learning curve.

Personal Attributes and Values

• Integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed with a demonstrated passion for Family League’s mission and commitment to working collaboratively.
• Embody Family League of Baltimore’s Core Values of Stewardship, Performance, Trust, Respect, Innovation, and Equity.
• Must show a strong commitment to the mission and vision of Family League.

Logistics

• Valid Driver’s License and daily access to a reliable vehicle.
• Baltimore City residency is strongly preferred. Maryland State residency is required. Family League of Baltimore

FAMILY LEAGUE OF BALTIMORE'S CORE COMPETENCIES

Action Oriented • Takes on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. • Fosters a sense of adventure in the organization by taking on great and bold challenges. • Always vigilant for new opportunities for the organization.

Collaborates • Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. • Adeptly pursues and integrates a wide range of perspectives.

Communicates Effectively • Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. • Creates a culture of ongoing constructive dialogue.

Drives Results • Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstance. Provides assistance or encouragement to help others over obstacles.

Ensures Accountability • Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. • Adheres to, and enforces, goals, policies, and procedures.

Situational Adaptability • Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. • Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization, shifts priorities appropriately.

Optimizes Work Processes • Knows the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, focusing on continuous improvement. • Swiftly resolves process breakdowns and ensures that problems do not recur.

Plans and Aligns • Plans and prioritizes work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. • Foresees and resolves many potential bottlenecks and delays.

TRAVEL, PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

The requirements described here represent those that must be met by staff to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Requirements While performing the duties of this job, staff are regularly required to travel to school and after-school sites throughout Baltimore City. The Specialist is expected to spend at least 40% of the year traveling using the Specialist’s personal vehicle. Occasional travel outside of Baltimore City will be required in addition to some overnight travel.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, staff are regularly required to sit, walk, and stand; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone or virtual video platform; use hands repetitively to finger, handle, feel, or operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and lift 25 pounds.

Mental Demands Staff are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve non-routine and complex problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with elected and appointed officials, staff and community members.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This position qualifies for an internet/phone stipend of $100/month and tuition reimbursement. Maryland residency is required.