Youth Services Outreach Worker

Salary: $74,000.00 - $80,000.00 Annually
Location : Andover, MA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: T24024
Department: Community Services - Youth Services
Opening Date: 11/15/2023
Closing Date: 12/17/2023 11:59 PM Eastern
Minimum Hours per Week: 36.25
Description
Under general direction of the Director of Youth Services, responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating diversified, youth-based programs, activities and special events for youth ages 11 - 18 which promote a healthy choices and lifestyles for young adolescents.
Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and implement a variety of recreational, educational, and social programs that focus on healthy lifestyles and choices. Such programs should promote the goals and philosophy promoted by the Youth Services Division; provide for meaningful adolescent engagement and achievement; and reflect an understanding of the many social and emotional challenges facing today's adolescents.
  
• With the Director's approval, coordinate the acquisition of resources and materials necessary to implement programs. Authorize or directly expend funds in support of programs consistent with Director's and Town's policies and procedures.
  
• Working in close consultation with the Director of Youth Services and Andover Public School Social Work staff to provide assistance to, and/or refer troubled adolescents and their families to appropriate community resources and services. Identify a network of local community resources and be able to provide comprehensive information about these services to youngsters and/or parents. When appropriate, assist youngsters and parents in obtaining these services.
  
• Work collaboratively with other youth-servicing agencies and program coordinators in similar roles to address the youth development needs of the children and families.
  
• Provide year round training opportunities, open forum with youth, and facilitate community discussions to allow engagement and invest in dealing with the challenges facing today's youth in a proactive and comprehensive manner.
  
• Address the need for achievement and self-esteem by assisting young people with the completion of purposeful work and projects. Identify and present opportunities and challenges for young adolescents that will engage and motivate them and help them to develop social and emotional resiliency.
  
• Provide outreach and follow-up with youth in the community who would benefit from participation in Youth Services programs.
  
• Plan and coordinate special events; prepare and post all publicity related to special events.
  
• Maintain statistical and other records of program activities for budgetary and development purposes.
  
• Serve as liaison between schools, parents, and community, advocating Youth Services program initiatives.
  
• Supervise internship opportunities for incoming mentors or college/adult volunteers.
  
• Prepare reports, registration data and all other information; prepare budget data as requested
  
• Assist in recruitment, supervision and training of volunteer staff, including oversight of the AYS Mentor program and AYS Youth Council.
  
• Oversee and actively participate in various cultural, educational, youth, advocacy, and other committees.
  
• Collaborate with other Town Departments, such as Elder Service and Recreation to assist in managing volunteer opportunities and support groups.
  
• Assist staff with locating, procuring, and grant writing for program funds that will be non-fee based.
  
• Attend trainings and workshops.

Perform related duties as required.
Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Ability to relate and respond to adolescents with diverse recreational, emotional, and social needs.
  
• Expertise in adolescent psychology and development including experience with a variety of adolescent populations in educational, social, recreational or therapeutic settings.
  
• A solid understanding of the most current principles and practices of youth development and a commitment to the goals of Youth Services.
  
• Knowledge of available resources for troubled adolescents with substance abuse or other emotional issues, preferably in the Merrimack Valley.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with youth, parents, staff, administrators, media, and the public.
  
• Ability to initiate innovative programs and to supervise and motivate paid and volunteer staff.
  
• Ability to interact in a positive manner with town officials, citizens, and young people.
  
• Ability to initiate innovative programs and to supervise and motivate paid and volunteer staff.
  
• Good organization skills and the ability to infuse creativity and flexibility into youth programs.

Education and Experience
Duties require a Bachelor's degree in counseling or related field; a certification in Therapeautic-Recreation; a Master's degree in Social Work and a license as a clinical social worker or license as a mental health councelor strongly preferred; a minimum of 3-5 years related work experience with adolescents in developing and /or managing community support youth programs or agencies in a recreational, educational, and/or therapeutic setting; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver's license.
Supplemental Information
Supervisory Responsibility
Provides supervision to seasonal staff members, mentors, and volunteers.
Physical Elements

• Must be able to work a flexible schedule with non-traditional hours (totaling 36.25/week) within a non-traditional work setting.
  
• Requires substantial physical strength, stamina, and agility to participate in one day to multi-day outdoor activities such as backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking; subject to inclement weather and extremes in temperature.
  
• Duties require periods of heavy lifting and operation of large vans, pick-up trucks and trailers covered under a non-commercial driver's license.
  
• Regularly uses computer keyboard requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
  
• Involves frequent attendance at evening and weekend outings or events.