CONTENT SPECIALIST

The Content Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of high-quality youth development programming within the DYCD-funded COMPASS Program. Working in partnership with the Program Director, the Content Specialist helps ensure that activities, curricula, and enrichment opportunities are engaging, age-appropriate, culturally responsive, and aligned with DYCD goals and organizational priorities.

The Content Specialist serves as a program quality leader by supporting staff development, conducting activity observations, reviewing lesson plans, and providing coaching and technical assistance to frontline staff. This position plays a critical role in ensuring participants have meaningful learning experiences that promote academic enrichment, leadership development, social-emotional growth, and positive youth outcomes.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Operations

• Support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality youth development programming.
• Assist in the development and coordination of program schedules, enrichment activities, special events, and showcases.
• Ensure activities align with DYCD requirements, organizational goals, and positive youth development principles.
• Support the creation and maintenance of program resources, activity guides, and instructional materials.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment for all participants.

Staff Support & Development

• Provide coaching, guidance, and technical assistance to Activity Specialists and Group Leaders.
• Conduct program observations and provide constructive feedback to staff.
• Support onboarding, orientation, and training of new staff members.
• Model effective facilitation, classroom management, and youth engagement strategies.
• Assist the Program Director in identifying professional development opportunities and staff support needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, and organizational training initiatives.

Youth Development & Participant Engagement

• Support the implementation of enrichment activities that foster creativity, leadership, teamwork, and skill development.
• Encourage youth voice, leadership opportunities, and participant engagement.
• Promote positive youth-adult relationships and a culture of belonging.
• Assist with participant recruitment, retention, and engagement efforts.
• Facilitate workshops, activities, and special projects as needed.

Compliance & Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist with maintaining program quality standards and implementation expectations.
• Support documentation related to lesson plans, activity schedules, observations, and program outcomes.
• Assist in preparing for site visits, monitoring reviews, and quality assessments.
• Ensure activities and programming are implemented consistently across the program.
• Maintain accurate records and reports as assigned by program leadership.

Family & Community Engagement

• Support family engagement events, showcases, and community activities.
• Assist in building positive relationships with families, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Promote effective communication between staff, participants, and families.
• Represent the organization at meetings, events, and community functions as assigned.
• Support collaborative partnerships that enhance participant experiences and program opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree preferred in Education, Youth Development, Recreation, Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Arts Education, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with youth in educational, recreational, after-school, summer camp, or community-based settings.
• Experience designing, implementing, or facilitating enrichment activities and youth programming.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, or supporting staff development preferred.
• Experience working with diverse youth populations and families preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of positive youth development principles and best practices.
• Strong facilitation, coaching, and instructional support skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with youth, families, and staff.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while maintaining a solution-focused mindset.

Core Competencies

• Youth Development
• Program Quality Management
• Coaching & Staff Development
• Leadership
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Cultural Responsiveness
• Relationship Building
• Problem Solving
• Continuous Improvement

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and participate in program activities.
• Ability to supervise indoor and outdoor activities.
• Ability to lift and transport program materials up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, trainings, and events as needed.

Required Certifications & Clearances

• Background Check
• Mandated Reporter Training
• CPR/First Aid Certification (Preferred)
• Completion of all required DYCD trainings
• Additional clearances as required by DYCD and organizational policies

Accountability Measures (KPIs)

• Quality and consistency of program implementation.
• Staff coaching and professional development outcomes.
• Participant engagement and retention rates.
• Program observation and quality assessment results.
• Successful implementation of enrichment activities and special projects.
• Compliance with organizational and DYCD standards.
• Contribution to overall program goals and performance outcomes.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Hands That Make A Difference is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an environment where all employees, participants, and families are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.