Out of School Time Youth Specialist

Job Title: Youth Specialist – Out of School Time (OST) Program  

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 

Job Type: Part-Time  

Reports to: Site Coordinator 

Part-Time Benefits:

• Retirement accounts (You can contribute at any time, but the Y will contribute 12% after two years of service with 1,000 hours in each of the two years)
• Paid time off (Accrue 1 hour of paid time off for every 30 hours worked)
• Complimentary nationwide 2 adult family membership to the Y
• Discounts on programs, summer camps, YMCA Camp Miller 
• Team member referral program
• Employee engagement and appreciation activities
• Employee assistance program
• Growth and development opportunities
• Leadership certification and related training offered and encouraged

Summary/Objective   
Youth Specialists maintain a safe and engaging learning environment for youth in an after-school setting. Youth Specialists plan and implement high-quality academic and enrichment activities catered to youth’s interests and needs.  

Academic Year Sites: Lester Park, Lowell, Piedmont, Homecroft, Congdon, Lakewood, Myers-Wilkins, North Star Academy (Duluth Edison Charter School). 

Our Culture

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Essential Functions

• Maintain emotionally and physically safe environment for youth in both indoor and outdoor settings. Including, but not limited to, assisting children on playground equipment, leading daily activities, regulating challenging behaviors, and more.
• Assist youth in the event of an emergency, such as evacuations, medical emergencies, etc.
• Develop and lead high quality activities/lessons for youth. 
• Communicate with Site Coordinator regarding concerns about children.
• Have knowledge, understanding, and application of all program policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Work cooperatively with children, parents, other program and building staff.
• Provide support to volunteers.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Maintain current required certifications.
• Eligible to be counted towards ratio and able to work without continuous direct supervision during programming.
• Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity. 

YMCA Competencies  

• Values: Accept and demonstrate the Y’s values  
• Community: Desire to serve others and fulfill community needs  
• Inclusion: Work effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions  
• Relationships: Build rapport and relate well with others  
• Developing Others: Take the initiative to assist in developing others  
• Decision-Making: Make sound judgments, and transfer learning from one situation to another  
• Change Capacity: Demonstrate an openness to change, and seek opportunities in the change process 

Supervisory Responsibility 

This position does not involve any supervision responsibilities.  

Work Environment 

This position operates in area schools and community centers and serves elementary aged youth. There are occasional activities that will take place outdoors, but most activities happen indoors. 

Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

• The Youth Specialist is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work 

This is a part-time position. Scheduled times will vary depending on the needs of the site. Some weekend and evening hours for staff development and training will be required. 

Travel 

Travel will not be required during working hours. 

Required Education and Experience 

• Minimum 16 years of age
• Experience working with elementary age youth 
• Certifications: Basic CPR/AED and First Aid for adults, children, and infants (required). Training can be provided upon hire. Higher levels of certification are accepted.
• Commitment of supporting principles of equal opportunity and affirmative action to achieve a diverse work environment. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Education/training in field related to youth and families. 
• Demonstrate effective communication. 
• Experience in leadership role working with youth. 
• Enthusiasm, patience, creativity, common sense and a commitment to working with children. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications 

• Must be able to pass a Minnesota DHS Netstudy2.0 background study 

EEO Statement 

The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absences, compensation, and training. 

Other Duties 

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