Youth Development Specialist (Afternoon Counselor)

Description

Overview: Oversees an assigned group of students and provides academic and enrichment activities in a safe and structured environment. This position works in concert with program staff members to administer a wide variety of engaging learning opportunities to children and students, where positive youth development is the primary focus.

Classification: Non-Exempt – Hourly (part-time)

Reports to: Site Director

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assumes all responsibilities as assigned and carries out duties in accordance with best youth development practices and standards as outlined by affiliates and regulatory, contractual and funding agencies such as the Palm Beach County Health Department, Prime Time Palm Beach County and Early Learning Coalition.
• Reports to assigned area(s) on time to assist in daily student intake and dismissal. Works with supervisors to ensure ratio requirements are maintained.
• Teaches and supervises a group of school aged children. Prepares scheduled curriculum and provides instruction to children as outlined by curriculum, providing homework and learning support as well as fun and engaging activities.
• Plans, gains approval, and implements an enrichment club and activities that encourage the acquisition of new skills, promote healthy living and lifestyles, increase social development and proficiencies, and expose students to new and or expanded academic concepts.
• Involves children in all program activities and acts as a positive role model for children and students. Interacts in a positive and encouraging manner with students, providing as many student-directed choices and leadership opportunities as possible. Responsible for the health, safety and well-being of children at all times.
• Distributes snacks and meals and supervises assigned group during mealtimes.
• Tracks and records all pertinent information for individual student progress, including attendance, task completion, measurable outcomes, report cards, FSA scores, and other assigned evaluation tools used for data collection and reporting while keeping all records confidential and current.
• Reports concerns regarding students and any incidents to the administrative team. Assists in parent conferences and follow-up referrals for any concerns regarding individual emotional state, academic progress, and or social behavior.
• Exhibits professional and collaborative behavior with children, program staff, parents and guardians, and school personnel.
• Attends special agency events to be connected with students and plans recognition for outstanding student progress.
• Assists with classroom maintenance, ensuring a neat and clean environment; requests necessary materials and supplies from supervisor(s) in advance.
• Reports any needed repairs or maintenance to supervisor as soon as possible.
• Assures lesson plans and activity schedules are available for any substitute filling in during absence.
• Remains flexible with regard to work schedule to allow for special events.
• Obtains all necessary training and credentials and attend staff meetings as required.

Work Environment

• Must be able to frequently walk, grasp, push, kneel and stand
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while operating a computer
• Frequently required to speak and listen while communicating
• Must be able to endure repetitive wrist, hand and/or finger movement while operating office equipment
• Requires clarity of vision at close distances while operating a computer
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Other Employment Information

• Fingerprinting and background check
• Pre-employment and random drug screening
• Completion of pre-employment training requirements
• 90-day initial review period

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma
• Completion of 40-hour DCF course or ability to do so within the first 90 days of employment

Essential Skills/Abilities

• Organizational skills
• Ability to project a positive attitude at all times
• Ability to remain flexible regarding job requirements
• Ability to manage time effectively
• Ability to create a healthy social emotional environment for students
• Ability to learn and apply fundamental youth development principles