Youth Outreach Specialist - Part Time

POSITION SUMMARY: 

Under the general supervision of the Youth Outreach Director, the Youth Outreach Specialist delivers mission-driven programs designed to engage and inspire youth ages 8–14. This position creates a positive, inclusive, and enriching environment that promotes personal growth, connection, and belonging. By leading activities that stimulate the mind, body, and spirit, the Youth Outreach Specialist helps youth develop positive character traits and build meaningful relationships grounded in the Y’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Deliver engaging lessons and activities using established curriculum and instructional techniques to ensure participants develop new skills, knowledge, and confidence while having fun in a supportive setting. 
• Foster authentic relationships with youth by modeling positive behavior, active listening, and encouragement so participants feel valued, supported, and connected to peers and adult role models. 
• Facilitate a diverse range of program offerings—including physical play, creative exploration, and social-emotional learning—to support holistic youth development and promote active, balanced lifestyles. 
• Encourage and reinforce positive behavior through consistent expectations, constructive feedback, and praise to help youth build self-esteem, accountability, and respect for others. 
• Evaluate and share feedback on programming based on participant engagement and outcomes so lessons can be refined to better meet youth interests and developmental needs. 
• Collaborate with department leaders and school partners to design, adapt, and update curriculum materials that reflect community needs, current youth culture, and YMCA mission-based learning goals. 
• Partner with Y staff and volunteers to ensure a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where all participants, families, and team members feel respected and supported. 
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment by inspecting equipment, enforcing safety rules, and addressing potential hazards to ensure participant wellbeing and program quality. 
• Complete administrative and operational reports accurately and on time, including mileage logs, expense reports, and program updates, to ensure transparency, accountability, and program efficiency. 
• Support departmental growth initiatives by demonstrating leadership, adaptability, and initiative when helping to expand programming into new schools and communities, ensuring consistency with YMCA mission and standards. 

 
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

• Perform all other duties as assigned. 
• Follow all YMCA abuse prevention and risk management policies, including required trainings, mandated reporting, and monitoring of high-risk areas. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education preferred. 
• Minimum of six (6) months of experience working with youth ages 10–18; one (1) year preferred with youth ages 14–20. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required. 
• Y-USA Leader Certification (within 6 months) preferred. 
• Experience using audio/visual and media capture equipment preferred. 
• Strong organizational, administrative, and facilitation skills required. 
• CPR/AED and First Aid certifications required within 60 days of hire (training provided). 
• Awareness of and ability to relate to current youth and teen culture. 
• Strong communication skills adaptable to diverse audiences. 
• Valid driver’s license required. 

COMPETENCIES: 

• Accountability: Takes ownership of decisions, actions, and results.  Follows through on commitments and accepts responsibility.  Completes assigned tasks on time and accepts feedback without defensiveness. Adheres to established policies and procedures. 
• Decision Making: Assesses situations, gathers relevant information, and uses sound judgment to make timely, effective decisions. Considers the safety, wellbeing, and developmental needs of youth in all choices.
• Communication: Communicates clearly and respectfully with youth, families, and colleagues. Listens actively, adjusts communication style for different audiences, and promotes open dialogue that builds understanding and trust. 
• Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, fairness, and consistency in words and actions. Upholds YMCA values and acts as a positive role model for youth, peers, and community partners. 
• Critical Thinking: Analyzes situations, identifies challenges, and proposes creative, effective solutions. Reflects on outcomes to improve future decision-making and program design. 
• Customer Focused: Builds strong relationships with youth, families, schools, and community partners. Strives to understand and meet their needs through responsive, quality programming and positive interactions. 
• Stress Management: Maintains composure and professionalism under pressure. Uses emotional intelligence to manage stress constructively and model calm, positive behavior for youth. 
• Independence: Works effectively with minimal supervision, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and sound judgment while maintaining alignment with YMCA goals and standards. 

 
WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

• Work is performed across multiple settings, including YMCAs, schools, community centers, office environments, and remote locations. 
• Frequent local travel required between program sites. 
• Must be able to engage in active games and physical activities with youth, including standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 30 pounds. 
• Regularly required to set up and transport program equipment and materials.