Join our Team

---

JOB TITLE: Youth Development Specialist

SUPERVISOR: Program Coordinator

The Christian Neighborhood Center of Norwich, Inc., dba The Place is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Norwich, NY that serves Chenango County. The Place was founded in 1983 and has been serving Chenango County youth and young adults through an established continuum of research-based programs to prepare them for college, career, and citizenship.

Position Summary

The Youth Development Specialist will be under the direct supervision of the KIDS Program Coordinator or Teen Program Coordinator and will be responsible for providing a safe, caring, and enriching environment for the children enrolled in programs at The Place. Staff are responsible for conducting themselves in an appropriate manner, setting an example for children, parents, and co-workers by reflecting The Place’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Staff are responsible for complying with all standards set by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services standards and will assist in ensuring that staff adheres to all organizational and program Policies and Procedures. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & JOB DUTIES

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

· Communicate with the Site Director daily. 

· Keep a consistent headcount on all children present at site; communicate changes with all other staff.

· Will NOT leave children unattended. Ratio is to be in compliance at ALL TIMES

· Assist in maintaining clean-up schedules, including janitorial duties necessary to maintain the cleanliness of The Place 

· Organize and store materials to ensure order in activity rooms. 

· Maintain daily attendance. 

· Knowledgeable on where emergency information on each child is held and used when needed.

· Comply with all emergency procedures, including those related to medical and disciplinary situations, child abuse prevention, and emergencies. 

· Document incidents and behavior on appropriate forms and give to Program Coordinator 

· Maintain all supplies, equipment, and materials; inform the Program Coordinator when new/additional supplies are needed. 

· Ensure that all staff and children are respectful of The Place property; ensure all The Place rules are followed. 

· Assist in preparing and serving food for children following all NYS Health Codes and CACFP guidelines when preparing and serving foods.

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH CHILDREN: 

· Plan and implement youth programs and activities that promote growth and development. 

· Develop individualized plans for youth based on their specific needs and goals. 

· Mentor and coach youths to help them develop life skills and positive behaviors. 

· Collaborate with schools, community organizations, and families to support youth. 

· Assess and monitor the progress of each youth participant.

· Organize and lead group activities and workshops.

· Provide crisis intervention and support when necessary. 

· Maintain accurate records and documentation of youth progress and activities.

· Promote a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

· Coordinate volunteer activities and supervise volunteers.

· Educating youth about available community resources and opportunities

· Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage underserved youth communities.

· Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements. 

· Advocate for youth needs within the community and among stakeholders.

· Facilitate conflict resolution and provide mediation when needed.

· Consistently demonstrate positive interaction with all children; talk to them and treat them with dignity and respect. 

· Consistently demonstrate positive discipline; teach and redirect rather than reprimanding; firmly and consistently enforce the rules.

· Express clear expectations and hold children accountable for adhering to them. 

· Consistently demonstrate and reinforce the values of caring, respect, honesty, and responsibility 

RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN INTERACTING WITH PARENTS: 

· Positively ID parents before releasing children (picture ID necessary until you can personally identify them) 

· Communicate daily with parents regularly regarding program information.

· Encourage parents to participate or volunteer in special events or on field trips. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

· Current CPR and First Aid certification, preferred.

· At least 18 years of age

· PPD and current medical examination

· Fingerprinting, Statewide Background Check, and Staff Exclusion List Check

EDUCATION: 

· HS Diploma or General Equivalent Diploma, minimum qualifications 

· Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field preferred

· Strong understanding of adolescent development and behavioral management techniques

·  

·  

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE: 

Must have the ability to demonstrate and/or show competence in the following areas: 

· Supervising youth and presenting positive role modeling through all interactions with program participants. 

· Be reliable, dependable and on time; Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

· Exercise mature judgment and sound decision making. 

· Learn and follow New York State School-Age Child Care Regulations and other relevant standards/protocols Experience working with children of varied ages highly desired. 

· Strong understanding of adolescent development and behavioral management techniques

· Experience in program development and evaluation

· Proficiency in conflict resolution and problem-solving

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups.

· Familiarity with local community resources and services

· Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

· Strong commitment to youth development principles

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

· Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS: 

The staff will present a competent and positive image of The Place through the professional and safe coordination of all programming, quantified by completion of the key areas of responsibility and continuous improvement of the systems. 

In addition, the program staff will exhibit and represent behaviors consistent with the expectations within The Place competency guidelines listed below: 

· Accepts and demonstrates The Place values.

· Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs.

· Works effectively with people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions 

· Builds rapport and relate well to others. 

· Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. 

· Embraces innovative approaches and discovers ideas to create a better learning experience. 

· Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high value experience.  

· Pursues self-development that enhances job performance 

· Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.