Youth Development Specialist - MCAS in Rockville, Maryland at Identity, Inc.

Position Title: Youth Development Specialist (YDS)

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budget Responsibilities: None

Reports To: Program Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Plans, coordinates, and implements curriculum- and school-based programs using the Positive Youth Development Model as the theoretical basis for programming. The YDS works closely with the Program Coordinator to ensure that programming is implemented with fidelity and that student data is collected in an accurate and timely manner. The YDS also works closely with the Parent Outreach Worker(s) POWs to coordinate services and information to students’ families. The YDS is responsible for checking in weekly with the Program Coordinator to ensure that students are meeting attendance targets for both school and Identity program, are gaining reading proficiency, and are learning key socio-emotional skills to help them thrive in school.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans and implements sessions with co-facilitator(s) in accordance with curriculum. Arranges creative and engaging events and activities for youth. Compiles necessary material for program sessions as well as parent/family informational sessions. Is prepared and on-time at all times.
• Keeps parents and youth well informed of program activities. Provides mentoring, crisis intervention, and conflict mediation to youth when needed and responds appropriately to emergencies that involve or impact youth safety and security.
• Establishes a strong network of professional relationships with school administration, staff, and with partner organizations.
• Ensures effective outreach and recruitment in schools and the community to meet the target number of students to be served.
• Maintains regular contact with youth and POWS to help inform Family Wellness Plans.
• Attends and actively participates in required trainings, meetings, and presentations. Performs administrative functions including data entry, filing, and session material preparation.
• Uses ETO database to record client interactions, services, and resources. Maintains accurate and complete data for documentation.
• Maintains organized and updated physical and electronic files on each client, including relevant documentation: signed forms and releases; follow-up, exit, and satisfaction surveys. Adheres to all federal, state and local client document confidentiality requirements.
• Collaborates with team, when necessary, to conduct family/parent sessions.
• Supports Identity's mission and values. Continually seeks ways to improve the organization and works in alignment with Identity's strategic goals.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in organization's advocacy activities.
• Orders and organizes program materials and supplies and submits necessary documentation.
• Performs other duties as assigned, required, or needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years of experience working with youth or community outreach/enrichment program(s).
• Training in Stages of Change, coaching, counseling, or adolescent development is a plus.
• Must be able to pass a federal criminal background check and a Child Protective Services background check.
• Must complete the following trainings upon hire: Advancing Youth Development, Child Protective Services, HIPAA, CPR/First Aid.

Requirements:

• Bilingual in written and spoken English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge of Positive Youth Development (PYD) Model and adolescent psychology (including Stages of Change and developmental stages) and motivational interviewing.
• Ability to lead youth groups and keep youth engaged in activities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, plus experience with database management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills along with ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to build rapport with others and maintain strong customer orientation.
• Can prioritize and organize multiple projects to meet deadlines with effective and efficient use of resources.
• Maintains patience and demonstrates ability to work under pressure and handle emergencies with composure. Can diffuse situations with minimal disruption and garner trust from others.
• Possesses the technical knowledge and abilities to perform job responsibilities while demonstrating a high skill level as well as reliability.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment with independent and team-based projects.
• Must be able to pass a Federal and State fingerprinting and background check.
• Must have a valid driver's license, access to a car, and have a clean driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is in-person split between the Gaithersburg Headquarters Office and schools in the Gaithersburg/Germantown area.
• Must be able to work 40 hours a week and periodic evening and/or weekend work as necessary.
• Continuous sitting for prolonged periods, more than two consecutive hours in an 8hour day interspersed with mobility.
• Must be able to walk up and down stairs easily in school buildings and at the office.
• Keyboard use of greater or equal to 30% of the workday.
• The ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs.
• Semi-private office or open work area; easily interrupted with external noise; and controlled air temperature.