Youth Development Professional (Fine Arts Focus) - Watts Willowbrook Club in Los Angeles, California at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles

The Youth Development Professional with a focus on Arts / Fine Arts supports the planning, organizing, promotion, implementation, and evaluation of high-quality arts and fine arts programming for teen members. This role leads engaging visual, performing, and creative arts experiences designed to support teen development, self-expression, skill-building, and confidence.

The Arts / Fine Arts Youth Development Professional provides supervision, mentorship, and sustained engagement for high school youth through arts-based programming that is developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and youth-driven.

This position plays a key role in fostering creative identity, leadership, cultural awareness, collaboration, and future-readiness in teens through both structured and exploratory arts programming.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development & Implementation

• Plans, implements, monitors, and evaluates teen-focused arts and fine arts programs to ensure member safety, high program quality, and alignment with positive youth development outcomes.
• Designs and facilitates engaging arts experiences for teens, including visual arts, fine arts, crafts, mixed media, performing arts, and creative expression, with opportunities for choice, voice, and progression of skills.
• Creates a welcoming, inclusive, and teen-friendly environment that encourages creativity, exploration, collaboration, and artistic growth.
• Incorporates teen interests, feedback, and emerging trends into program design and delivery.
• Recommends development of new arts programs and enhancement of existing programming based on teen needs, interests, and developmental stages.
• Promotes and stimulates teen participation in arts programming, showcases, exhibitions, performances, and special events.
• Recognizes and celebrates teen participation, effort, leadership, and artistic achievement.

Teen Engagement & Supervision

• Provides direct supervision of teen members during arts programming and general Club activities.
• Orients teens to arts programs, special events, Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles rules, safety expectations, and behavioral standards.
• Builds strong, positive relationships with teens through mentorship, encouragement, and consistent adult support.
• Serves as a positive role model, reinforcing accountability, respect, teamwork, and creative risk-taking.
• Maintains order and addresses behavioral or disciplinary issues in accordance with Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles policies, using developmentally appropriate and restorative approaches when possible.

Administration & Program Support

• Maintains accurate records related to teen attendance, participation, and program outcomes.
• Monitors art supply inventory, requests materials as needed and ensures responsible use of supplies.
• Ensures arts program spaces are clean, organized, safe, and visually engaging for teens; maintains bulletin boards, displays, and posted notices.
• Completes and submits all required paperwork, reports, and documentation in a timely manner.
• Recommends needed repairs or replacement of arts equipment or facilities to Supervisor.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Supervises and supports volunteers and program assistants involved in teen arts programming.
• Participates in staff meetings, training, and professional development opportunities focused on teen engagement and youth development.
• As needed, participates in or leads community outreach, program extensions, partnerships, and Club-related events involving teen arts programming.
• Works collaboratively as part of the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Los Angeles team to support overall program operations, including assisting in other areas as directed, which may include driving Club vehicles.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE, LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

• High School diploma or GED required; minimum of two years of college coursework preferred, ideally in arts, education, youth development, or a related field.
• Combined experience and/or formal training equivalent to a minimum of two years, including:
• Experience working with elementary, middle and high school youth and knowledge of youth development principles.
• Formal training and/or hands-on experience teaching or facilitating arts-based programming for teens.
• Demonstrated interest or background in arts, fine arts, or creative instruction for adolescents.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with teens.
• Valid driver’s license with ability to pass a motor vehicle driving record check.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Ability to pass a TB test (negative result).
• CPR and First Aid Certifications preferred.
• Prior experience working in a Boys & Girls Club or similar teen-serving organization preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY and SKILLS

• Knowledge of teen development practices and age-appropriate arts instruction.
• Skill in creative program planning, arts facilitation, and adapting activities to diverse skill levels, learning styles, and teen interests.
• Ability to inspire creativity, self-expression, leadership, and confidence in teens.
• Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with teens, families, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to manage behavior effectively and maintain a safe, supportive, and engaging teen environment.
• Demonstrated professionalism, flexibility, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

WORKING CONDITIONS and DRIVING

• Travel between Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles sites and schools and various field trip sites as well as in the community is required. Must meet the insurance standards of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles.
• Hours are based on school calendar and attendance patterns/trends – evening hours are required during the school year; hours will vary during summer and school breaks; occasional weekend hours are required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The position requires the ability to maintain a stationary position and engage in physical activities such as moving, bending, reaching, and positioning. It may also involve traversing and ascending/descending as necessary. The role includes frequent interruptions via in-person contact, phone calls, and email communications.

Work environments may vary, encompassing both indoor and outdoor conditions based on activity locations. Additionally, interactions with youth and adults may involve moderate to high noise levels during activities. Physical exertion may be necessary to move and transport supplies and equipment.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. Nothing in this job description restricts the right of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Los Angeles Management to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job or change this job description at any time.