Youth Engagement Specialist

FLSA classification: Part-time

Salary grade: $20/hour - up to 25 hours a week (M-F)

Reports to: Youth Mentoring Coordinator

Introduction

South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) is a human services organization dedicated to mobilizing community resources and implementing sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency, and build community. We provide direct assistance (food, clothing, and utility assistance) as well as a variety of programs including service coordination, children and youth programs, and the South Hills Family Center.

Program Summary:

SHIM’s Youth Mentoring Program is designed to offer a safe multicultural space for adolescents, primarily from immigrant and refugee backgrounds, to build a community of peers and trusted adults, discover passions and skills, and grow social emotional and academic knowledge to become resilient and capable young adults. The program is a year-round program that runs continuously throughout the academic year into the summer. It currently operates Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 8:00 pm and Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 pm. During the hours of 3:30 to 5:30, 6th through 12th grade students engage in homework help during the school year and hangout time during the summer. Year-round, students participate in enriching group mentoring sessions from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Job Summary:

The Youth Engagement Specialist is a part-time, full-year position. The Engagement Specialist will oversee student engagement efforts, including but not limited to, daily check-ins, new student recruitment, student retainment efforts, and parent communication. The Engagement Specialist will assist the Youth Mentoring Coordinator and other staff with planning and leading evening groups for secondary and college-aged students. The Engagement Specialist will also oversee transportation efforts ensuring students safely get to and from the program. Hours of this job may fall within the range of 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm Monday through Friday, for up to 25 hours per week and negotiated upon hire.

Essential Functions:

• Create and manage a daily check-in system for all returning and new students to ensure safety, accurate records, and student wellbeing
• Build innovative strategies to recruit and retain 6th – 12th grade students within the program
• Build and oversee effective parent engagement strategies to encourage parent involvement and build parent skills
• Assist the Program Coordinator in developing and implementing weekly plans for evening groups
• Collaborate on strategies to reach program goals, create sustainability, and meet the needs of all students
• Support efforts to create a new group for college-aged students
• Keep records and prepare documents, consent form and all other program documentation
• Assist in coordinating transportation needs for all students
• Maintain all supplies, equipment, and overall cleanliness of program spaces
• Communicate student needs (academic, behavioral, social-emotional, etc.) to Coordinator
• Engage in physical activity/play, communication, and activities as appropriate to build strong relationships with students
• Assist with field trips, as appropriate
• Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and students
• Attend staff meetings and professional development trainings
• Fill in for Program Coordinator as needed
• Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Program Coordinator

Qualifications:

• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining a positive, calm attitude
• Demonstrated ability working with children, youth, or community development
• Sensitivity and awareness of working with a multi-cultural community
• Comfortability navigating new programs and projects
• Ability to positively guide and direct students
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents from immigrant and refugee communities
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and verbal communication skills
• Must possess initiative, creativity and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work as a team member and to be highly flexible
• Familiarity with secondary academic standards preferred
• Ability and willingness to work evening and occasional weekend hours
• Valid PA driver’s license and comfort operating large vehicles preferred

Education and Experience:

Associate’s Degree preferred (Preferred Degrees within Social Work, Counseling, Education, Nonprofit Management)

Relevant experience or education within youth development, education, social emotional support, and program management will be considered

Supervisory Responsibility:

None

Physical Requirements:

Ability to reasonably engage in play with students

Clearance Requirements:

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State Police
• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
• FBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint); requires the individual to submit their fingerprints to the FBI and have the background check run through the PA State Police’s designated agencies
• NSOR
• Mandated Reporter Training

SHIM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

If you need assistance or accommodations during the application or employment process, please contact jchristopher@shimcares.org