Youth Development Specialist (After School Program)

Under general supervision of the Youth Services Manager, the Youth Development Specialist I supports youth programming and activities within assigned Boys & Girls Club program areas, including Afterschool, Teen, Summer Camp, School Breaks, Culture, Education, Health & Life Skills and other program areas. This position contributes to the Boys & Girls Club of America Native Services mission of enabling all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible youth. The Youth Development Specialist I provides direct support in academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character & leadership, and culturally grounded youth development rooted in O’odham/Piipaash values. This job class is treated as FLSA Non-Exempt. 

Distinguishing Features: The Youth Development Specialist I is a progression eligible entry-level position that performs program aide duties for Club activities and events. It differs from the Youth Development Specialist II by focusing on foundational youth development responsibilities, learning operations, and building professional relationships necessary for progression.

Essential Functions: Essential functions may vary among positions and may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics.  This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of tasks performed by all positions in this classification.

Program Leadership & Delivery

• Provides informal individual and group guidance to youth in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral development withing the Club program models. 
• Supervises youth during Club programs, maintains a safe and positive environment, and handles routine discipline consistent with Department and SRPMIC standards. 
• Assists in delivering age-appropriate programming in reading, math, health, fitness, culture, and socialization aligned with Boys & Girls Club (BGCA) program pillars. 
• Supports daily classroom activities that build life skills, social skills, and resilience. 
• Assists with small-group structures that promote coping skills, resistance skills, and positive decision-making. 
• Assists with home visits as needed to partner with parents/guardians regarding youth goals, behavior, education, and concerns. 
• Establishes and maintains positive, professional relationships with youth and families.  

Culture & Community 

• Provides group and individual instruction in O’odham/Piipaash language and cultural activities. 
• Maintains a supportive structure for cultural research and promotes O’odham/Piipaash language and traditions within Club programs. 
• Collaborates with Community cultural practitioners who teach traditional language and cultural knowledge to enhance programming. 
• Participates in Community cultural events and integrates cultural teachings into daily Club experiences. 

Education & Prevention

• Supports tutoring, homework help, and academic enrichment aligned with BGCA’s Academic Success Framework.
• Assists with prevention education activities related to drug, alcohol, violence, gang, and teen pregnancy awareness. 
• Supports youth in physical fitness, nutrition, hygiene, and diabetes-prevention activities consistent with BGCA’s Healthy Lifestyles pillar. 
• Conducts research and compiles materials related to SRPMIC history, culture, and language for daily instruction. 

Youth Engagement 

• Creates a fun, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation for all age groups.
• Adapts and develops materials related to arts, dance, language, and customs to help youth discover personal interests and develop culturally relevant skills. 
• Assists Youth Development Specialist II and III with group programs, events, and program activities. 

Operations 

• Write reports and daily summaries
• Maintain files, tracks daily attendance, and inputs computer data as required. 
• Participates in multidisciplinary staff meetings and contributes to program development and ethical behavior. 
• Drives a tribal transportation vehicle (12-passenger van) to transport youth to and from club activities.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned to maintain and enhance departmental operations. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

• Knowledge of the culture, customs, traditions, history and government of the Salt River Pima- Maricopa Indian Community.
• Knowledge of Boys & Girls Club youth development principles, monthly and quarterly planning, crisis intervention, and referrals. 
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention programs related to drugs, alcohol, violence, and gangs. 
• Knowledge of general office practices, confidentiality standards, and youth record protocols. 
• Knowledge of mandated reporter responsibilities and legal requirements. 
• Skill in planning, scheduling, time management, program development and intervention. 
• Skill in assessing youth needs and monitoring program progress.
• Skill in establishing effective working relationships with youth, families, co-workers, and partner agencies. 
• Skill counseling individuals, groups and families.
• Skill operating standard office equipment and MS Office and Apple software. 
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 
• Ability to maintain accurate and timely program records.
• Ability to make independent decisions related to youth care and program development.
• Ability to drive 12 passenger van.
• Ability to participate in physically challenging youth activities (camping, hiking, recreation).
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends.

Education & Experience: A High School diploma or a GED required.

• Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within six months of employment.
• Must obtain a Food Handler’s Card within six months of employment.

Equivalency: Any equivalent combination of experience and education that will allow the applicant to satisfactorily perform the duties of the job may be considered when filling the position.

 

• May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays.

• Must pass an extensive background check including fingerprinting.
• Employees in, and applicants applying for, jobs providing direct services to children are subject to the “Community Code of Ordinances”, Chapter 11, “Minors”, Article X. “Investigation of Persons Working With Children”.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License. 

Prior to hire as an employee, applicants will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. Will be required to pass a pre-employment background/fingerprint check. 

"SRPMIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer" Preference will be given to a qualified: Community Member Veteran, Community Member, Spouse of Community Member, qualified Native American, and then other qualified candidate.

In order to obtain preference, the following is required: 1) Qualified Community Member Veteran (DD-214) will be required at the time of application submission 2) Qualified Community Member (must provide Tribal I.D at time of application submission),3) Spouse of a Community Member (Marriage License/certificate and spouse Tribal ID or CIB is required at time of application submission), and 4) Native American (Tribal ID or CIB required at time of application submission).

Documents may be submitted by one of the following methods: 

1) attach to application

2) fax (480) 362-5860

3) mail or hand deliver to Human Resources.

4.) email to [email protected]

Documentation must be received by position closing date. 

The IHS/BIA Form-4432 is not accepted. 

Your Tribal ID/CIB must be submitted to HR-Recruitment-Two Waters.