Summer Youth Development Professional

Mission Statement

Founded in 1938, the Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN) is a non-profit organization working with youth to help them achieve academic success, build good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lifestyles.

Position overview and primary functions.

The Boys & Girls Club of Newark is a dynamic and passionate non-profit organization committed to empowering and supporting the holistic development of young individuals in our community and programs. Through our trauma-informed approach, we strive to create a safe and nurturing environment where youth can flourish, learn, and thrive.

Job duties for this part-time/seasonal position include but are not limited to creating and maintaining a safe physical & emotional environment, direct supervision of children during all program hours, and the planning and implementation of our core program areas.

As a Youth Development Professional focusing on trauma-informed practices, you will play a pivotal role in directly serving and supporting youth participants, designing and delivering engaging programming, and ensuring that our organization's trauma-informed principles and Youth Development Practices are integrated into all aspects of our work. Your dedication and expertise will contribute to the emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience of the youth we serve.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Specifically, the primary duties are:

Trauma-Informed Practices Integration

• Infuse trauma-informed principles into all program components, interactions, and activities, ensuring that youth participants' physical, emotional, and psychological safety remains a top priority.


• Implement strategies to avoid traumatization, such as offering choices, respecting personal and professional boundaries, and promoting a sense of agency.


• Through trauma–informed training, develop the ability to recognize signs of distress and crisis in youth participants and provide immediate trauma-informed interventions using de-escalation techniques and crisis management protocols.


• Offer emotional support and guidance during challenging moments, helping youth develop healthy coping mechanisms and resilience.


• Recognize and respond quickly to unacceptable behavior – arguing, fighting, etc. – using positive discipline and trauma-informed practices outlined in training.

Direct Service

• Develop meaningful and trust-based relationships with youth participants, creating a safe and supportive space for them to express themselves, share their experiences, and build a sense of belonging.


• Promote a physically and emotionally safe environment for youth.


• Utilize active listening and empathetic communication to understand the unique needs, strengths, and challenges of each youth, taking into account their trauma histories.


• Provide homework support and collaborate with the school leadership and teachers to learn more about youth's day and learnings.


• Collaborate with youth to set realistic goals, and track progress over time, adapting support strategies as needed to address evolving needs.


• Stay current with the latest research, theories, and best practices in trauma-informed care, youth development, and related fields.


• Attend all mandatory training and complete all training requirements for the role.


• Serve as a positive role model for youth participants, demonstrating resilience, empathy, and healthy coping strategies in your interactions and behaviors.


• Provide guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff members, sharing your expertise in trauma-informed practices.


• Be prompt, courteous, and neat during working hours, according to uniform guidelines.


• Work with staff on special events and facilitate programs in any department when needed.

Program Development and Delivery

• Collaborate with the program team to design innovative and culturally sensitive youth programs that align with trauma-informed practices, promoting healing, empowerment, and skill development.


• Plan and implement engaging activities, programs, and events that cater to various age groups and developmental stages, fostering personal growth and positive self-expression.


• Complete emotional check-ins with youths and team at the beginning and through the day

Collaboration and Networking

• Work closely with fellow staff members, community partners, schools, and families to ensure a holistic and coordinated approach to supporting youth participants across all locations professionally and courteously.


• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, training, and collaborative initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for young individuals.

Evaluation and Documentation

• Regularly assess the effectiveness and impact of youth programs, collecting data and documenting qualitative and quantitative outcomes to inform continuous program improvement.


• Maintain accurate and confidential records of youth interactions, progress, and milestones in accordance with organization policies.

• Complete accident or incident reports when appropriate according to BGCN procedures


• Adhere to all Childcare Licensing requirements and policies/procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and elsewhere.


• Ability to attend full-day field trips once a week, as needed.


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent required – Minimum High School Diploma


• Four years 'experience working with youth and families required in a school/afterschool setting.


• Attend staff pieces of training outside of regular work hours.


• Must pass a criminal background check and DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance.


• Must pass a Child Abuse Background Check (CARI)


• CPR certificate - preferred


• Strong Tutoring background in English, Mathematics, and Science


• Required Medical Physical Examination with a negative TB test.


• COVID – Vaccination required, including all relevant boosters.


• Must understand, represent and appreciate the mission of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark

*BGCN Provides EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:

It always has been and continues to be BGCN's policy that employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination. All decisions regarding recruiting, hiring, promotion, assignment, training, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination. Individuals will be selected for promotion based on skill and ability.

Where skill and ability are equal, the length of continuous employment will be the determining factor. Additionally, BGCN prohibits unlawful harassment of its employees, applicants, or independent contractors in any form. Complaints of unlawful employment discrimination or harassment should be reported as discussed in orientation with HR or the CEO. In cases where an investigation confirms the allegations, appropriate corrective action will be taken, regardless of whether the inappropriate conduct rises to the level of any violation of law. No employee will suffer retaliation for reporting, in good faith, any violation of Company policy or unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. (Revised 6/15/26)

Acknowledgment

I have read and understand the duties outlined in this job description and know that The Boys & Girls Club of Newark may change this description to fulfill the position's requirements. By signing below, I acknowledge that I agree to carry out the functions, requirements, duties, and expectations of this position as described in this job description.

Employee Print Name Employee Signature Date

Supervisor Print Name Supervisor Signature Date

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