The Door is an unparalleled model for youth development, offering a comprehensive range of integrated services within a single site for nearly 11,000 New York City youth each year. Our mission is to empower young adults to reach their full potential by providing comprehensive youth development services in a diverse and caring environment. At The Door, youth can access health care and education, mental health counseling and crisis assistance, legal assistance, college preparation services, career development, housing supports, arts, sports and recreational activities, and nutritious meals – all for free and under one roof. By providing participants with our suite of integrated services, we seek to provide any motivated young person with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to successfully transition to adulthood.
The Engagement Specialist will be responsible for creating dynamic, engaging, experiential programming for Door members. They will work with the Center Space Activity Specialists, Teaching Artists, and the Engagement Team to create activities in the areas of, but not limited to, the Arts; including Performing and Visual, Recreation/Sports, and Community/Team Building. They will also assist in the planning and implementation of Door events, field trips, and project-based programming. Engagement Specialists will also work with other service providers, both internal and external to create programming that reflects The Door’s core values and mission.
Responsibilities

• Develop and implement group activities and workshops targeting Door population
• Facilitate large and small discussion groups and other activities to foster a sense of community
• Assist with planning and implementing programs in Center Space
• Assist other Engagement Specialists with providing general supervision of Center Space
• Collaborate with other Engagement Specialists to coordinate and implement general programming in Center Space
• Participate in outreach events as scheduled by supervisor.
• Establish rapport with young people based on consistency and conversation
• Ensure youth receive referrals to appropriate Door programs as well as to other community resources
• Provide de-escalation and crisis intervention, as necessary
• Maintain all agency reporting requirements
• Report all program activities and changes directly to the supervisor
• Participate in agency-wide and department staff meetings monthly, as well as all scheduled team meetings
• Attend professional development trainings and workshops
• Participate in agency-wide initiatives as required by supervisor
• Complete any additional, relevant responsibilities and functions as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred, High School Diploma or HSE required
• Demonstrated experience with group facilitation
• Knowledge of and ability to apply positive youth development principles to working with young people
• Ability to apply positive youth development principles while working with young people
• Ability to provide crisis management and crisis intervention
• Experienced in working with street-involved youth
• Commitment to professionalism and ability to serve as a staff representative of The Door
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, adolescent development, restorative practices, and crisis management
• Excellent oral and written communication skills required
• Ability to work effectively and creatively as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proficiency in Spanish or French preferred

Work Schedule: Full time, Monday - Friday,10:00 am - 6:00 pm, 35 hours per week (afternoon and evening hours, may include some weekends)
COVID -19 POLICYThe Door follows the CDC and NYS recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Door requires all new hires to be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a qualified exemption.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.