Youth Director Camden Life Center- Part Time

Job Summary: The Youth Director will lead the development and implementation of youth-focused programs and initiatives rooted in the HOPE model (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences). This role engages youth in safe, substance-free recreational activities, facilitates prevention programming, and fosters youth leadership by supporting a youth advisory board in shaping the vision and operations of the youth recreational space and community events. The Youth Director will create a welcoming and empowering environment that promotes healthy decision-making, personal growth, and community connection for youth.

Essential Functions:

Youth Engagement – 40% of job function

• Foster a culture of acceptance, belonging, and encouragement for all participants in the Community Café/Youth Center.
• Develop and implement safe, substance-free activities, events, and initiatives that encourage healthy decision-making and positive social interactions.
• Build strong, supportive relationships with youth, acting as a mentor and role model to promote trust and engagement.
• Utilize the HOPE (Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences) model to design programs that foster resilience, connection, and growth in youth participants.
• Collaborate with the Youth Advisory Board to incorporate youth voices in decision-making processes for the recreational space and community events.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, recreational activities, and community service projects to support youth development goals.

Social Media and Communication – 15% of job function

• Create and manage social media content that appeals to rural youth, highlighting programs, events, and opportunities at the Community Café/Youth Center.
• Partner with youth participants to co-develop engaging digital campaigns that amplify their voices and perspectives.
• Utilize digital platforms to foster a sense of belonging, share success stories, and promote upcoming initiatives tailored to the interests of the youth community.

Community Partnerships and Outreach – 15% of job function

• Develop and maintain relationships with the Camden Central School District, organizations, and stakeholders to enhance program offerings and increase youth participation.
• Represent the Community Café/Youth Center at community events and meetings to build awareness and encourage involvement.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for collaborative projects that align with the mission and vision of the Center.

Advisory and Leadership Development – 15% of job function

• Facilitate and support the Youth Advisory Board, empowering members to take leadership roles in shaping the recreational space and youth programs.
• Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to advisory board members, fostering their ability to advocate for and represent their peers.

Evaluation and Reporting – 15% of job function

• Collect and analyze data on program participation, outcomes, and youth satisfaction to inform continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports for the Program Manager and leadership team detailing program successes, challenges, and recommendations.
• Monitor program effectiveness and adjust strategies to meet evolving needs.
• Maintain accurate records, including attendance, program feedback, and incident reports, adhering to confidentiality and ethical standards.

Administrative Duties

• Work collaboratively with the Café Program Manager and Culinary Director to develop program schedules, budgets, volunteer needs, and resources to ensure effective delivery of youth-focused initiatives.
• Stay informed about trends, research, and best practices in youth development and rural engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and vision of the Community Café/Youth Center.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Youth Development Principles: Understanding of adolescent growth, prevention models, and the HOPE framework for fostering resilience and positive outcomes.
• Community Engagement: Awareness of rural community dynamics and resources to support youth-focused programming.
• Social Media and Communication: Knowledge of platforms and trends for creating engaging, youth-centered digital content.
• Event and Program Planning: Familiarity with designing, implementing, and evaluating youth-focused initiatives.

Skills

• Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to inspire and guide youth while fostering leadership and personal growth.
• Communication: Strong verbal, written, and public speaking skills to connect with diverse audiences effectively.
• Creativity and Innovation: Capacity to design engaging programs and social media content aligned with youth interests.
• Organizational Skills: Proficiency in managing tasks, event logistics, and meeting deadlines effectively.

Abilities

• Empathy and Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to connect with youth from diverse backgrounds, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Skill in developing practical solutions and prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: Capability to adjust to changing needs and schedules for youth programming and events.
• Team Collaboration: Strong capacity to work with staff, volunteers, and community partners toward shared goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, education, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with youth, including program planning, prevention programming, or related roles.
• Experience with rural or underserved communities is strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in social media content creation and communication platforms