Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth and Engagement Specialist   

Global Kids (GK) educates, inspires, and mobilizes youth to become global citizens who are positively engaged in the world and are prepared for their future. Global Kids, Inc. is recruiting dedicated and innovative individuals who are passionate about youth development, global education, and social action. We are seeking candidates with experience in community engagement, youth programming, and family outreach to join our team in a full-time capacity. The positions are based in our middle and/or high school programs, which are part of the Community Schools Initiative across NYC. As part of our team, successful candidates will play a crucial role in ensuring program compliance, promoting youth development, fostering family engagement, nurturing on-site school partnerships, and implementing systems to create positive experiences for school-aged youth. The positions require a strong interest in working within a public school setting, specifically in either the South Bronx, Brooklyn, or Long Island City, Queens. 

Please note that this is an in-person position, and candidates must be available to travel to the school site from Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend commitments. 

If you are committed to making a difference in the lives of young people, we encourage you to apply. Join us in our mission to empower youth and foster positive change within our communities. 

Responsibilities: 

• Take the lead in supporting partner schools in improving attendance by attending all school attendance meetings, developing metrics for analysis and communication, monitoring success in increasing attendance numbers, and analyzing attendance challenges through a strength-based and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lens. 
• Support and promote the development of a positive school climate that emphasizes safety, community, and positivity to enhance the significance of school attendance for students. 
• Build the school's capacity to address the attendance needs of students effectively. 
• Analyze attendance trends and develop incentives, special programs, and interventions to boost school-wide attendance. 
• Utilize various tools and strategies, such as New Visions, Kinvolved, robocalls, emails, and phone calls, to analyze and communicate attendance data and improve school-wide attendance numbers. 
• Collect and maintain essential documentation, including enrollment forms, student files, attendance records, case notes, and program materials. 
• Assist in writing program progress reports to principals and supervisors when required. 
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with parents, community members, school personnel, and other stakeholders. 
• Conduct home visits as necessary. 
• Collaborate with Global Kids staff and youth to generate new program ideas focused on global/local issues and aligned with the goals of Community School initiatives. 
• Provide individual academic counseling and support to students. 
• Attending weekly PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) meetings, both on and off-site, and sharing knowledge with staff members. 
• Collaborate with PBIS students and staff to create and deliver monthly lessons. 
• Coordinate the Student RACK EM UP redemption system, an existing incentive program that rewards positive behaviors for students and staff. 
• Collaborate with Global Kids and school staff, particularly the PBIS Coordinator, to enhance the positivity, safety, and student empowerment aspects of the school community. 
• Assist with student mediation when needed. 
• Provide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) support to students. 
• Work with the PBIS/MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) staff to ensure that all students receive appropriate services across the tiers. 
• Utilize PBIS attendance referral data to provide targeted interventions. 
• Collaborate with the Northwell clinic for Tiers 2 and 3 support. 
• Work with other staff and students to implement annual Global Kids special projects. 
• Occasionally, participate in overnight and long-distance travel for events such as youth retreats and college trips. 

Please note that these responsibilities are subject to adjustment based on organizational needs and priorities. 

Qualifications:   

• 3-4 years of experience working with you, a bachelor's degree is preferred.  
• Understanding and willingness to learn about a wide array of NYC social service resources for youth and families.  

• Experience working in or with NYC public schools and a strong understanding of the NYC Community Schools Initiative and goals is a plus.  
• Experience using interactive learning strategies, counseling and conflict resolution skills, and youth development/leadership strategies with middle school and/or high school-age youth.  
• Commitment to and understanding working in culturally diverse settings and using antiracist pedagogical practices.  
• Good facilitation, consensus-building, and interpersonal skills.  
• Strong work ethic, initiative, creativity, willingness to learn, and ability to manage multiple tasks independently.  

•  Strong communication, writing, administrative, organizational, and technology skills.  
•  International experience is a plus.  
•  Fluency in other languages is a plus (mainly Spanish, and Arabic)  

Salary/Benefits: This is a full–time position with an annual salary of $45,000 – 50,000. Global Kids offers affordable medical benefits, dental and life insurance, paid holidays, vacation time off, personal days, sick time, and possibilities for travel. GK staff can also access retail discounts through our Professional Employer Organization (PEO).  

Global Kids, Inc is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants based on race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, citizenship, mental or physical handicap or disability, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. We continue to support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and diversity.   

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