Youth Program Specialist

Department: Our Club
Reports to: Youth Program Coordinator
Employment Type: In-Person, Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt

Schedule: 9:00am-6:00pm M-F on school days, 7:30am-4:30pm M-F on school out days

About Our House

Our House empowers homeless and near-homeless families and individuals to succeed in the workforce, in school, and in life through hard work, wise decision-making, and active participation in the community. The Our House team has defined a set of seven Guiding Principles that characterize our culture and that we intentionally seek to uphold: Hard Work, Wise Decision-Making, Community, Initiative, Integrity, Safety, and Heart.

About the Role

You will be responsible for providing a safe and enriching out-of-school time program for Kindergarten-12th grade in accordance with Arkansas’ Minimum Licensing Standards for School Age Programs. Our Club operates every day after school and all day during school breaks (winter break, spring break, summer break) and teacher in-service days. Additionally, the Youth Program Specialist will incorporate the two-generation approach to ensure families enrolled in our programs have access to Our Club services and family support.  

What You’ll Do

• Integrate Positive Youth Development in our program, including physical and psychological safety, appropriate structure and schedule, supportive relationships, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, opportunities for community service, opportunities for skill building, and the integration of family, school, and community efforts.
• Create an enriching, fun, and safe environment for the youth that is led by youth input and feedback 
• Demonstrate competence in daily classroom management
• Integrate special needs youth in a positive and respectful manner
• Develop relationships with the youth and nurture them through behavioral and family challenges
• Work with AmeriCorps Members to plan enrichment activities in the programmatic areas: STEAM, Sports & Physical Fitness, Life Skills, Youth Voice & Leadership, and Literacy that engage and educate the youth
  
• Support the youth with homework and provide tutoring when needed and understand and incorporate AR Dept. of Education K-12 Frameworks
• Plan and execute fun and educational field trips during school breaks and summer
• Create and retain community partnerships that will enhance the enrichment programming
• Participate in Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) and ensure that the program meets and exceeds YPQA standards. Formulate ongoing quality improvement plans.
• Understand and comply with program grant requirements and School Age Minimum Licensing Requirements.
• Ensure that best practices are being used by everyone in the classroom and lead by example when working with AmeriCorps Members, volunteers, and partners. 
• Participate in and/or conduct assessments on all of the youth on a quarterly basis (to include literacy, social emotional, and other assessments as required)
• Collaborate with Our House Case Managers and Mental Health Therapists about shared client and family needs, goals, and available resources.
• Discuss youth’s development and behavior with parents on a daily basis as needed.
• Discuss identified needs and referrals with educators and partners as appropriate.
• Participate in and promote Our Club and Our House activities (Family Fun Night, Parenting Education, Black History Program, etc.)
• Communicate all programmatic norms and procedures to, as well as lead, AmeriCorps Members in your classroom
• Support  National Service Members in carrying out lessons and activities that they have prepared
• Ensure that all Our Club expectations are being fulfilled, and that the AmeriCorps Members feel part of the Our Club team and Our House community
• Complete a minimum of 30 clock hours of professional development every year
• Actively observe and enforce all safety-related procedures when working on and off-campus
• Track outcomes and understand performance measures for Our Club
• Conduct other duties as assigned to fulfill Our House’s mission

What You’ll Bring

• High School diploma required; Bachelor’s degree preferred 
• At least 2 years of experience working with youth is required 
• A background or college courses in education, social work, or psychology preferred 
• Ability to work effectively with diverse staff, parents, and community members 
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning 
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people 
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-direction
• Must be able to lift 30 lbs
• Complete Youth Worker Certification within 6 months of hire
  
• Ability to swim is preferred 
• Obtain CPR / First Aid certification within first 90 days of employment

Requirements

• Must be able to pass criminal background checks, child and adult maltreatment registry checks, sex offender registry checks, and a pre-employment drug screen

• Valid driver’s license and willingness to transport youth

Benefits & Perks

• Insurance benefits are available on the first day of the month following start date:
  • 100% employer-paid premiums for employee health insurance
  • Optional employee-paid dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) match up to 4% after one year of employment
• 10 days of annual leave and 10 holidays per year including a birthday holiday
• 15 days additional leave for requirements of life
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Eligible for undergraduate tuition discount at UA Little Rock

Our House is a drug-free workplace. 

Our House is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. People of color and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.