What are the responsibilities and job description for the SUMMER HOURS - Youth Development Professional position at Volunteers of America, Dakotas?
Department: Out of School Time
Job Status: Relief – 40 hours per week, summer only
Reports to: Site Coordinator
Supervises: None
Schedule: Hours of program operation are Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
POSITION SUMMARY
As a Youth Development Professional, the primary focus is on overseeing students to ensure their safety and support their growth. Active supervision is maintained at all times, staying close enough to intervene when necessary. Engaging with students through games, play, and conversation is central to fostering positive relationships and creating a welcoming environment. The role also involves planning and facilitating academic, recreational, and social-emotional activities, with a minimum of ten lesson plans created each month.
In addition to program activities, maintaining cleanliness and organization of the afterschool spaces is essential, as well as assisting with personal hygiene as needed. Supporting students and their families involves clear communication of needs, and adherence to written behavior guidelines and plans. By consistently embodying the organization’s mission and values, this position plays a crucial role in creating a positive and empowering atmosphere for all participants.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT(S)
Programming
- Supervise elementary students in a safe and enriching environment
- Provide active supervision of students, defined as being close enough to see, hear and intervene
- Actively engage with students through games, play, conversation, etc.
- Plan a minimum of four lesson plans per month as assigned by Site Coordinator and submit to Site Coordinator in advance for approval
- Facilitate academic, recreational and/or social-emotional lessons as assigned by Site Coordinator
- Complete van driver and provide safe transportation home for students via agency vehicle
- Clean and organize afterschool spaces to ensure they are safe and developmentally appropriate
- Help students with personal hygiene, which may include diaper changes, toileting assistance, handwashing, etc.
- Track attendance, snack records and participation as requested
- Assist with data collection and reporting as requested
- Report any incidents, behaviors, injuries, etc. to Site Coordinator and assist in completing related forms as requested
- Support students and implement consequences as identified in the organization’s policies and procedures and any written behavior plans
Student and Family Supports
- Communicate student and family needs with Connections Coordinator and Site Coordinator to facilitate referral to community resources
- Participate in and help with special events and family nights
General
- Recognize and value diversity within the work environment
- Attend scheduled meetings and required trainings, which may occur outside of regularly scheduled hours
- Complete all trainings required by licensing and organization within identified timeframe
- Report any safety, maintenance or equipment concerns to Site Coordinator as soon as possible
- Be a positive role model for students by being a positive, active and engaged member of the team
- Maintain high level of confidentiality with sensitive information
- Report any instances (or suspected instances) of child abuse and neglect to the proper authorities
Responsible for other duties as assigned.
POSITIONS QUALIFICATIONS SKILLS & ABILITIES
Education: High School Diploma and/or state education requirements required;
Experience: Previous experience working with at-risk youth and/or families
Licenses: Valid driver’s license required
Other Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
A. Ability to Stand, Walk, sit, manually manipulate, reach outward and above shoulders, speak and bend on a daily basis
B. Capability to lift, carry, push or pull up to 50 lbs on a daily basis
