Program Specialist

Position Summary: The Program Specialist will establish daily, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands motto “Safety First & Always” at all times. This person will be responsible to deliver programs to members KG-12th (Younger members – KG-5th graders, Middle School members – 6th-8th graders, and High School members – 9th-12th graders) in the areas of Education & Career Development, Sports, Fitness & Recreation, Arts, Character & Leadership, STEM, Outdoor Education, Aquatics and other assigned programs. The Program Specialist will ensure programming and discipline and effective guidance utilizing the 5 key elements of positive youth development, the Program Quality Assessment (PQA) tool, and routinely assesses progress toward goals and adjusts activities as necessary to ensure “Quality” is always present. This person may also need to provide transportation with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands 10-person van and/or 15-person people mover.

Essential Functions:

• Comply with BGCM Safety requirements
• Develop academic skills with members that promotes positive outcomes
• Promote responsible and healthy decision making amongst members
• Assist with supervision of members
• Maintain accurate and timely recording keeping for activities and meals
• Complete accurate and timely incident reports, along with proper documentation within 24 hours
• Computer Literate – Develop, organize and complete tasks and projects using software programs such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Set and maintain appropriate and culturally sensitive physical, emotional boundaries in interactions with members and staff
• Makes children and youth feel physically and emotionally safe and part of the group; for example, fostering an inclusive environment, addressing bullying and teasing, effectively managing groups including disruptive behavior and conflict, and maintaining a sense of order

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1-2 years of working towards a degree
• 1-2 years of experience working with youth, at-risk youth preferred
• Bilingual a plus
• Must be able to interact positively with members, individually and in groups, using strength-based approaches, respectful communication and affirmative techniques, such as developing trust, listening and engaging with members
• Experience working with and demonstrating compassion and/or sensitivity toward vulnerable populations and individuals with diverse backgrounds present in the organization’s service population, both individually and in groups
• Willingness to work together, communicates effectively, trust one another, committed to working together
• Must be knowledgeable in area of youth development—KG through 12th Grade and/or a specific grade assigned
• Must have knowledge of SEL (Social & Emotional Learning):
• Self: Self-Management; Managing emotions and behaviors to achieve one’s goal
• Self: Self-Awareness; Recognizing one’s emotions and values as well as one’s strengths and challenges
• Social: Social Awareness; Showing understanding and empathy for others
• Responsible: Responsible Decision Making; Making ethical, constructive choices about personal and social behavior
• Relationship Skills: Forming positive relationships, working in teams, dealing effectively with conflict
• Must be able to effectively navigate and function within a virtual environment
• Must effectively and comfortably manage in a virtual environment:
• Must serve as a technology advocate and understand the tools available and optimal methods to ensure utilization of technology is promoted at every opportunity
• Must be able to inspire trust and motivate virtual teams using strong communication, developmental and interpersonal skills and an ability to adapt to different virtual platforms
• Must successfully guide virtual teams, communicate clear goals, and facilitate problem solving
• Must be proficient in the use of Windows, Internet, Microsoft Suite (Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, Access or other database software proficiency), Zoom or other Virtual Meeting platforms, and Google Platform (Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Ability to earn and maintain mandatory CPR & First aid certifications, or obtain within 6 months of hire
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet eligibility requirements to drive a BGCM vehicle
• Must be able to pass a drug test, criminal and driving records investigation
• Must possess the ability to read and write to complete reports and properly document program and organizational data
• Must have reliable transportation to get to sites or meetings
• Must have regular and reliable attendance