Youth Development Associate

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Bridges to Independence is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families out of poverty and into stable, independent futures. We offer a continuum of aid and support for all family members, helping them attain financial security and self-sufficiency. The Youth Development Associate oversees all Bridges’ therapeutic, educational, recreational, and community youth programs.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

None

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advocacy services to active children and youth in Bridges’ Programs.
• Monitor grade reports for students who are active in Bridge Kids programming.
• Monitor behavior/disciplinary reports for active students in Bridges’ programming.
• Attend educational-related meetings regarding Bridges’ students at the parent’s discretion.
• Advocate for the rights of each student/parent as it relates to educational development.
• Provide referral services for students as necessary.
• Work with the case management team to ensure student participation and seek further assistance for children.
• Provide information to parents about educational resources.
• Provide oversight and direction to volunteers/staff who work with children during scheduled evening or weekend activities.
• Organize all field trips for program participants.
• Coordinate transportation for all field trips.
• Ensure adequate volunteer staffing (if needed) for all field trips.
• Serve as liaison to the community and other organizations regarding volunteerism in Bridges’ youth development programs.
• Make presentations before groups on Bridges development programs and opportunities to become involved.
• Serves as an advocate for all Bridges.
• Provides oversight and management of all Youth Development programs.
• Provides coordination of both on and off-site activities for youth
• Serve as liaison to the Green Valley community youth regarding Bridges development programs.
• Plan, organize, and execute youth programs and activities that cater to the interests and developmental needs of young people within the community.
• Develop and manage budgets for youth programs, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to financial guidelines.
• Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers and staff members who work within the youth programs, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to support and mentor young participants effectively.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local schools, organizations, and community groups to collaborate on youth initiatives and expand program offerings.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of youth programs, gathering feedback from participants and stakeholders to make informed improvements.
• Advocate for the needs and interests of young people within the organization and the wider community, including attending meetings and participating in forums where youth issues are discussed.
• Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all youth participants, implementing policies and procedures that protect their well-being and promote respect among all individuals.
• Design and distribute promotional materials and communications, such as newsletters, social media posts, and flyers, to increase awareness and participation in youth programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS /ABILITIES

1. Always maintain a professional atmosphere.
2. Communicate regularly with supervisor, colleagues, and stakeholders, relaying necessary/essential information.
3. Attend training and professional development opportunities regularly.
4. Support team building and teamwork opportunities and events.
5. Perform other general duties to support the organization’s mission, as requested.
6. Collaborates across Bridges’ programs departments

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

The successful candidate shall

• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Social Work, Social Science, Human Services or a related field and at least three years of community-based education and/or social services experience.
• This position requires the ability to work independently, with limited supervision.
• The ability to relate to program participants, volunteers, visitors, staff, and the public.
• Able to work a flexible and staggered schedule to accommodate program needs.
• The ability to successfully pass a background check and possess a valid driver’s license with a good driving record to be approved by our insurance carrier.

Requirements include

• Interacting and communicating effectively with others, both orally and in writing, and proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other web-based databases.
• Must demonstrate an acceptance and respect for cultural diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, sexual and gender identities, abilities, and religious backgrounds, and an ability to work collaboratively in an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse environment.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AFTER HIRE

• Low-barrier homeless services training Harm Reduction Training
• Crisis Intervention
• De- escalation Techniques
• CPR Training & First Aid Training DEI Training,
• Unconscious bias Training
• Harm Reduction Training 3 hours Equal Access Training

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Stand or Sit: As needed Walk: As needed
• Use Hands/Fingers: 100%
• Climb (stairs/ladders) or Balance Ascend/descend: As needed Stoop, Kneel, Crouch, or Crawl: 100%
• Talk/Hear Communicate: 100%
• See: 100%
• Carry Weight, Lift/Move: As Needed

Bridges to Independence is proud to be an EOE/ADA employer that values diversity.

All staff at Bridges to Independence are expected to operate from a trauma-informed and equity approach. We believe that people, including underserved populations, must have access to the services needed.

Bridges to Independence will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.