Elkhart Teen Youth Development Professional LeadAre you passionate about connecting with teens and helping them recognize their potential? Are you someone who can bring energy to a room, build relationships with young people, and create an environment where teens genuinely want to participate? The Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County is looking for confident, dependable individuals to help lead engaging programs and experiences for middle and high school students. If you want to mentor young people, develop your leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community, OUR team is for you!
Job Summary:
The Teen Youth Development Professional Lead is accountable for implementing high-quality programs and creating an engaging, safe, and welcoming environment for middle and high school members. This role takes ownership of assigned program spaces, leads activities, builds meaningful relationships with teens, and provides day-to-day direction and support to Youth Development Professionals. The ideal candidate understands that successful teen programming starts with relationships. Teen YDP Leads know how to connect with young people, set clear expectations and boundaries, encourage participation, and create experiences that help teens build confidence, independence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging. Hours & Schedule
Hours and schedules vary depending on the position hired for. - Part-time positions, typically 20–30 hours per week
- Monday through Friday
- Typical shifts are between 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Duties & Responsibilities:Teen Program Leadership- Lead engaging, age-appropriate programs and activities aligned with Club priorities and youth development outcomes.
- Create an environment that encourages teens to participate, contribute ideas, and explore their interests.
- Implement activities related to recreation, leadership, education, career readiness, life skills, health and wellness, and other teen interests.
- Prepare program spaces, materials, and supplies to support successful daily activities.
- Follow program plans and guidance provided by Program Supervisors while adapting delivery to effectively engage teen members.
- Provide day-to-day leadership and direction to Youth Development Professionals to ensure program, safety, and staff expectations are consistently met.
Teen Engagement & Relationships- Build positive, supportive relationships with middle and high school members that promote trust, belonging, and engagement.
- Serve as a positive role model and trusted adult while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
- Encourage teens to develop confidence, independence, leadership skills, and positive decision-making.
- Recognize individual strengths and interests and help connect teens with meaningful opportunities within the Club.
- Model character, responsibility, accountability, and respectful communication.
- Create a culture where teens feel welcomed, respected, included, and valued.
Safety & Behavior Management- Maintain active supervision and awareness of members, activities, and program spaces.
- Establish and consistently reinforce clear behavioral expectations.
- Respond confidently and appropriately to challenging behaviors, peer conflicts, and other situations that may arise.
- Use developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed strategies to guide and redirect behavior.
- Support Youth Development Professionals in addressing member behavior and maintaining a positive program environment.
- Communicate incidents, concerns, or safety issues promptly to Program Supervisors.
- Follow all Club supervision, safety, and emergency procedures.
Program Space Management- Take ownership of assigned program areas to ensure they are safe, organized, welcoming, and ready for members.
- Coordinate setup, maintenance, and cleanup of program spaces and activities.
- Ensure proper use and care of equipment, materials, and supplies.
- Help facilitate smooth transitions between activities and program areas.
- Identify program needs or concerns and communicate them to the appropriate supervisor.
Attendance & Reporting- Accurately record daily attendance and participation data as required.
- Complete documentation related to incidents, behavior concerns, and program activities.
- Ensure required program information and records are completed accurately and on time.
- Communicate relevant member, program, or staffing information to Program Supervisors.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Bilingual Preferred
- Demonstrated competence working with school-age youth (ages 5-18).
- Minimum of one year of experience supervising youth in a group setting.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Positive, professional demeanor with strong interpersonal skills.
- Self-motivated with high level of responsibility and accountability.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 20 lbs and extended periods of standing or sitting.
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