Youth Worker

A position at MAVERICK LANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES

The Youth Worker is a full time position working primarily with teenagers but also occasionally providing some activities for youth ages 8 – 12.

Hours: Full Time

MAVERICK LANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES

JOB DESCRIPTION – YOUTH WORKER

 
OVERVIEW
The Youth Worker is a full time position working primarily with teenagers but also occasionally providing some activities for youth ages 8 – 12. During the school year the hours are Monday through Thursday 11:30 am to 8:00 pm and Friday 8:30am to 5pm; during the summer the hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Some flexibility in hours is required to accommodate school holidays and occasional weekend events. This position is hands-on and requires direct supervision of all youth activities including acting as chaperone on field trips and participation/supervision of outdoor activities, including sports, etc.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
 
Regular and timely presence at the work premises
In coordination with the Executive Director, design programs and create a program schedule to engage Maverick youth in constructive educational, recreational, and volunteer activities
Plan, organize, and supervise field trips, sports, outdoor activities, and events for teenagers and occasionally youth ages 8 – 12
Outreach to Maverick youth & enroll them in program activities
Coordinate with local organizations to leverage resources and connect with on-going programs for youth with focus on activities and programs that provide academic enrichment, education and prevention of at-risk behaviors
Coordinate job readiness and employment opportunities for youth in conjunction with Employment Specialist
Coordinate youth access to computer lab with Computer Instructor
In coordination with Resident Services Coordinator, refer youth to appropriate counseling and support services as needed
Represent MLCS at monthly East Boston Youth Task Force meetings
Work with parents/guardians to ensure all applications and release forms required for programs are completed and all files are maintained
Interact frequently, effectively, and respectfully with youth
Encourage and model social behavior and expectations that are developmentally appropriate
Use positive behavior management techniques.
Implement program specific curriculum guidelines always considering Maverick philosophy
Maintain confidentiality
Ensure that youth participants are appropriately supervised and accounted for at all times
Maintain and follow all safety and health rules of the program
Respond to program and organizational needs by attending training, staff meetings, and other company events
Supervise and interact with youth indoors and outdoors (in varied weather conditions) for extended periods
Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, and otherwise fully participate in activities
Ensure continuity of care for children by reporting to work on time and maintaining consistent attendance
Respect and adhere to staffing schedules
 
OTHER DUTIES
Maintain accurate attendance
Complete appropriate paperwork
Foster positive self-concept by supporting individuality, independence, and the ability to make choices.
Demonstrate respect for diverse cultures by providing anti-bias, non-sexist language, images, and experiences, which reflect both program and global communities.
Provide more than one option for group activity and maintain flexibility-planned activities, according to teens’ interests
Share ideas in planning activities
Support organizational mission, philosophies, values, goals, policies for parents, co-workers, and community
Demonstrate flexibility and an openness to new ideas in youth supervision practices as needs arise and understanding grows
Strive for continuous professional growth by attending courses, asking for feedback, and reading professional literature

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
Communicate with and respond to individual teens during activities and routines
Be available and responsive to youth needs, questions, and requests
Show enthusiasm, sense of humor, patience, and self control
Acknowledge feelings and demonstrate appropriate expression of emotions
Encourage creative expression
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, HEALTH AND SAFETY

Regular and prompt attendance at the workplace
Hands-on demonstration of enthusiastic physical participation in group activities
Encourage teens to utilize appropriate health and safety practices
Keep environment and equipment safe, clean, and attractive. May require use of cleaning fluids. Encourage respect for materials.
Supervise and interact with youth indoors and outdoors (in varied weather conditions) for extended periods.
Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, walk, run, and otherwise fully participate in activities
Follow state, federal and Maverick guidelines including immunizations, employment physical, and required Health & Safety Training.
Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies
Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy in relationship to the youth
CREDENTIALS; EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Have a Bachelor’s Degree or an Associate’s Degree and have a minimum of 12 months of experience working with teenagers. A combination of Best Youth Worker Certification and experience working with teenagers may be substituted for educational requirements.
Must meet other requirements specified by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.