Youth Empowerment Specialist, Providence Center

Posted by Providence Center on November 20, 2017

Title: Youth Empowerment Specialist
Reports To: Director of Youth Programs
Job Status: 10 month, non-exempt, part time 16 hours/week (M-T, 2:30-6, Fridays 2:30-5pm)

POSITION SUMMARY

In Power, Providence Center’s after school program, children build resiliency, learn to make safe and positive choices, and cope with the stress and trauma that they experience. To assist in this process, the children are tutored and mentored by local high school students, our Teen Leaders. These Teens learn to be role models for the children while being supported to graduate high school, develop professional skills, and enroll in college. Together, the children and teens bond as a community that supports each other, challenges each other, and watches out for each other as each achieves her or his dreams.The Youth Empowerment Specialist will be responsible for ensuring a safe and supportive environment for children to learn and grow. The serving as the lead position with a classroom, the Specialist will implement Providence Center’s curriculum and activities that integrate Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the after school experience for students and teen leaders. Specialists also submit activity plans and lead a club of their choice twice weekly (ie. arts, sports, science, etc). She/he will supervise children during snack, homework assistance, activities and field trips, and provide direction as needed to youth leaders and volunteers who assist in the program. Each Specialist will manage a classroom of children grades K-2,3-5, or 6-8 during homework, and collaborate with all ages during activities. Specialists also play a large role in supervising local teen leaders and volunteers who mentor the children; delegating tasks and helping develop communication, teamwork and mentoring skills.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Teamwork:
• Provide safe, supportive educational environment for children and youth.
• Participate in Providence Center staff meetings and professional development.

Planning and Evaluation:
• Submit project-based learning lesson summaries to the Youth Director outlining final products to be presented or exhibited, the steps that will be taken to achieve those products, and how the project reinforces social and emotional learning.
• Meet as needed with the Director of Youth Programs to review classroom materials and exchange feedback on program curriculum, growth and development.
• Report regularly to the Director of Youth Programs and submit quarterly self-evaluations of classroom management progress and student needs.
• Attend monthly staff meetings (on a weekday evening) for Lead Teachers and supervisors to discuss programming and review student needs.

Classroom Management:
• Supervise selected teen leaders who will assist in after school classroom to build social, emotional and academic skills through an intentional curriculum as well as homework assistance.
• Coordinate with teen leaders and volunteers in the classroom to observe and monitor student progress and evaluation of behavior. Provide opportunities for teen leaders to have a leadership role in daily activities.
• Facilitate weekly staff meetings with teen leader staff to solicit feedback and problem solve as a team.
• Welcome volunteers and outside guests; provide support and supervision to volunteers as needed in the classroom.
• Use materials, activities, and affirmative feedback that are consistent with the mission, values, and framework of the after school program.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR YOUTH EMPOWERMENT SPECIALIST

Experience:
• One to three years of work experience is required in a related field working with K-12 youth. Some experience in teaching or curriculum development is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services Management, Early Childhood Education, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• Demonstrated experience or familiarity with faith-based learning environments, as a volunteer or staff member.

Knowledge:
• Familiarity with issues related to inner city children and youth, specifically in education.
• Expectations for K-8 learning and proficiency.

Skills and Abilities:

• Must be reliable and dependable.
• Evidence of skills relevant to developing learning activities for elementary school students is required (creativity, etc).
• Must be able to communicate effectively with parents and staff.
• Must be able to work sensitively and effectively with individuals of diverse educational, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds.
• Some experience in Word and Excel is necessary.
• Commitment to Providence Center mission, program philosophies, and faith-based approach to youth empowerment programming.
• Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to Maura Bernt, Director of Youth Programs. The cover letter should address your interest in the position, the age group you are most excited to work with (K-2, 3-5), and the following two questions:

• What is your experience working with youth who have experienced challenges or adversity? How do you create a safe environment for learning for these students?

• Once weekly, our students can choose to participate in a club activity of their choice, led by various staff members. What is an area of personal interest that you would choose to facilitate with the children, and why?

ABOUT PROVIDENCE CENTER

Providence Center is an independent non-profit organization founded by the Holy Child Sisters in 1993. From the beginning, when the Sisters went door-to-door asking neighbors what they needed, Providence Center has focused on addressing the pressing needs of our community. Working primarily with Puerto Ricans and Latino immigrants, Providence Center provides educational and enrichment services to the Fairhill section of North Philadelphia, including: English as a second language classes; teen leadership development and college preparation programs; and an after school program focused on social-emotional learning. Our mission is to educate people to have the power and spirit to transform their lives and community.Providence Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Providence Center maintains a policy of non-discrimination with respect to employees and applicants for employment.

Job Type: Part-time
Salary: $14.00 /hour

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