Professional Development Facilitator, Philadelphia Youth Network

Posted by Philadelphia Youth Network on May 19, 2014

Professional Development Facilitator, Philadelphia Youth Network
Posted on: May 6, 2014

About PYN: The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is an intermediary organization dedicated to improving the economic and education outcomes of Philadelphia’s youth. PYN organizes its work around five core functions: leveraging, coordinating and managing public and private investment directed at youth education and workforce development in the Philadelphia region; convening and leading cross-sector partnerships and initiatives that enhance opportunities available to Philadelphia youth; designing, overseeing and replicating program models that prepare Philadelphia youth for education and the workforce; managing a service-delivery system created to ensure citywide coordination of youth career-connected educational services; building the capacity of youth-serving providers. The services that fall within the initiatives managed by PYN focus particularly on youth that live in poverty, have dropped out, or are at risk of dropping out of school and/or are involved with public care systems.

About the Business Partnerships Department: PYN’s Business Partnerships efforts for employer engagement for career-connected activities include:
 Supporting city-wide employer organizing efforts for career-connected education activities.
 Directly managing programs for youth workforce opportunities.
 Leading worksite quality efforts for PYN initiatives.

General Description: The Professional Development Facilitator is part of a seasonal team designed to support the Professional Development portion of the WorkReady summer internship model. Facilitators will be required to work two Intern Orientation Sessions, June 25th and 27th, and six Professional Development Sessions starting July 1stst-August 8th. Additionally, facilitators must be able to attend one training session in June and one debrief session in August. This position requires a flexible schedule and the ability to work Fridays.

The Professional Development Facilitator will be primarily responsible for ensuring that youth have a space to reflect on their summer work experience, while developing the skills needed to be successful in their workplace. Facilitators will be required to work collaboratively with others to conduct activities, facilitate discussions and guide students through completion of program elements.
This is a seasonal, part-time exempt position at a rate of $1,000 for the season.

Essential Functions:
 Serve as a resource for up to 25 students in a classroom setting by facilitating discussions and sharing strategies for a successful intern experience
 Engage interns’ creativity and challenge them to find the links between work experience and the skills that are required for success
 Support interns as they create a project and portfolio focusing on the industry that they are employed in
 Monitor progress of interns’ project and portfolio to ensure completion
 Promote the development of four 21st century skills (teamwork/collaboration, productivity/accountability, initiative/self-direction and flexibility/adaptability)
 Participate in professional development activities, including orientations and trainings

Required Education, Experience and Skills:
 Bachelor’s degree in education or currently pursuing post-secondary degree in education, teaching certification preferred
 Minimum one year classroom experience with knowledge of project-based learning methods or connection to post-secondary education programs
 Demonstrates experience working effectively with groups of youth
 Must be a team player who works well under pressure
 Demonstrates strong verbal and written communication skills
 Demonstrates strong presentation skills
 Demonstrates high level of comfort interacting with youth in group settings
 Demonstrates a positive attitude, willingness and appreciation for diverse personalities and learning styles
 Excellent oral and written communications skills, supported by a strong ability to use technology
 Ability to convene and motivate teams and diverse populations
 Must be highly flexible and adaptable
 Strong organizational, analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
 Experience in workforce development, youth development and/or urban education issues preferred
 Familiarity with PYN initiatives is preferred, but not required
 Successful completion of background checks (PA state criminal, Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse, and F.B.I. fingerprinting)

http://www.idealist.org/view/job/bj2sCB2Gpn2D