The Youth Development & Engagement Specialist is responsible for the care, safety and supervision of children and youth up to the age of 17 years old while caregivers attend support groups and program activities. This position is also responsible for planning, implementation, and facilitation of activities and events for participants. This position serves as a mentor and role model to the program interns and volunteers. The Youth Development & Engagement Specialist is responsible for applying an intersectional, anti-racist, and equity lens to our work that lifts up and centers Black, Indigenous, People of Color, non-binary, and trans, and LGBTQ+ communities and youth.

Learn more about YMCA Youth and Family Services programs CLICK HERE 

For more on Employee Perks, click on this link: Employee Benefits | YMCA of San Diego County (ymcasd.org) 

WORK DESIGNATION: 

• Hybrid-required to travel throughout San Diego County on a regular basis to attend support groups in the evenings (currently, Monday is North County, Tuesday is South Bay, Wednesday is Central, and Thursdays alternate between Central and East County)
  • Please note that the work designation may change based on business needs. 

• Leads program interns and volunteers during groups, plans, and directs activities, and provides training and coaching as needed 
• Implement age-appropriate program activities that engage participants in active and meaningful experiences and in accordance with the goals and policies of the YMCA of San Diego County; Actively supervise program participants, ensuring their guidance, health, and safety at all times; Build quality relationships with youth to ensure their engagement and provide positive behavior guidance that supports the developmental, social-emotional, and physical needs of all participants 
• Perform duties that ensure space is properly maintained, organized, clean, and safe; Follow emergency procedures appropriately to ensure the safety of participants and staff; Communicate with supervisor any incidents, concerns, problems, or suggestions regarding children and the program 
• Maintain accurate records, including but not limited to attendance, child waivers, emergency information, daily incident reports and Supervisor’s log and meet data collection, contract requirements and contract deadlines 
• Implements culturally diverse practices 
• Protect the confidentiality of sensitive information by learning and following all relevant policies and protocols and using sound judgment in the handling and sharing of that information 
• Work independently and as a team member to create innovative ways to meet goals and provide a high level of service that is engaging and meets the needs of the participants 
• Position may require the transport of participants in a YMCA vehicle to and from activities and appointments as needed;
• Practice non-aggressive defensive driving techniques; Operate YMCA vehicles in safe manner; Vehicle use is for YMCA business only 
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage and auditing 
• Participate in and attend all required staff meetings, trainings, YMCA staff development events, and appropriate agency-wide committees 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must have access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout San Diego County. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Development or related field or equivalent experience required 
• Must be 18 years of age or older 
• Expertise working with children with special needs and/or a history of trauma highly preferred 
• Previous experience working in a child and youth development, education, or comparable setting preferred 
• Previous experience working with children and their families with social-emotional/behavioral issues preferred 
• Knowledge and expertise of Kinship Care and Relative Caregiver issues preferred 
• Basic computer knowledge and skills 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred 

JOB COMPETENCIES: 

• Ability to work in a very diverse setting with people of all backgrounds, culture and orientation 
• Must have a sincere interest in working with children 0 – 17 years of age and the ability to relate to children and adults in a professional manner 
• Must be highly dependable and have the ability to be flexible with change in weekly schedule 
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and maintain a positive demeanor 
• Must be an adult role model with the ability to effectively set limits and maintain clear and professional boundaries, quickly build rapport, and function in crisis-oriented and high stress situations 
• Must be self-aware, flexible, adaptable, and teachable 
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team 
• Demonstrate initiative, resourcefulness, and problem-solving skills with excellent follow through 
• Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical incidents and the physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency situation 
• Ability to adequately observe participants’ activities, enforce safety regulations, and apply appropriate policies and procedures 
• Must possess the ability to lead and interact in group activities and perform related physical skills 
• Ability to work effectively with others in alignment with the YMCA 4 Core Values; Models the 4 Core Values in all aspects of position responsibilities 
• Must be available to work required evening, weekend and holiday shifts and work a flexible schedule to meet program staffing/planning needs 

PRE-HIRE CONTINGENCIES: 

• Licensing, state law and our funders require that applicants of critical positions within Community Support Services be fingerprinted, prior to reporting to work, and include subsequent arrest notifications 
• CPR/AED, and First Aid Certification, must include Adult and Child/Infant, within 30 days of hire, and must be from one of the following certifying organizations: American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or American Safety and Health Institute 
• Position may require additional clearances in order to comply with all program, licensing, state law, and funding requirements:
  
  • Physical exam obtained prior to first day 
  • Negative TB test results obtained within the past one year, prior to first day, and annually thereafter, as required 
  • Pass pre-employment drug testing prior to first day 
  • Exclusion and Debarment checks prior to first day and monthly thereafter 
  • Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid CA Driver’s License, a good driving record and a current CDL H6 print-out (must be dated within 30 days of application) and pass vehicle proficiency exam