Youth Development Specialist

TITLE: Youth Development Specialist 

PERFORMANCE PROFILE SOURCE: Individual Contributor

DEPARTMENT: Operations  

WORK LOCATION: Club

REPORTS TO: Service Director

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Hourly

WORKER CATEGORY: Part-time 

LOCATION: Piedmont Lakes Middle School After School Zone

ADDRESS: 2601 Lakeville Road, Apopka, FL 32703

ABOUT BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF CENTRAL FLORIDA: 

Since 1944, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida has provided children and teens, ages 6 to 18, with a safe place to learn and grow during non-school hours. Today, more than 15,000 young people call our 39 Clubs across five Central Florida counties home. The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring adults. Every day after school and all summer long, our members walk through the blue doors at little or no cost to their families and find academic support, enrichment, and caring adult role models who believe in what they can become.

How we do it matters as much as what we do. Our Clubs deliver quality programming grounded in evidence across six core pillars of focus: education and career development; character and leadership development; sports, fitness, and recreation; health and life skills; the arts; and mental health. That work is reinforced by practices informed by trauma research, mental and emotional wellness support, and an unwavering commitment to safety. The results show up in graduation rates, college and vocational school enrollment, grades, and young people who tell us they feel emotionally safe at their Club. As part of the national Future Ready movement, we are growing bigger, better, and bolder, and we know none of it happens without exceptional people. That is why we invest in our team through comprehensive training, leader development, competitive compensation and benefits, and a workplace culture built on excellence, belonging, and accountability. If you want your work to change the trajectory of a child's life, there is a place for you here. Great futures start here, and they start with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome-Driven Club Experience in a variety of programming areas that support our Core Program Pillars, including Academic Success and Career Development, character and leadership development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, Fitness and recreation, and social-emotional Well-Being. This position works directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being, and development through interactive play and other activities as directed.

The YDS is self-motivated, mature, energetic, and able to maintain clear and healthy boundaries with Club members, parents, staff, and volunteers; they are able to communicate and interact with youth in an age-appropriate, motivational, and positive manner. The YDS must be flexible, able to adapt to a work environment that changes often, remain calm, and solve problems in stressful situations. The YDS must anticipate and implement all elements of activities in an organized fashion.

KEY ROLES (Essential Job Responsibilities):

Program Development and Implementation:

• Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate activities in the assigned program area. 
• Ensure facilities, equipment & supplies are maintained and report any issues to the supervisor. 
• Review program supply inventory and request supply orders promptly. 
• Facilitate Club-specific and BGCA core programs as directed by the Supervisor.  

Youth Development:

• Provide active and engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment that facilitates positive youth development. 
• Affirm positive behavior in members and deliver coaching conversations and redirection when needed. 
• Model and teach youth self-confidence and self-awareness while building supportive relationships. 

Program Administration:

• Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework, and behavior data as needed. 
• Ensure a productive work environment by participating in Club staff meetings and training events. 

Daily Program Activities:

• Ensure program areas are set up and cleaned up daily. 
• Provide club members with a daily program agenda and participation expectations. 
• Ensure child and club safety guidelines are followed. 
• Facilitate program activities that align with BGCCF Core Program Pillars. 

Administration and Reporting:

• Manage administrative functions of program areas and assigned resources.
• Ensure proper record-keeping and reporting, including activities and events conducted, breakdowns of daily participation figures, notable achievements, and any problems or issues.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

• A high school diploma or GED is required, and an associate's degree in education, youth development, or a related field is preferred.
• Some experience working or volunteering with youth in an educational or development setting is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, develop, and implement high-quality, age-appropriate programs for young people, emphasizing academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to motivate and inspire youth positively, creating an environment conducive to learning and personal growth.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and support innovative ideas that benefit the Club and its members, showcasing flexibility in approach and mindset.
• Proficiency in modeling and guiding youth through trauma-informed, strengths-based problem-solving, promoting academic and personal development.
• Experience working with diverse cultures and backgrounds, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and cultural competence in program delivery and youth interactions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with Club members, parents, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders, contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment.
• Basic proficiency in data collection and reporting, with the ability to track attendance, program participation, and member progress.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and willingness to participate in training opportunities to enhance skills in youth development and program implementation.
• CPR and First Aid Certification preferred; willingness to obtain certification within the first 90 days of employment if not already certified.

KEY ROLES & COMPETENCIES

• Builds Positive Relationships: Creating and maintaining strong, trusting connections with youth, colleagues, and stakeholders. The YDS must be able to engage with young people in a fun, approachable manner while fostering a safe and supportive environment for their growth and development.
• Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives. The YDS must ensure that members actively participate in programs and activities and are engaged in their academic development.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. The role involves developing project-based learning and high-yield educational activities, which requires creativity and innovative thinking.
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. The YDS needs to plan and oversee program administration, evaluate programs, and ensure they are aligned with the goals and mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs.
• Situational Adaptability: Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. The YDS must be able to adjust their strategies and methods to effectively engage with diverse youth, respond to changing program needs, and navigate various challenges in the dynamic Club environment. Additionally, the YDS is responsible for ensuring a safe environment by upholding all child safety standards and club policies, promoting a culture of safety, and being vigilant about potential risks during activities.

ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Relationships

• Internal: Maintains close, daily contact with Club staff, Support Office personnel, volunteers, Club members, and supervisors to exchange information, address issues, and provide or clarify guidelines and instructions.
• External: Cultivates long-term relationships with community partners, schools, and other organizations to create a sustainable pipeline of volunteers and group volunteer partners. Engages with these external groups to build collaborative efforts and ensure a steady flow of volunteer support for Club activities and programs. Maintain oral, written, and personal contact with external organizations and community groups, serving as a resource for volunteer recruitment and selection.

Other

ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The position requires working in both indoor and outdoor environments of an office or facility setting, which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and policy manuals.
• Must be able to perform CPR or first aid if needed.
• Work in environments frequented by children and families, requiring adherence to safety and conduct standards that ensure a child-friendly and family-oriented atmosphere.
• Must be adaptable to a dynamic work schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support volunteer activities and events.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Physically capable of performing activities and duties on-site, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, sitting, or walking for extended periods, bending, and reaching.
• Ability to maintain a high energy level when necessary.
• Visual and auditory acuity to monitor the environment, ensure safety standards are maintained, and respond to immediate safety concerns.
• Ability to reach, grasp, and manipulate various supplies and tools and effectively recognize and address classroom management issues. 
• Physical dexterity and cognitive alertness to move safely around the classroom, monitor student activities, prepare materials, and respond promptly to member needs. 
• Mental resilience and the ability to stay focused and effective in a busy, sometimes noisy environment.
• Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and adapt to changing daily plans and priorities with a positive response.
• Ability to survey the environment and respond to safety concerns in the moment, demonstrating situational awareness and quick decision-making skills.
• Operates a computer and other office productivity equipment such as a copy machine, phone, printer, tablet, and typing on a keyboard.
• Maintains various equipment and supplies in diverse settings, including indoor and outdoor environments, school buildings, and youth program areas. This includes handling sports equipment, audiovisual devices, art supplies, and other youth-related support materials. Demonstrates ability to manage inventory and keep accurate records of program supplies.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact positively with volunteers, youth members, community members, parents, and other staff.
• Ability to take and follow verbal directions effectively.
• Capable of clear verbal communication with youth, supervisors, and other staff.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in response to changing situations and requirements. 
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions (occasionally).

Pre-Employment and Ongoing Compliance Requirements:

• Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• Candidates must successfully obtain and maintain a valid OCPS Vendor Badge. 
• Continued employment is contingent upon passing randomized drug screenings as part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

Disclaimer:

The information presented in this job description is intended to illustrate the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Job responsibilities and requirements are subject to change based on the needs of the club, the direction of the Supervisor, and the Chief Executive Officer.

Notice to Applicants:

Please note: Submission of an application does not create an obligation for BGCCF to provide individual status updates. Our hiring managers carefully review all applications received, and only candidates selected to move forward will be contacted regarding next steps.

Due to the high volume of applications, BGCCF is unable to respond to emails or calls requesting updates on application status. Applicants who repeatedly contact BGCCF HR or BGCCF staff to request status updates, or who email staff members with whom they do not have an existing professional relationship solely to announce that they have applied, may be removed from consideration and have their application archived.

If you have an existing professional connection with BGCCF, you are welcome to reach out to that contact directly for networking purposes. However, all candidates must still follow the formal application and selection process outlined in this posting.

Department of Children and Families Level II Background Check Notice: 

Please see the link below to the new Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website. This site was implemented under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025).

https://info.flclearinghouse.com