Youth Development Specialist @ St. Cecilia School

Youth Development Specialist ilia School

Gene Slay's Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis

Title: Youth Development Specialist
Location: St. Cecilia School (906 Eichelberger St., 63111)

Status: Part-Time/Hourly/Non-Exempt

Compensation: $16.50/Hour

Organization

Description:

The mission of Gene Slay’s Girls & Boys Club (GSGBC) is to empower girls and boys in the St. Louis metropolitan area, especially those who need us most, to realize their physical, intellectual, and emotional potential. Since 2018, GSGBC has embraced trauma‑informed care in its operations and service delivery to members and their families. Drawing from models like the Sanctuary Model, Missouri Model, and Conscious Discipline, the organization integrates trauma‑informed principles into its culture and practices.

Staff receive training to understand the impacts of trauma and effectively address related behaviors. The Conscious Discipline Model emphasizes safety, connection, and problem‑solving, enhancing support for children’s emotional and behavioral needs. GSGBC is committed to fostering a supportive, empowering environment where members and families can thrive.

GSGBC offers after school and summer programming for youth ages 6-16, serving more than 700 youth annually. GSGBC supports youth development and holistic health with programs that include Academics, Athletics, Character Building, Healthy Living, College & Career Readiness and The Arts.

Schedule: The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) ilia School (SCS) works approximately 17.5 hours per week through the school year, with an anticipated schedule of 2:30 pm to 6:00 pm Monday – Friday. When SCS dismisses early (approximately one time per month, generally on Fridays) the after school program starts at 12:00 pm, and the YDS will arrive at 11:30 am. The program will follow SCS’s school calendar;

no after school program will run on days when SCS is closed to children. This is a nine‑month position employed August – May.

Primary Function: The Youth Development Specialist (YDS) is passionate about working with youth and is responsible for the delivery and implementation of program activities in accordance with the established program plan. The YDS fosters an environment of positive outcomes for youth and promotes the development of academic, physical, intellectual and emotional potential of our members.

Key Roles (Essential Responsibilities):

• Implement the components of trauma‑informed care
• Supervision and behavior management of members
• Implement and oversee evidence based programs
• Be a positive role model for youth
• Able to build and sustain relationships with youth and parents
• Leadership skills should include demonstrated ability in negotiation, problem‑solving, and program implementation including de‑escalation practices
• Implement curriculum that assists children and youth to succeed in our core program areas of Academics, Athletics, Character Building, Healthy Living, Arts, and College & Career Readiness
• Maintain accurate records
• Actively participate in all training sessions and team and staff meetings
• Work collaboratively with peers
• Ensure that youth development principles are incorporated into all program activities
• Complete other duties as assigned for the overall operations of the Club
• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with Program Manager, Area Club Manager and other members of the Program team

Skills & Knowledge

Required:

• Possess knowledge of human development and trends in youth development
• Two‑three years previous experience working with children and youth in a group setting
• High School diploma or equivalency, required;
  Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Human Services, Psychology, preferred
• Proficiency in Spanish and English is highly desirable
• Ability to organize and supervise members in a supportive and safe environment
• Ability to implement GSGBC rules and policies in a fair and equitable manner
• Ability to motivate youth and manage behavior issues in a trauma‑informed manner
• Must be a team player, self‑starter, and possess a high degree of independence
• Ability to problem‑solve and process through critical thinking
• Must pass…