Adult Support Staff - Oak Youth Center

Overview

Oak Support Staff will work with various prevention department staff and be in the direct supervision of the Youth Programs Specialist. Oak Support Staff will manage the milieu of The Oak Youth Center, develop relationships with youth utilizing the facility, engage youth in activities and planned programming, act as a Support Staff and support youth in developing their interpersonal and life skills.

The Oak Youth Center serves all students age 11-17 in Washburn County. It is not uncommon that youth with behavioral, social emotional and substance challenges utilize the facility to improve their social network. Oak Support Staff are encouraged to seek out this position if they are pursuing a career in the HEAL (health, education, administration and literacy) fields or a youth serving profession.

Oak Support Staff will shadow,assist with and/orperform someof the following dutiesas part of their position. The levelof independence will be determinedby their demonstrated abilities and willingness along withthe approvalofthe

Youth

Programs Specialist. Allduties listedmay not occur, dependentonprogram initiatives.

• Create and maintaina structured andsafe environment for youth as they participate inyouth center programs and activities.
• Plan and implement scheduled programming.
• Support the Oak Mentor with evening programming and implementation.
• Recognize and adjust communication to meet youth needs. Provide feedback that is clear, specific, timely, and respectful.
• Maintain a prosocial youth center culture by addressing unsafe or disrespectful language and/or behaviors.
• Attend all staff meetings, trainings, and educational classes as required.
• Maintain a clean, orderly and safe environment.
• Understand and follow basic facility policy and norms.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them form the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Oak Support Staff will have knowledge of operating a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems, including being able to demonstrate experience and knowledge of MS Office Suite products, windows operating systems, computers and peripheral devices. Oak Support Staff will have skill or willingness to learn the operation of various office equipment and other peripherals.

Oak Support Staff will also have a basic understanding and the ability to grow inthe following areas:

• Demonstrate the ability to develop rapport and interact appropriatelywith young people.
• Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with youth, other employees, representatives from community resource groups, contract agencies and the general public.
• Maintain a positive, optimistic, up beat demeanor.
• Experience in working with youthin group settings and individually.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and inwriting.
• Considerable ability to make appropriate decisions independently and with guidancefrom Support Staffs/supervisors.
• Willingness to learn availability of community resources for thetarget groups.
• Ability to self-analyze areas of strengths and weaknesses and the determination to workonboth.
• Be able to identify and set clear boundaries and ethical practice.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diplomaor equivalent. Previous experience with youth preferred.
• Can demonstrate basic knowledge of youth management and current issues facing youth in the community.

The physical demands described here are representative of an average day employed as an Oak Support Staff at The Oak Youth Center. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in an open milieu that is representative of a small community center. Work is largely low impact- sitting and standing with limited physical activity. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate instruments, equipment, computers, and various other pieces of office equipment.

Oak Support Staff will have access to onsite technology, including Microsoft Office software, photocopiers, calculators, telephones and voicemail.