Teen Services Specialist

Position Title

Teen Services Specialist Department: Youth Services - Programming Supervisor: Teen Coordinator Supervises: N/A Rate: $25 per hour Schedule: Classification Mon - Tue (2:00 PM - 7 PM) Wed (12 PM - 7 PM) TH - Fri (12:00 PM - 7 PM) Part-time/seasonal position Summer Hour– Mon – Fri Shift -7:45am – 5:45 pm – 6 weeks Mission Statement Founded in 1938, the Boys & Girls Club of Newark (BGCN) is a non-profit organization working with youth to help them achieve academic success, build good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lifestyles. Position Overview The Teen Service Specialist plays a critical role in delivering high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming for teens ages 13–18. This role is responsible for fostering a trauma-informed, safe, and inclusive environment where youth feel seen, valued, and empowered. Through a balance of direct service, program development, and relationship-building, the Teen Service Specialist supports teens in exploring identity, building leadership skills, and preparing for post-secondary success. This role is ideal for individuals passionate about youth development, culturally responsive practice, and elevating youth voice and choice. Core Responsibilities Trauma-Informed Youth Development & Safety (Foundation of Practice) Integrate trauma-informed principles into all aspects of programming, prioritizing physical, emotional, and psychological safety Build consistent, trust-based relationships through empathy, active listening, and reliability Utilize trauma-informed strategies in daily interactions: Connection before correction Offering choice and promoting youth agency Maintaining calm, regulated tone and presence Recognize signs of distress or crisis and respond using de-escalation techniques and crisis protocols Provide emotional support and guidance, helping youth develop healthy coping skills and resilience Address behaviors (e.g., arguing, fighting) using positive discipline and restorative approaches Conduct regular emotional check-ins with youth to monitor well-being and engagement Collaborate with Social Work and leadership teams to ensure coordinated support for youth needs Direct Service & Relationship Building Develop meaningful, supportive relationships that foster belonging, trust, and engagement Create a physically and emotionally safe environment for all youth Use strength-based and culturally responsive approaches to understand each youth's needs, strengths, and experiences Provide academic support, including homework help and collaboration with school-day staff Partner with youth to set goals, monitor progress, and adjust supports as needed Serve as a positive role model, demonstrating professionalism, empathy, and emotional regulation Maintain professionalism in attendance, communication, and adherence to uniform guidelines Support overall Club operations, including special events and cross-department programming as needed Program Development & High-Quality Delivery Design and facilitate engaging, teen-centered programming aligned with BGCN priority outcomes: Academic Success Career Exploration & Post-Secondary Readiness Leadership Development Healthy Lifestyles Plan and deliver structured daily programming that reflects youth interests, voice, and developmental needs Lead initiatives such as: Keystone Club / leadership groups Career readiness and workforce exposure Financial literacy and life skills Creative arts, wellness, and recreational programming Coordinate workshops, field trips, and events that expand teen experiences and opportunities Ensure programs are prepared in advance, organized, and aligned with program quality standards (YPQA / BGCA) Youth Voice, Leadership & Empowerment Center youth voice in all programming through: Surveys, pulse checks, and informal feedback Youth-led activities and leadership roles Create opportunities for teens to: Lead projects and discussions Engage in public speaking and community involvement Build confidence, identity, and decision-making skills Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and peer leadership Collaboration, Family Engagement & Partnerships Work collaboratively with staff, schools, families, and community partners to ensure holistic youth support Communicate professionally and consistently with families regarding youth progress and engagement Support family engagement events, showcases, and teen celebrations Build partnerships that expand access to: Mentorship opportunities Internships and career exposure Enrichment programming Program Quality, Continuous Improvement & Professional Growth Deliver programming aligned with BGCA Blueprint and BGCN standards Participate in data collection and evaluation efforts (NYOI, attendance, pulse checks) Use data and feedback to continuously improve program quality and outcomes Attend and actively participate in all required training and professional development Stay current with best practices in trauma-informed care, youth development, and adolescent engagement Provide mentorship and guidance to newer staff, modeling strong youth development practices

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years' experience working with middle or high school youth Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Education or related fields Minimum 2 years' of a strong understanding of adolescent development and youth engagement strategies Minimum 2 years' of experience with or willingness to learn trauma-informed practices Minimum 2 years' of experience in strong communication, facilitation, and relationship-building skills Minimum 2 years' of experience in the ability to manage group dynamics with confidence and care CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain or be trained) Core Competencies Relationship Builder Trauma-Informed Practitioner Youth-Centered & Culturally Responsive Mindset Emotional Intelligence & Regulation Facilitator of Leadership & Engagement Collaboration & Teamwork Adaptability & Problem-Solving What Success Looks Like Teens are actively engaged, consistently attending, and participating in programming Youth report feeling safe, respected, and valued Programs reflect youth voice, leadership, and real-world relevance Staff demonstrate consistent, calm, trauma-informed responses Strong relationships exist between youth, the team, families, and partners *BGCN Provides EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: It always has been and continues to be BGCN's policy that employees should be able to enjoy a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination. All decisions regarding recruiting, hiring, promotion, assignment, training, termination, and other terms and conditions of employment will be made without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, religion, age, pregnancy, disability, work-related injury, covered veteran status, political ideology, genetic information, marital status, or any other factor that the law protects from employment discrimination. Individuals will be selected for promotion based on skill and ability. Where skill and ability are equal, the length of continuous employment will be the determining factor. Additionally, BGCN prohibits unlawful harassment of its employees, applicants, or independent contractors in any form. Complaints of unlawful employment discrimination or harassment should be reported as discussed in orientation with HR or the CEO. In cases where an investigation confirms the allegations, appropriate corrective action will be taken, regardless of whether the inappropriate conduct rises to the level of any violation of law. No employee will suffer retaliation for reporting, in good faith, any violation of Company policy or unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. (Revised 6/9/26) Acknowledgment I have read and understand the duties outlined in this job description and know that The Boys & Girls Club of Newark may change this description to fulfill the position's requirements. By signing below, I acknowledge that I agree to carry out the functions, requirements, duties, and expectations of this position as described in this job description. _________________________________ _______________________ ________ Employee Print Name Employee Signature Date _________________________________ _______________________ ________ Supervisor Print Name Supervisor Signature Date _________________________________ _______________________ _______ Human Resources Print Name Human Resources Signature Date