Lake Superior YMCA·Duluth, Minnesota
Maintain a safe and engaging learning environment for elementary-aged youth in an after-school setting. Plan and implement high-quality academic and enrichment activities tailored to youth interests and needs.
Job Title: Youth Specialist – Out of School Time (OST) Program
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Job Type: Part-Time
Reports to: Site Coordinator
Summary/Objective Youth Specialists maintain a safe and engaging learning environment for youth in an after-school setting. Youth Specialists plan and implement high-quality academic and enrichment activities catered to youth’s interests and needs.
Lester Park, Lowell, Piedmont, Homecroft, Congdon, Lakewood, Myers-Wilkins, North Star Academy (Duluth Edison Charter School).
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture.
In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day.
We are welcoming: we are open to all.
We are a place where you can belong and become.
We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality.
We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world.
We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential.
We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
Essential Functions
Maintain emotionally and physically safe environment for youth in both indoor and outdoor settings. Including, but not limited to, assisting children on playground equipment, leading daily activities, regulating challenging behaviors, and more.
Assist youth in the event of an emergency, such as evacuations, medical emergencies, etc.
Develop and lead high quality activities/lessons for youth.
Communicate with Site Coordinator regarding concerns about children.
Have knowledge, understanding, and application of all program policies, procedures, and best practices.
Work cooperatively with children, parents, other program and building staff.
Provide support to volunteers.
Attend staff meetings and trainings as required.
Maintain current required certifications.
Eligible to be counted towards ratio and able to work without continuous direct supervision during programming.
Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.
Fosters an inclusive environment appreciative of differences in the workplace. Meaningfully participate in and lead efforts to support the Y’s commitment to equity and diversity.
This position does not involve any supervision responsibilities.
This position operates in area schools and community centers and serves elementary aged youth. There are occasional activities that will take place outdoors, but most activities happen indoors.
This is a part-time position. Scheduled times will vary depending on the needs of the site. Some weekend and evening hours for staff development and training will be required.
Travel will not be required during working hours.
Preferred Education and Experience
Education/training in field related to youth and families.
Demonstrate effective communication.
Experience in leadership role working with youth.
Enthusiasm, patience, creativity, common sense and a commitment to working with children.
The Lake Superior YMCA (the Y) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Y complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absences, compensation, and training.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Must be at least 16 years old with experience working with elementary-aged youth and hold Basic CPR/AED and First Aid certifications. Ability to pass a Minnesota DHS Netstudy2.0 background study is required.
Market context
In Minnesota, Out of School Time Youth Specialist roles are often tied to after-school, summer, and community-based programs that need reliable staff for elementary-aged children. These positions can be competitive because employers look for candidates who are young, safety-minded, and ready to meet certification and background-check requirements. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your CPR/AED, First Aid, and DHS Netstudy2.0 readiness before applying.