Youth Development Specialist

Company Description

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA equity by offering programs and services to families engaged in the child welfare system.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Youth Development Specialist to work with youth who have experienced family separation (foster care, kinship care, adoption, reunification); the adults who care for them; and underserved youth in Pierce/King Counties. The Youth Development Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities including supporting the implementation and development of our STAR (Supported, Thriving, Authentic, & Resilient) Youth Program in King and Pierce Counties.

Amara’s youth programing will bring school-aged youth together to develop stronger social and emotional (SEL) skills, facilitate activities that support positive identity development and sense of self, and create opportunities for youth to plug into a network of peers who have similar lived experiences.

The Youth Development Specialist is a direct service provider for a vulnerable population. To provide the best possible service to trauma-impacted youth, the Youth Development Specialist must stay up to date on required training and seek out relevant professional development opportunities.

At least 50% of the Youth Development Specialist’s time is spent in-person, facilitating programs with youth and participating in on-site meetings. Youth Development Specialists must have reliable transportation to attend regular team meetings, school-based programs, on-site programs, and occasional events at other community locations. When in-person work is not scheduled, employees are able to work from either Amara office or remotely. Employees must have access to a stable internet connection if choosing to work remotely.

Job Description

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, implements, and carries out weekly educational programs and activities to meet the organization’s overall youth development mission.
• Arrange reliable transportation for regular travel to school-based programs, off-site programs, and in-office meetings and transport necessary materials.
• Identify and maintain a database of youth qualified for services in coordination with community partners, ensuring program design meets population needs including within affinity groups (BIPOC youth, LBGTQIA youth).
• Responsible for outreach, screening, enrollment, goal setting, regular check-in meetings, and a final report at the conclusion of provided services.
• Facilitate both weekly and special programming such as field trips, workshops, and special events.
• Assist with recruitment, screening, and enrollment of youth into appropriate cohorts for programing.
• Assist families/youth with referral services for needs that fall outside the scope of Amara’s program offerings.
• Ensure that programs support youth through harm reduction, trauma informed care and culturally responsive approaches.
• Monitor and supervise the safety and behavior of participants, ensuring that the program maintains established safety protocols including first aid, evacuation, and emergency procedures.
• Will lead performance measurement evaluation and continuous quality improvement activities.
• Manages administrative functions which may include data collection, database management, developing/refining program materials, running participant and outcome reports and program analysis necessary to meet funder requirements as well as internal program evaluation.
• Participate in all program meetings and staff development activities, including coordinating and attending annual training in issues of equity and social justice.
• Work with government and partner organizations to coordinate and align services for participants.
• Participate in required funder meetings including (quarterly) BSK Learning Circles, monthly check-ins, and the like; to improve system connection and coordination.
• Responsible for any required reporting including quarterly participant reports and annual narrative progress reports.
• Occasionally represent Amara at community and outreach events
  
  

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Experience with social services specifically with youth and families
• Experience coordinating and managing programs or services
• Experience working with diverse families (variety of religions, races, cultures, ages, and socioeconomic levels)
• Initiative, independence, flexibility, and maturity
• Highly organized with good communication and problem-solving skills
• Strong writing skills with ability to remain neutral and unbiased in reporting
• Experience with MS Word, Outlook, and Excel a plus
• Ability to pass a comprehensive background check
• Must have current or be able to provide within 90 days of hire date CPR/First Aid Certification and BBP within the past 5 years
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Reliable transportation to perform in-person job responsibilities
  
  

Education/Experience Requirement: Associates Degree in Human Services or Social Work with 3 to 5 years related experience OR Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field with a minimum of 2 years of experience OR Master’s degree in Human Services or related field and one year of social services experience

Additional Information

Salary And Benefits

This is a full-time position with an annual rate of pay between $57,000-$69,999, depending on experience. The final salary offer will be commensurate with the selected candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated abilities. Amara offers a generous leave and benefits package including 10 company holidays, 4 personal days, sick leave, and 15 days of vacation per year. Competitive health, dental and vision insurance rates, a 401k with a company match, life, disability insurance and a paid sabbatical.

Amara supports a hybrid work schedule with some flexibility to work from home. Please note that due to the nature of this role, a significant amount of in-person work (50 %) and the ability to travel between our King and Pierce County offices will be required.

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer