Youth Engagement Specialist (Duquesne City School District)

About Us
BGCWPA is a mission-based organization that hires employees that are recognized as leaders
in their field with a passion for improving young lives. We have strong values, embrace diversity
and offer great benefits which allows our employees to maintain work/life balance. We serve
more than 5,000 young people annually through programs, services, and outreach. An affiliate
of a national organization-Boys & Girls Clubs of America. We are one of the largest
comprehensive out of school time providers in Allegheny & Somerset County.
Job Summary
The Youth Engagement Specialist (YES) will focus on developing and implementing prevention
and skill-based programming to youth, with a focus on substance abuse prevention and support.
The YES will also engage families and the community in prevention education and seek
mentors for the youth. This role is responsible for the supervision and safety of all program
participants as well as relationship building during the school day in partnership with the
Duquesne City School District .
In addition, the Youth Engagement Specialist will be hands-on with the youth to implement
curriculum and programming on a day to day basis during out of school time hours on site at the
Duquesne City School District. This role is responsible for the supervision and safety of all
program participants as well as relationship building. This role will ensure that they follow all
DHS Chapter 3270 Regulations and BGCA Safety requirements. This position will report to a
dual supervisor for portions of their day. During school hours the direct supervisor is the
Manager of Mentoring Programs and during the Out of school time hours the direct supervisor is
the Duquesne City School District Clubhouse Director.
Responsibilities
● Assists in planning, implementation and delivery of prevention and educational
programming focusing on social-emotional learning, substance abuse prevention and
skill-building programs; programming to include both evidence-based and evidence-
informed. Programs will take place during school hours and in the after-school setting as
stated above.

● Work collaboratively with school personnel and BGCWPA staff
● Connect youth in the program with a mentor (staff, volunteers, school personnel,
community members)
● Link mentors to appropriate training and educational events that have a focus on
substance use prevention; Provide training and ongoing support to mentors
● Compile a listing of appropriate training for mentors to have the resources, skillset, and
education to be successful in their mentorship.
● Increase support to families of the youth through referrals, education, information and
training.
● Coordinate and implement youth-led activities
● Maintain appropriate documentation to support program reports
● Support the development of a community Substance Misuse Prevention Initiative
● Ensure the safety of all program participants while in care.
● Conduct annual youth evaluations of child progress per DHS requirements within 45
days of entry into the program.
● Encourage recruitment with youth and families to assist with communications in the
community of what programs, services, and outreach BGCWPA has to offer.
● Promote and stimulate membership in the Clubhouse through programs, services, and
outreach activities.
● Implement educational programming to include: STEM, art, mentoring, athletics and
activities
● Conduct monthly incentive programs that focus on literacy, STEM, Art, Mentoring,
Athletics and Social/Emotional Learning activities.
● Offer input regarding department programs, in partnership with Clubhouse Director and
Mentoring/Prevention Program Staff
● Work with volunteer, tutors, and students to participate in an ongoing education
improvement program
● Implement educational and all out of school time programs that are stimulating and age
appropriate for all members.
● Provide an environment that promotes creativity and exploration through learning
● Observe and report any maintenance and operation concerns of the department’s
physical property, ensuring Club member safety at all times to the Clubhouse director.
Requirements
● Minimum high school diploma or GED and 2 years of training in prevention programs
(preferably with substance abuse prevention), social services, education or a related
field and a minimum of 1 year work experience in an Out of School time organization
such as Boys & Girls Clubhouses.
And one of the following:

○ 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood
education, child development, special education, elementary education or the
human services field.
○ 600 or more hours of secondary training described in § 3270.31(c) (relating to
age and training).
○ 15 credit hours from an accredited college or university in early childhood
education, child development, special education, elementary education or the
human services field and 1 year of experience with children.
○ Completion of a post-secondary training curriculum described in § 3270.31(c).
○ 2 years experience with children.
● Knowledge of positive youth development with an ability to design learning strategies
and programs to enhance knowledge, skills, and abilities for youth
● Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of mental health care services, trauma
informed care, and referral resources.
● An interest in a variety of youth programs including technology, art, sports, STEM,
mentoring and recreation
● The ability to create strong relationships with youth in a short period of time
● Excellent crisis intervention, interpersonal, conflict mediation, and communication skills.
● Strong time management, organization, and project prioritization skills
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents,
staff, and outside agencies
● Ability to work on site with youth for a minimum of 7 hours per day Monday through
Friday.
● Advanced positive customer service skills needed.
● Strong time management, organization, and project prioritization skills are a must
● Proficient in Google Suite.
● The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs function require the following
physical demands: lifting & carrying up to 50 pounds, pushing, any/or pulling, climbing to
include steps, balancing, stooping, standing, sitting, kneeling, crawling, crouching, and
signification fine fingered dexterity. Ability to tolerate environmental conditions: air
conditioning, heat, dust fumes, noise, close quarters, etc.
● Perform all additional duties and tasks assigned by leadership/supervisors.
Certifications and Clearances
CPR, Pediatric First Aid, Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI clearance, NSOR certificate, PA
Disclosure and Mandated Reporter certification required upon hire or newer then 6 months.
● http://www.keepkidssafe.pa.gov/natsexoffreg/index.htm
● https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home
● https://epatch.state.pa.us/
● https://www.pa.cogentid.com/
● https://www.reportabusepa.pitt.edu/
● https://www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/For-
Providers/Documents/New%202020%20Disclosure%20statement.pdf

● PA Staff Health Assessment and TB Test must be submitted upon hire and before start
date please use the link below to access the form: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/docs/For-
Providers/Documents/Child%20Care%20Forms/CD-322%20-
%20Staff%20Health%20Assessment.pdf
● 3 letters of Reference needed upon hiring
● Be able to attend a minimum of 12 hours of training per year.
● Attend CPR, Pediatric First Aid training within the first 90 days of hire.