Bilingual Youth Development Specialist
Requisition # : req13796
Location : Grand Rapids, MI
Hours : Full-time (40 hours / week)
Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world.
We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them.
Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the and around the world.
As a Bilingual Youth Development Specialist, you will be primarily responsible for implementing program curriculum, coordinating community service-learning opportunities, and providing the overall support for at-risk youth ages 14 to 19 and older.
This individual will also be responsible for participant recruitment, youth engagement, retention, survey administration, events, and documentation.
The Bilingual Youth Development Specialist will also develop positive working relationships with referring agencies.
This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.
ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administer the required documentation for gathering participant survey data;
- Conduct all intake, referral, and case note documentation;
- Effectively prepare for classes to include planning, coordinating, communicating, transporting, supplies, and curriculum delivery in accordance with training and grant requirements;
- Provide continuing contact support to designated youth and document the follow-up to ensure the youth remains connected to the program;
- Serve as a liaison with the youth’s parent / guardian and maintain a healthy, positive relationship with the youth to ensure their safety, support, interaction, and engagement;
- Meet with supervisor regularly to review work assignments and projects;
- Assist with the planning, program design, and cross grant collaboration opportunities within the program;
- Administer a system of incentives and rewards for participation, retention, rites-of-passage celebration and behavior management;
- Provide the necessary follow-up with "graduates" to support decision-making;
- Create and provide learning opportunities to youth in group decision-making, club governance, leadership skill development, civic education and direct / indirect action;
- Assist the grant implementation team in setting the local project structures, to include building referral relationships, caregiver relationships, experiential learning, guest speakers, and connecting with local civic organizations as venues for service-learning projects;
- Attend staff meetings, training, and webinars to ensure up-to-date knowledge is obtained to apply of the job;
- Complete other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS :
- High school diploma or equivalent; Bachelor’s level degree in Human Services or equivalent field of study from an accredited college, preferred;
- Bilingual in English and Spanish required;
- At least two (2) years of experience leading youth and / or groups;
- Prior experience in youth development, strongly preferred;
- Must be CPR, First Aid, and AEC certified upon hire or within 60 days of hire;
- Possess a passion for inclusion, equity, and sustainability;
- Must be a self-starter with an entrepreneur spirit;
- Excellent verbal and written communication with strong interpersonal skills;
- Strong project management, and organizational skills;
- Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
- Must be willing and able to work days, evenings, and weekends, as necessary;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the US to operate a vehicle on behalfof Bethany.
- Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain areliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to andintegration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.