Department: Youth Development
FLSA Status: Exempt (salary = $55,000 annually)
Reports to: Goldin Center Director
Primary Location: Goldin Center (2320 West Burleigh Street, Milwaukee)
Driver Status: COA Vehicle and Personal Vehicle (must have reliable transportation & proof of insurance and is expected to self-transport to all sites and community-based meetings/trainings)
About COA
COA Youth & Family Centers nurtures children, supports families, and builds strong and resilient communities — one child, one family, one community at a time.
COA’s programs are designed to meet the needs of Amani and Riverwest families through the advancement of our three core areas of focus: early education, youth development, and community development.
COA’s Teen Program is based out of our Goldin Center campus located within Amani. It is a priority for the organization to focus teen program activities around youth residing within Amani and/or attending NOVA High School, which is located in the upper level of the Goldin Center.
Summary
This position is responsible for the overall supervision and quality of service delivery for the teen program. This position develops, delivers, and facilitates quality programming to high-school-aged teens. This position is also responsible for data collection and outcome reporting aligned with grant and funding guidelines.
This is a full-time, year-round position, primarily Monday through Friday with general work hours ranging between 10:00 AM & 8:00 PM. Occasional weekend hours may be required. This position is eligible for benefits.
Benefits include generous paid time off, health plans (medical, dental, vision), life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) retirement plan, 11 paid holidays, and a great working environment.
Main Job Responsibilities
Program
- Develop creative and innovative daily/weekly lessons plans, either for a self-created program or to supplement an existing curriculum.
- Lead activities and implement the approved programming.
- Administer pre- and post-tests.
- Use plan time or down time appropriately.
- Actively participate, even when there is an outside facilitator.
- Ensure emotional, social, and physical safety of participants at all times.
- Never leave youth unattended.
- Organize space and supplies.
- Maintain clean and safe program areas, cleaning-up as needed.
Administrative
- Supervise the Teen Program Coordinator which includes hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, disciplining, and evaluating.
- Ensure enrollment and participant records are up to date and properly secured and maintained.
- Accurately record activity attendance promptly at beginning of each activity. Submit daily attendance reports.
- Write thorough incident reports promptly and submit immediately to supervisor.
- Supervise youth at all times whether onsite or while on field trips.
- Manage program budget.
- Attend required meetings and trainings.
- Be an active member of the organization’s Program Leadership Team.
Relationships
- Actively engage with youth at all times, walking around during activity time to ensure participation and understanding.
- Manage youth behavior through positive reinforcement, redirection, and progressive discipline.
- Encourage and support youth recruitment and retention.
- Communicate with parents/guardians in a timely manner regarding positive remarks, behavior concerns, and incidents in a calm and professional manner.
Other
- Role model appropriate behavior at all times. This includes developing and maintaining appropriate professional relationships with youth, colleagues, parents/guardians, facilitators, etc.
- Responsible for tracking and fulfilling continuing education and professional development requirements and submitting records to supervisor.
- Accurately enter and report work time in a timely manner.
Qualifications
Education/Knowledge/Experience
- Minimum 25 years of age.
- High school diploma or equivalent required. Advanced degree preferred.
- Supervisory experience required.
- Experience developing and leading structured activities for urban youth required.
- CPR / First Aid certification (must be obtained within three months of hire).
- Acceptable driving record with a valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.
Skills/Personal Qualities/Attitude
- Embody COA values with a passion for serving others
- Philosophical compatibility with COA mission and youth development methods
- Strong youth management skills with ability to manage conflict and diffuse situations
- Must be computer literate: able to use Word to create, edit and format documents and flyers as well as Excel to enter in and evaluate data
- Cultural competency and respect for all types of diversity
- Effective interpersonal skills to develop strong working relationships
- Good written communication skills
- Good organizational and administrative skills
Physical Requirements / Working Conditions
- Ability to sit and stand for long periods of time
- Ability to move/run, i.e. to physically engage with the youth and actively participate in programming
The work environment is an active environment with urban youth and families in a variety of settings. This requires the ability to respond quickly to changing situations and be able to move around the COA site as needed.
These characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential job functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements of this job. It is not meant to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Send cover letter detailing interest in the position and resume to:
Dr. Amy Rowell, Executive Director, arowell@coa-yfc.org
(no calls, please)
Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. Interviews will be extended to the applicants most closely meeting the required qualifications. The position will remain open until filled.