Youth Program Lead

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

BASIC PURPOSE

The Youth Activities Program Lead is responsible for developing, implementing, and supervising safe, enriching, and developmentally appropriate programs for youth, including After School Programs (ASP), Summer Day Camps (SDC), and tutoring initiatives. Under the supervision of the Youth Activities Manager, the Program Lead will create a positive environment for children, leading activities such as homework assistance, creative arts, sports, and recreational programs, including basketball.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Curriculum Development: Create, coordinate, and evaluate a developmentally appropriate curriculum and lesson plans that incorporate homework support, recreation, and creative arts for staff to follow.
2. Evaluate Lesson Plans: Review weekly lesson plans to stimulate growth in language, social skills, motor skills, and creative arts; create lessons when necessary.
3. Model Effective Learning Environments: Ensure a well-organized and engaging learning space, maintaining necessary housekeeping duties.
4. Maintain Records: Ensure all required classroom records are kept accurately, including attendance, meal counts, and incident reports, to meet grant requirements.
5. Monitor Safety: Ensure children are always supervised in compliance with child safety requirements.
6. Disciplinary Procedures: Implement effective disciplinary procedures for all program participants.
7. Special Events Planning: Organize events to showcase participants and promote parental involvement.
8. Support Staff Meetings: Work with the Youth Activities Manager to support staff meetings for training and addressing policies and concerns.
9. Inventory Management: Maintain inventory and compile supply orders as needed.
10. Professional Attitude: Maintain a positive atmosphere while ensuring confidentiality with staff, parents, and volunteers.
11. Fee Collection: Monitor collection of program fees and address accounts in arrears.
12. Parent Communication: Communicate regularly with parents about program needs and changes.
13. Handling Income: Manage and deposit cash or checks promptly.
14. Child Pickup Procedures: Ensure safe sign-in and sign-out processes for participants.
15. Behavioral Communication: Immediately report any disciplinary or behavioral concerns to parents and supervisors.
16. Facility Security: Ensure the facility is safe and secure daily.
17. Flexible Availability: Be willing to work on weekends as needed.
18. Christmas Activities: Assist in holiday events, such as bell ringing.
19. Summer Camp Assistance: Assist the Youth Activities Director with promoting, planning, and executing the Summer Day Camp and related activities.
20. Staff Meetings: Attend all required meetings, training, and orientation.
21. Additional Duties: Perform other job-related tasks as assigned by supervisors.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

1. Education: AA or 1-3 years of experience in after-school programming.
2. Passion for Youth: Must have enthusiasm for children and youth and a vision for youth ministry aligned with The Salvation Army's goals.
3. Leadership Skills: Proven ability to work effectively with children, parents, and staff in a mentoring and supportive role.
4. Office Skills: Proficient in general office tasks, including computer skills, communication, and documentation.
5. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to draft and edit materials.
6. Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Corps Officers, community members, and team members.
7. Adaptability: Capable of functioning in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

1. Must possess a valid California Class C Driver License, and ability to drive a Standard Salvation Army vehicle or to drive a DOT Regulated vehicle (non-CDL).
2. Must be 21 years or older.
3. Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check.
4. Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
2. Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
3. Ability to reach overhead
4. Ability to operate telephone
5. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for administrative positions
6. Ability to operate a computer
7. Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
8. Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer.

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.