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Youth Development Specialist

 

Job Description

Youth development specialists support the healthy development of American Indian youth through the provision of cultural, educational, leadership and community service activities designed to strengthen their assets and grow their potential. Youth development specialists ensure youth are successful in setting career goals through education, training, mentoring and coaching. Youth development specialists work within contracted schools and through MIGIZI daily programming, elevating cultural awareness and academic support with American Indian youth. This position reports directly to MIGIZI President.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Develop annual work plans to guide the implementation and assessment of strategic goals and contractual agreements with community-based organizations and schools

  • Create curriculum and schedules to meet outcomes

  • Participate in the collection of data, story collection and  assessing outcomes through outcome tracker, and regular meeting to learn, celebrate and/or redefine strategies

  • Maintain timely and accurate program records in the organizational database

  • Recruit youth to programs, assist and advise youth in pursuit of their goals

  • Design and implement after-school and summer programming, coordinated with all MIGIZI staff

  • Engage youth as full partners in activities

  • Provide individual and small group mentoring to youth during school, after school, during breaks and summer ex. Talking circles, related cultural activities and field trips

  • Work with tribal elders and culture-bearers to incorporate programming with cultural teachings, adult guidance, and support.

  • Participation in coordination, leadership, and development for  SOS (Saturday of Service) or multi-generational service-learning opportunities with elders and youth

  • Communicate as required with families of youth served

  • Network within institutions and partners with school systems to strengthen relationships and opportunities

  • Additional duties as assigned by supervisor

 

 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Contribute to a cooperative, collaborative and flexible work team environment

  • Model positive behaviors to youth and staff

  • Proven ability to actively engage youth and their families/guardians in the creation and pursuit of education and career goals

  • Minimum five years experience planning, coordination and successful implementation of educational and internship support activities with American Indian youth

  • Knowledge of American Indian values and cultural practices

  • Knowledge of and familiarity with Minneapolis/St. Paul Indian communities

  • Background and ability to work with youth in a variety of settings and on a variety of projects

  • Computer skills (MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint)

  • Maintain confidentiality of required information

  • Bachelors Degree or equivalent experience required

  • Good driving record and ability to transport youth with an organizational vehicle.

  • Submit to a criminal background check as a prerequisite

 

 

Work Environment

Youth development specialists work in MIGIZI offices, schools, or in a field environment with youth programming. They spend time traveling implementing programming. A great deal of time may be spent standing and walking, and these individuals can frequently be exposed to the elements as well. These are normally salaried positions that require Monday - Friday average 40 hour work week, which can include nights and weekends.

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Please email melissaolson@migizi.org with your resume and cover letter.

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