Youth Program Specialist

Internal Applicants Only through April 21, 2026
Hourly Rate:  $18.95-$19.95

Schedule: Monday through Thursday 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

OBJECTIVES

Under the general supervision of the Youth Services Director and the direct supervision of the Assistant Youth Services Director, assists in the development, implementation, and coordination of comprehensive programs, including community activities, educational and social emotional programming for youth and their families as well as special events and general administration tasks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assist with the high school student leadership group; oversees and mentors students at meetings, community events, and programs.

Plans, coordinates, and oversees special events and provides program evaluations.

Assists the Assistant Youth Services Director in planning curriculum and implementing and promoting youth, teen, and family programming.

Assists the Assistant Youth Services Director with the recruitment of program instructors who align with the overall mission and strategy of Ellington Youth Services.

Trains, oversees, instructs, and provides input regarding the performance of staff and volunteers for department programs, activities, and special events.

Supervises youth, program assistants and volunteers; both on-site and off-site, while involved in Youth Services programs.

Maintains file and data collection; prepares reports for the Youth Services Director related to programs and activities for budgetary, grant and development purposes.

Attends all evening and weekend activities as required.

Orders program supplies and equipment for program areas as necessary, maintains inventory records of program supplies

Performs various general office and administrative tasks; takes and screens calls and visitors; processes program registrations both in person and by phone, retrieves and accepts mail; orders office supplies; prepares e-mail communications for programming.

Promotes the goals and philosophy promoted by the Youth Services Department.

Creates partnerships with other adults and community organizations in similar roles that advocate for Youth Services Programs and Initiatives. Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Must be self-directed, detail-oriented and organized.

Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.

Ability to maintain confidential records and information.

Must have experience and knowledge in child and family development.

Awareness of community resources and ability to connect with resources to enhance programs and services.

Ability to create and maintain a warm, caring, and safe environment for youth and families.

Must be able to maintain a flexible work schedule including after-school, evenings, and some weekends. Ability to provide leadership and supervise youth engaged in program activities.

Ability to follow program procedures to safeguard health, safety, and well-being of participants.

Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with students, families, and school personnel.

Ability to use critical and creative thinking in understanding the presenting situation, manage crises when they occur, and problem solve.

Ability to establish clear and concise reports and to maintain confidential records.

Ability to develop and implement and evaluate a wide range of youth-oriented programs and activities for youth that focus on positive youth development.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other Town department employees, police, school personnel, service providers, youth and their families and the general public.

Good knowledge of positive youth program development and operation principles and practices.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT OPERATION

Operates a motor vehicle with a valid driver’s license, a computer, software applications, social media sites and standard office equipment.

REQUIRED PHYSICAL EFFORT

Climbing stairs; sitting at a desk and working continuously for extended periods of time; getting in and out of an automobile. Performs duties in office, school, and outside environment. Engages in recreation activities including bending, walking, pulling, and pushing, sitting and/or kneeling on floor some lifting and carrying materials, may be occasionally required to move and or lift up to 25 pounds. Some stress involved in public contact.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Minimum)

Graduation from high school and six to nine months of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Must have and maintain a drivers’ license valid in Connecticut.

Current First Aid & CPR certification or ability to attain certification within 6 months of initial hire.