Program Specialist for STEAM or Rec

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

The Program Specialist plans, implements, supervises, and promotes high-quality after-school programming with an emphasis in one of the following areas:

• Recreational and Physical Activities
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics)

Boys & Girls Clubs of South Central Kansas programs are designed to empower youth to positively influence their Club, school, and community. The Program Specialist fosters positive youth development, encourages healthy relationships, promotes respect for diversity, and supports each member in building a positive self-image.

KEY ROLES: (Essential Job Responsibilities)

Prepare Youth for Success:

• Create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment that supports positive youth development outcomes.
• Promote and encourage active participation in Club programs and activities.
• Serve as a positive role model by providing guidance, mentorship, and behavior support to members.
• Utilize Boys & Girls Club philosophy and practices to maintain age-appropriate discipline and effectively de-escalate behaviors as they arise.
• Demonstrate a warm, caring, and supportive attitude toward youth while fostering positive interactions with individuals and groups.

Program Development and Implementation:

• Plan, implement, and facilitate recreational or STEAM programs, activities, and services for Club members.
• Monitor and evaluate programs to ensure quality, safety, member engagement, and alignment with organizational standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming program environment at all times.
• Adapt programs and activities to reflect the diverse cultural backgrounds, interests, and developmental needs of members.
• Continuously assess program effectiveness and recommend improvements to enhance the member experience.

Teamwork and Supervision:

• Contribute to a positive and productive work environment by participating in staff meetings, site meetings, and organizational meetings as requested.
• Maintain accurate records and reports, including program activities, participation data, incidents, and member conduct concerns.
• Attend required trainings and pursue professional development opportunities to strengthen job performance and program quality.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to all organizational safety procedures, including emergency, fire, tornado, and lockdown protocols.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain knowledge of daily program schedules and activities.
• Support the implementation of organization-wide programs and special events as needed.
• May be required to operate a Club vehicle in accordance with organizational policies.
• May assist with answering phones and performing light administrative duties.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

FUNDAMENTAL RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal: Maintain close contact with Club staff and supervisor to receive/provide information, discuss issues, explain, or interpret guidelines/instructions; instruct; and advise/counsel.

External: Maintain contact with parents or guardians to communicate about Club activities, explain or interpret Club guidelines, and address any conduct issues relative to members. May be required to communicate with or work closely with school principals and classroom instructors.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

• Experience working with children, preferred experience working with groups of children.
• Knowledge of youth development.
• Ability to relate well with children, motivate youth and manage behaviors.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to implement quality programs for youth.
• Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and mobility when supervising children in active environments.
• Ability to organize, supervise, and maintain a safe environment for members.
• Valid Driver’s License with little or no violations, preferred.
• Pass background check and complete fingerprinting.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE PREFERRED:

• CPR/First Aid Certification (training provided, if necessary)

PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Demands

• Regularly: walking, bending, reaching, stretching, hearing and understanding speech at normal levels, speaking in an audible tone so others may understand clearly, seeing, repetitive hand motions, physical ability to push/pull/lift/carry up to 5 pounds.
• Occasionally: lifting 10 to 50 pounds, and stationary work.

Equipment Use

• Regularly: phones, iPads, and two-way radios
• Occasionally: kitchen equipment, audio visual equipment, copy/scanner, and hand tools.           

Work Environment

• Regularly: indoor and outdoor work in varied weather conditions, working both with a team and independently, fast paced and noisy conditions.
• Occasionally: odors, varied lighting, small and/or enclosed spaces.

Mental Demands

• Regularly: managing workplace stressors and handling noncompliant behaviors.

DISCLAIMER:

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.