Youth Worker

Organization Description

Hmong American Partnership (HAP) is a social service and community development organization whose mission is to empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential. HAP accomplishes its mission by:

• Improving the lives of individuals and families in our diverse communities by providing culturally sensitive social services.
• Strengthening neighborhoods by providing housing, community, and economic development opportunities.
• Promoting the rich heritage of our ethnic communities.

HAP’s vision is to reach out to the world with profound social, economic, and educational transformation.

Primary Function of the Position

Hmong American Partnership is seeking to hire program staff to work with youth in Grades 5 to 12 at our partner school, the Community School of Excellence (CSE), over the summer. The Youth Worker is primarily responsible for supporting the planning and facilitation of Summer School program activities. This position, at times, may provide leadership to Youth Interns (CSE High School students) in the learning program. The ideal candidate would be enthusiastic, committed to creating a fun and safe learning experience for children, and enjoy working with youth.

Position Responsibilities

• Participate in training and professional development activities that promote positive youth development.
• Work with the 21^st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) Coordinator and Managers to design, implement, and evaluate high-quality summer activities and lessons.
• Assist and support 21CCLC Program Staff with coaching Youth Interns.
• Maintain communication with Youth Interns, including observing their daily work and providing daily support that enhances their skills and experience to work with youth.
• Organize and teach a variety of activities appropriate for school-age children. Activities include sports, arts and crafts, STEM, indoor and outdoor games, etc.
• Daily set up and cleanup of classrooms, class/lesson plan materials, etc.
• Prep and implement engaging and enriching activities.
• Assist program staff with detailed and accurate records of student attendance and other critical data.
• Participate in field trips and program events (virtual and in-person).
• Provide tutoring and homework help in individual or group settings.
• Handle behavior management issues positively and appropriately.
• Participate and gather data in the evaluation of Summer activities.
• Other duties as needed to accomplish program goals and outcomes to support the organization’s mission and plans.

Job Qualifications

• Knowledge of the Hmong, Karenni, Karen, and other Southeast Asian cultures and traditions is preferred.
• Desire and passion for supporting positive youth development and building strong relationships with youth and families.
• Excellent rapport and ability to effectively communicate with young people.
• Demonstrated experience and interest in supporting the academic achievement of youth.
• Self-directed, motivated, and energetic.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Effective bilingual communication skills in Hmong, Karen, Karenni, or Burmese required.
• Strong computer skills with experience in Office 365, e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Share Point, Teams.
• High level of attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to be respectful, approachable, and courteous to all.
• Demonstrated ability to work and communicate effectively with people of diverse ethnic, economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
• Willing to be a team player and adapt as needed according to program needs.
• Must have access to reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, automobile insurance, and the willingness to use a personal vehicle for work-related travel.

Education and Experience

• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• Currently enrolled college student; or an AA/AS degree in Youth Development, Education, or related field is preferred; BA/BS is desired, or a combination of related education and work experience.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with youth ages 6 to 17 years old.

Essential Functions

The following position requirements are representative of those that will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to move around, bend, kneel, balance, stoop, and reach overhead.
• May occasionally need to run, jump, pull, push and crawl when conducting and facilitating games and activities.
• Will regularly be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, phone, and keyboard.
• Must be comfortable working both indoors and outdoors and have the ability to tolerate temperature fluctuations and moderate noise levels.
• Capable of lifting up to 20 pounds and physically redirect children weighing up to 80 pounds if necessary.
• Able to focus on data, analyze the information and draw conclusions
• Frequent interactions with coworkers and participants require the ability to communicate effectively.
• Frequent communication in writing and via email requiring the ability to read and write in English fluently.
• Occasional preparation and analysis of figures.