Youth Development Specialist

🧭 About the Role

The Youth Development Specialist will help build the BAR program @ Thurgood Marshall — a groundbreaking, school-based initiative supporting middle school youth with high-quality, no-cost after-school and summer programming.

This full-time role delivers daily after‑school and summer enrichment programming while advancing a bold, equity‑centered partnership between the YMCA and Olympia School District. 

💡 You Might Be a Fit If...

• You are 21 years of age or older. 
• You're a systems thinker with a heart for community.
• You have experience facilitating or leading youth-focused activities.
• You're comfortable using diverse forms of technology to create and communicate.
• You speak the language of Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships.
• You’re equally comfortable at a staff training, school leadership meeting, or pickleball tournament.
• You can model developmental and relationship skills. 

🔧 Key Responsibilities

• Plan and lead engaging, developmentally appropriate activities for students ages 11‑14.
• Utilize trauma-informed skills to manage behaviors and create safe spaces within program. 
• Develop equity-focused practices that remove barriers and encourage an inclusive environment.
• Collaborate with families, educators, and community stakeholders to support student progress. 
• Use data to track student attendance and program participation to improve program outcomes.
• Assist with supply management, budget tracking, and logistics related to student activities.

🧰 What You Bring

•    Minimum 1+ year of experience working with youth in a group of classroom setting.
•    Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
•    Commitment to anti-racist, equity focused work.
•    1+ year experience in afterschool enrichment programming, classroom education, recreation, or relevant fields preferred (HS Diploma or GED required).
•    1+ year experience and or practicing knowledge of SEL and restorative practices.
•    Bilingual or multicultural experience highly desirable.

💙 Why the Y?

• Create a brand-new, high-impact program in partnership with Olympia School District.
• Join a mission-driven team that values equity, creativity, and collaboration.
• Full-time benefits, YMCA Membership, and ongoing professional development.

Be part of reimagining what middle school can feel like for every student!