Youth worker Jobs in Cambridge, MA

Statement of Duties

The Youth Services Director will work with local stakeholders to design and implement a trajectory of youth programming to support Somerville youth from out of school time through career readiness. This programming must support youth learning and wellbeing and meet the logistical needs of families. The Director will ensure youth voice leads this initiative by recruiting and working with Somerville youth to develop and implement this plan. The Director will also work closely with community partner providers, along with the City's Department of Health and Human Services, Somerville Public Schools, Parks and Recreation, the City's Economic Development team, Somerville families, and other stakeholders. The Director will also oversee the development and operations of one or more Teen Center locations throughout the City. The position will report to the Deputy Director of Health & Human Services or their designee.

Essential Functions :

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Overall Program Assessment, Design, and Implementation

• Oversee (with a consultant) and support the development of youth services in the community and conduct a needs assessment and identify gaps in services / supports.
• Liaise with Somerville Public Schools, city departments and other youth-serving agencies to coordinate, expand and promote cross-sector services for youth.
• Partner with a variety of industries and sectors to offer a wide variety of positive experiences for all youth including the arts, STEM, and community programming.
• Advocate with and for youth both locally and in the region on a variety of issues impacting youth.
• Create a Somerville Youth Council to serve as a voice for youth issues.
• Ensure equitable access to youth activities and services for all.
• Partner closely with offices and agencies servicing at-risk youth; Somerviva Office of Immigrant Affairs, LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator, and the Office of Racial and Social Justice, Somerville Homeless Coalition, and other organizations.
• Serve as the Youth Services lead on the Somerville Children's Cabinet.
• In partnership with the City's Grants Department, identify and oversee grant opportunities to support youth programming.

Career Readiness

Teen Center Leadership

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience : Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Counseling, or a similar field, and five (5) years of experience administering or directing a youth services program and / or counseling of children or youth; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts, particularly as they pertain to youth.

Preferred Qualifications :

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge : Knowledge of and commitment to the overall vision of the City of Somerville Health and Human Services Department and to the concept of Collective Impact; knowledge of community engagement strategies and best practices for engaging hard to reach and disengaged communities; knowledge of current youth services landscape and best practices; knowledge of community group facilitation, programs that serve children, teens, and families; knowledge of and interest in career development, education and data-informed / evidence-based interventions. Systemic approach to creating structured programming that utilizes data to track measurable outcomes. Knowledge of and familiarity with the local area, local organizations, and understanding / experience working with municipalities preferred.

Abilities : Ability to work at a fluid, start-up level and willingness to adapt; ability to supervise, mentor and lead individuals and teams; ability to work autonomously, as part of a department, and as part of a cross-sector team.

Skills : Strong community engagement and facilitation skills; strong analytical and communication skills; proficient in MSOffice and similar spreadsheets, word processing, e-mail and database software; strong project management skills.

Work Environment

The work environment involves everyday discomforts typical of offices, with occasional exposure to outside elements. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but conditions are generally not unpleasant. Employee may be required to work beyond normal business hours to attend evening meetings or complete work assignments.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Skills

Minimal physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as office equipment or photocopy paper (up to 30lbs.).

Motor Skills

Duties are largely mental rather than physical, but the job may occasionally require minimal motor skills for activities such as moving objects, operating a telephone, personal computer and / or most other office equipment including word processing, filing and sorting of papers.

Visual Skills

Visual demands require constantly reading documents for general understanding and analytical purposes.

Hours : Full-Time

Salary : $82,806.06 annualized, plus benefits

Union : Non-Union

FLSA : Exempt

Date Posted : January 7, 2025

The City of Somerville is an affirmative action / equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities free of charge, upon request. Persons with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication (i.e., CART, ASL), written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures in order to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville should please contact Adrienne Pomeroy at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or [email protected].

Pre-Employment Requirements for All Employees :

Overview of Total Rewards :

Benefits listed are for benefits-eligible positions and the above information is meant to be a general overview of the benefit programs offered by the City of Somerville and not a binding contract.