Youth Empowerment Professional

B

Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County

Youth Empowerment Professional

Yelm, WA
Part Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Title: Youth Empowerment Professional
    Location: Yelm Branch
    Category: Part-time, Non-Exempt
    Reports To: Branch Director and Kaila's Kids Director
    Pay Rate: $18.50/hr -$19.25/hr (depending on experience)
    **Weekly Schedule: 15 hours per week Monday-Friday, with additional hours available during school breaks, early release days, and summer season. Schedule to be finalized upon hire.

    ** JOB SUMMARY

    The Youth Empowerment Professional creates a dedicated, daily space at the Club focused on social-emotional learning (SEL), positive behavior support, and youth empowerment. This position blends engaging program delivery with intentional mentoring to help youth build self-awareness, problem-solving, and relationship skills.

    The YEP ensures that SEL and behavioral supports are integrated into daily Club routines—not just provided once a week or through a specialized program. Working closely with Club staff, families, and community partners, the YEP fosters a safe, inclusive, and encouraging environment where every member can thrive.

    CORE SEL FOCUS AREAS

    Youth Empowerment Professionals help youth grow through five SEL focus areas:

    • Self-Awareness: Helping youth recognize and name their emotions, strengths, and needs.
    • Self-Management: Teaching tools for managing stress, controlling impulses, and setting goals.
    • Social Awareness: Building empathy and understanding of others' perspectives.
    • Relationship Skills: Practicing communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution.
    • Responsible Decision-Making: Guiding youth to make safe and caring choices in daily life.

    These focus areas are woven into daily Club activities, small groups, and informal moments throughout the day.

    ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

    Program Delivery and Supervision

    • Plan, lead, and supervise daily SEL-based activities in designated program area.
    • Deliver engaging, age-appropriate programs and activities that promote teamwork, emotional regulation, and self-confidence.
    • Incorporate evidence-based SEL tools (e.g. check-ins, mindfulness activities, problem-solving games).
    • Actively supervise space to maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all members.
    • Support youth in setting and achieving personal and behavioral goals through encouragement and reflection.
    • Track and report trends in behavior and engagement to inform program improvement.

    Collaboration and Communication

    • Partner with Branch Director and Kaila's Kids Director to ensure a consistent, positive Club culture.
    • Model inclusive practices that embrace youth from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
    • Maintain productive and positive relationships with all staff.
    • Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development focused on SEL and youth empowerment.
    • Ability to travel between work sites as needed or directed.
    • Assume other tasks, assignments, and responsibilities as needed or directed.

    Youth Mentorship and Leadership

    • Act as a positive role model, helping youth develop communication, problem-solving, and empathy skills.
    • Encourage respect, responsibility, and resilience through daily interactions.
    • Elevate youth voice by inviting member input on programs and community-building activities.

    QUALIFICATIONS

    • High School Diploma or GED.
    • At least 18 years old.
    • Demonstrated experience working directly with youth in group or mentoring settings.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Ability to manage group dynamics, respond calmly to challenges, and support emotional regulation.
    • CPR and First Aid certification (available upon hire).
    • Must pass local and national background check and pre-employment drug screening (in accordance with RCW 49.44.240).

    PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

    • Experience facilitating SEL or behavioral support activities for youth.
    • Experience working in a Boys & Girls Club or similar youth program environment.
    • Bilingual (Spanish/English) proficiency; $0.50/hr pay premium for fluent Spanish speakers.

    BENEFITS

    • Paid sick leave
    • Paid holidays for part-time staff with more than one year of Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County employment.
    • Paid professional development training
    • Free access to Employee Assistance Program
    • Paid First Aid/CPR certification
    • Hourly pay premium of $0.50/hour for fluent Spanish speakers

    WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

    This position operates primarily in Club-based indoor settings and uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and filing systems. It will require travel between Club sites and sometimes to off-site locations for trainings, meetings, or program support.

    The role requires physical, mental, and emotional stamina to work in dynamic and sometimes high-energy environments. Duties may involve standing, walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and using hands for various tasks. The employee must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and move about the work environment with sufficient agility to push/pull, squat, bend, stoop, twist, and reach overhead.

    Additional requirements include:

    • Manual dexterity to write, use phones and computers, and operate a vehicle.
    • Visual and auditory ability to read materials, engage in conversation, and lead groups.
    • Mental acuity to assess and respond to situations, collect and interpret data, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
    • Ability to handle noise and activity generated by youth in enclosed environments.
    • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility to collaborate with a wide variety of individuals.

    DISCLAIMER

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

    ABOUT US

    Founded in 2001, Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County (BGCTC) inspires and enables youth to realize their greatness. With nine Clubs across Lacey, Olympia, Rochester, Tenino, Tumwater, and Yelm, we serve over 1,500 youth and teens each year in safe, fun, and supportive spaces during out-of-school time. BGCTC is led by CEO Shellica Trevino and supported by a strong Board of Directors and nearly 75 employees.

    Visit www.bgctc.org to learn more about our organization.

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Thurston County is committed to equal employment opportunity. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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