Youth Development Specialist

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE

Bridges to Independence is a non-profit organization that seeks to end homelessness and poverty for children and families in Arlington through housing, youth development, and ongoing supportive services. The Supportive Services team assists individuals in our Emergency Shelter, Emergency Overflow Shelter, Rapid Rehousing, and the Bonder & Amanda Johnson Community Services Center (BAJCSC). We also support program alumni through employment services, workforce development, youth development, and community-based resources.

Under the supervision of the Youth Development Manager, the Youth Development Specialist delivers trauma-informed programming and support that promote the educational, emotional, and social well-being of children and youth ages 0–18 in Sullivan House, Overflow Shelter, and Bridges’ community youth activities. This part-time position leads after-school, evening, weekend, and select holiday programming, providing homework assistance, enrichment activities, social-emotional learning, and caring mentorship in a safe, structured, and nurturing environment. The Specialist collaborates with Housing Stabilization Specialists, families, Arlington Public Schools, community partners, and volunteers to support school enrollment and educational stability, connect families with childcare and specialized resources, and coordinate youth and family activities. The role also supports childcare assistance administration, maintains accurate participation and program records, and contributes to outcome tracking and reporting.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES

NONE

DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

YOUTH PROGRAMMING & DIRECT SERVICE

· Lead daily after-school programming, including homework assistance, tutoring, and enrichment activities.

· Facilitate age-appropriate recreational, creative, and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities for children ages 0–18.

· Provide consistent, caring adult mentorship to youth navigating housing instability and trauma.

· Serve as the primary liaison for community partners supporting youth and family programming at the shelter, including coordinating activities and resources with organizations such as, but not limited to, Cakes4Kids, Tickets for Kids, HarmonywithU, and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA).

· Coordinate and lead weekend programming, including structured activities, family events, and community outings.

· Plan and execute special events such as inclusive holiday celebrations, back-to-school drives, and recognition activities.

FAMILY SUPPORT, CHILDCARE NAVIGATION, AND CASE COORDINATION

· Collaborate with the Sullivan House and Overflow Housing Stabilization Specialists to identify and respond to the individual needs of children and youth program participants, including connecting families to tutoring, behavioral health support, developmental services, and other specialized resources as appropriate that assist the head of household and/or supporting adult in providing and maintaining housing stability for the children and young adults within Bridges’ housing programs.

· Serve as the shelter’s McKinney-Vento liaison with Arlington Public Schools (APS), supporting school enrollment, attendance, and education stability for children and youth experiencing homelessness.

· Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding child participation, progress, and behavioral observations.

· Participate in team case conferences and interdisciplinary staff meetings as required.

DOCUMENTATION & ADMINISTRATION

· Support the administration of the direct childcare assistance program, including facilitating fund drawdowns and maintaining budgetary tracking.

· Maintain accurate records of youth participation, activity logs, and incident reports.

· Track program outcomes and contribute data to grant reporting and program evaluation.

· Assist in maintaining inventory of program supplies, materials, and donations.

· Adhere to all shelter policies, including confidentiality, mandatory reporting, and code of conduct.

· Other duties as assigned.

PROPOSED SCHEDULE

· This is a part-time, 20-hour per week position with a flexible schedule that will be developed in coordination with the Youth Development Manager.

· Approximately 10 hours per week must be worked during standard business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) to support school coordination, childcare navigation, family meetings, and administrative support.

· Approximately 10 hours per week must be worked during non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, to support enrichment programming.

· Position requires availability for:

o Three evenings per week (until 8:00 p.m.)

o 1–2 weekend days per month

o Select holidays, including but not limited to APS school closures such as Yom Kippur, Veterans Day, Eid al-Fitr, Spring Break, and select early release days

o Participation in youth events for both the community and the shelters

REQUIRED SKILLS /ABILITIES

· Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and select holidays — this is a firm requirement of the position.

· Demonstrated knowledge of child and youth development principles and trauma-informed practices.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships with children, families, and staff.

· Ability to maintain professional composure and boundaries in a high-stress, crisis-oriented environment.

· Satisfactory criminal background check and Child Protective Services (CPS) history clearance.

· Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to both shelter locations and offsite events.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree (required) in Social Work, Child Development, Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field, and a minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with children and/or youth in a social service, educational, or community program setting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Experience working in emergency shelter, transitional housing, or homeless services settings.

· Bilingual in English and Spanish or another language reflecting the local community.

· First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire).

· Experience with social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum or evidence-based youth development models.

· Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) training (or willingness to obtain within 60 days of hire).

· Mandated Reporter training for Child Protective Services (or willingness to obtain the certificate within the first week of hire).

· Familiarity with Arlington County and Northern Virginia community resources.

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person