Program Specialist

The Program Specialist is responsible for the development and monitoring of Teen Center (TC) programs. The Program Specialist will establish the course schedule for the after-school art, media and leadership classes and summer works program. The specialist will hire teaching artists and instructors, provide orientation, and monitor that the curriculum is meeting assigned objectives. The coordinator will maintain art studio, media lab, and equipment. Lead seasonal exhibition design teams to showcase youth work. The program is designed to foster skills in art, media or leadership and enhance social emotional skills. The schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, 10:30 – 6:30pm.  

The Teen Center is a dynamic environment that provides safe and engaging space youth ages The Teen Center hosts a broad array of after-school activities and programs for youth such as art + media classes, food & nutrition, leadership development programs, and youth led events. The Teen Center has a work environment that is team oriented. The scope of work often requires collaboration with other LAYC staff, schools or community partners.

Latin American Youth Center's (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood. 

We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy. 

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 3 weeks paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year, 4 wellness days. 
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create an engaging and safe environment for youth to fully participate in Teen Center programs & activities.

Programs Responsibilities:

• Develop focus for art and leadership classes. 
• Set program schedule each 10-week class session- Fall, Spring, and 6-week Summer.
• Hire, on-board, and monitor work of teaching artists and college interns assigned to art program.
• Assess progress of programs and participants throughout the session.
• Prepare youth work for exhibitions at LAYC, Corner Gallery, and community locations. 
• Maintain inventory and monitor use of equipment.
• Be responsible for the safety and well-being of students and equipment.
• Support overall Teen Center programs, activities, and space.

Curriculum Development and Instruction:

• Support teaching artists and instructors in developing syllabi, pre-post test and final projects 
• Work with instructors to order supplies needed for class.
• Monitor that the syllabi meet objectives for class. 
• Encourage a variety of instructional techniques, instructional media, and performance assessments, which guide the learning process toward curriculum goals and student learning.
• Identify, and coordinate additional opportunities that complement sessions – ie. Fieldtrips or guest speakers. 
• Teach one art or media class in each session of the SY program.

Recruitment, Registration, Evaluation

• Works in collaboration with staff on recruitment events
• Develops and updates outreach materials as needed.
• Collaborates with staff to establish outreach schedule; and develops program specific outreach.
• Maintain ETO inputs for youth attendance and youth progress.

Additional

• Attends staff meetings, workshops, seminars, and training sessions as required. 
• Be familiar with the work facility and regulations.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor about program operation issues.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor's degree or three years of youth development experience.
• Demonstrated passion and expertise in visual art or media.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of community and local resources.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evenings for school events.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally. 

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

TO APPLY 

Please submit a cover letter and resume.