Job Description

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Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Opportunity for advancement
• Training & development

Position Summary

The Youth Development Professional (YDP) is a front-line program staff member at a Blue Door Academy school-based site. Working up to 22.5 hours per week, the YDP reviews, facilitates, and delivers structured afterschool enrichment programming for youth in grades K–12 under the direct supervision of the Unit Director. This role is grounded in the principles of Positive Youth Development and requires a consistent, caring adult presence that creates safe, high-quality learning environments every day.

Blue Door Academy YDPs are expected to arrive prepared, execute programming with fidelity, and contribute to a site culture that young people and families trust. This is not a babysitting role — it is a professional position with meaningful accountability for youth outcomes.

What This Role Requires: The Blue Door Academy Staff Standard

Every YDP is expected to hold three commitments in every shift:

• You Show Up for Youth - For a Youth Development Professional, presence is everything. Young people thrive when they can count on a caring, consistent adult who knows their name, notices when they are struggling, and celebrates when they succeed. Every session, every interaction, and every activity is an opportunity to build the kind of trust that changes a young person’s trajectory.
• You Deliver the Program - Blue Door Academy is defined by the quality of what happens in the room. YDPs are responsible for reviewing, planning and facilitating structured, engaging activities aligned to Blue Door Academy’s enrichment model. High-quality program delivery is not optional — it is the core of this role and the standard youth and families expect.
• You Hold the Standard - Academy sites operate with consistency, structure, and intention. YDPs are expected to know the expectations, follow the routines, and contribute to a culture of excellence. The experience a young person has at a Blue Door Academy site reflects the professionalism and commitment of every staff member on the team.

Key Responsibilities

Program Planning & Delivery

• Plan and facilitate structured, engaging activities and enrichment sessions aligned to Blue Door Academy’s program model and BGCA’s core program areas.
• Deliver programming that incorporates the Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development: safe environment, fun and belonging, supportive relationships, opportunities and expectations, and recognition.
• Follow the daily program schedule established by the Club/Site Director; arrive on time and prepared for each session.
• Use Club Programs, BGCA resources, and Blue Door Academy-approved curricula to plan and document sessions in advance.
• Adapt activities to meet the developmental needs and interests of youth in grades K–12.

Youth Engagement & Relationship Building

• Build authentic, consistent relationships with youth grounded in trust, respect, and high expectations.
• Greet youth by name; maintain a warm, encouraging presence throughout each session.
• Recognize and respond to behavioral, emotional, and developmental needs; escalate concerns to the Club/Site Director as appropriate.
• Model positive behavior, conflict resolution, and inclusive communication in all interactions.

Site Operations & Safety

• Maintain supervision of youth at all times in accordance with required staff-to-member ratios.
• Implement all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and organizational policies.
• Keep program spaces clean, organized, and safe; report facility or supply issues promptly.
• Take accurate daily attendance and submit required documentation on schedule.

Professional Standards & Continuous Learning

• Complete a mandatory 10-hour Blue Door Academy onboarding prior to working directly with youth at any Academy site.
• Complete a minimum of 20 hours of continuous professional learning throughout the school year, including BGCA Spillett Leadership University (SLU) coursework and site-level training.
• Attend all required staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.
• Receive and apply feedback from the Club/Site Director; demonstrate consistent growth in program quality.
• Maintain professional conduct, confidentiality, and compliance with all organizational policies.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with youth in an educational, recreational, or community-based setting preferred.
• Experience facilitating structured activities or group programming preferred.
• Prior experience with Boys & Girls Clubs of America or a comparable youth-serving organization preferred.

Required Certifications & Clearances

• CPR/First Aid certification (required within 30 to 60 days of hire; see Site Addendum for site-specific timing).
• Mandated Reporter training completion prior to working with youth.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, fingerprinting, and state clearances prior to working with youth.
• Additional site-specific certifications and clearances listed in the Localization Addendum.

Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to build positive, professional relationships with youth, families, and colleagues.
• Strong communication skills; ability to engage youth of varying ages and developmental stages.
• Ability to follow structured program plans and adapt activities in real time.
• Reliable, punctual, and accountable; able to meet the demands of a part-time professional schedule up to 22.5 hours per week.
• Cultural competence and demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to stand, move throughout program spaces, and actively engage with youth for extended periods. Staff may be required to sit on the floor, lift up to 25 lbs., and work in both indoor and outdoor environments.

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

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The organization began in 1969 as a Boys’ Club with a very modest operation at the Pitt County Fairgrounds.

Since that time, the organization has experienced significant growth in membership, programs, and facilities. In 1992 the Jack Minges Unit was built to accommodate the growing need for youth services and to include girls in the membership. Additional units were established in Ayden in 1993, Farmville in 1995 and Uptown Greenville in 2007. The Grady-White Boats/E.R. Lewis Family Unit was opened in 2007. The Club in Ayden relocated in April of 2010 and was named the Dr. Ledyard E. Ross Unit. The organization assumed responsibility for the Club in Lenoir County in 2010, two Clubs in Beaufort County in 2013, opened a new Club in November 2013 within Greene County Intermediate School and its 10th Club in Robersonville at East End Elementary School in January 2016. Today, more than 1,300 at-risk and in-need young people are taking advantage of the programs, activities and services provided by Clubs. In 2015, the organization changed its name to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain to properly represent its presence in Pitt, Lenoir, Beaufort, Greene, Martin, Carteret and Craven Counties.