Program Coordinator

Job Description:

YEC Program Coordinator
Reports To: Summerside Program Director
Works Collaboratively With: Program Development and Community Engagement Department
Location: Youth Engagement Centre (YEC), BGC Prince County

Position Summary
The YEC Program Coordinator is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and delivery of programming at BGC Prince County’s Youth Engagement Centre (YEC) for youth ages 10 and up.

The Coordinator creates an engaging, welcoming environment where youth can build relationships, develop practical and employment skills, explore interests and careers, and become increasingly involved in leadership, mentorship, volunteer and employment opportunities.

A key focus of the position is increasing participation among older youth and creating pathways that help young people progress from YEC participants to volunteers, Junior Mentors, leaders and, where appropriate, paid employees of BGC Prince County.

The YEC Program Coordinator works collaboratively with the Program Development and Community Engagement Department in the development of programming, resources and new initiatives and is responsible for implementing and coordinating programming at the YEC.

Key Responsibilities
Program Coordination & Delivery

• Coordinate and deliver high-quality programming for youth ages 10 and up at the Youth Engagement Centre.
• Coordinate YEC after-school, PD day and summer camp programming.
• Ensure programming is engaging, age-appropriate and responsive to the interests and needs of youth.
• Work collaboratively with the Program Development and Community Engagement Department to develop program plans, resources, schedules and activities.
• Implement established programs and new initiatives at the YEC.
• Incorporate BGC Canada programs, resources and best practices into YEC programming where appropriate.
• Coordinate workshops, guest speakers, field trips, special events and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Ensure programming makes effective use of YEC spaces and resources, including technology, music, recreation, teaching kitchen, career development and youth enterprise areas.
• Gather feedback from youth and use their input to help strengthen programming and participation.
• Maintain appropriate program schedules, attendance records, participant information and other required documentation.

Older Youth Engagement & Leadership Development

• Develop strategies to actively recruit and retain older youth at the YEC.
• Build relationships with youth and identify their interests, strengths, goals and potential leadership opportunities.
• Create meaningful opportunities for older youth to take increased responsibility within the YEC.
• Coordinate pathways for youth to progress from participant to volunteer, Junior Mentor, mentor and potential BGC employee.
• Provide youth with opportunities to develop leadership, communication, teamwork, responsibility and workplace skills.
• Encourage youth-led activities, projects and initiatives.
• Support youth in gaining practical experience that can contribute to future education, training and employment.

Career & Employment Readiness

• Coordinate career exploration and employment-readiness opportunities for youth.
• Provide or coordinate workshops related to resume writing, interview preparation, job searching, financial literacy and workplace expectations.
• Connect youth with training and credentials such as First Aid/CPR, Food Safety and other employment-related certifications where opportunities are available.
• Coordinate career exploration activities, guest speakers, workplace visits, post-secondary visits and other experiential learning opportunities.
• Support youth in exploring skilled trades, technology, entrepreneurship and other career pathways.
• Connect interested youth with scholarships, training opportunities, employment programs and community resources.
• Work with other BGC Prince County departments and programs to identify appropriate volunteer and employment opportunities for youth.

Youth Enterprise & Skills Development

• Support the development and operation of youth-led enterprise and entrepreneurship activities at the YEC.
• Help youth develop practical skills in areas such as customer service, marketing, product development, inventory, financial literacy, e-commerce and business operations.
• Coordinate opportunities for youth to use technology and equipment to develop technical, creative and entrepreneurial skills.
• Encourage youth to take projects from initial ideas through planning, development and completion.
• Create opportunities for youth to gain hands-on experience while learning responsibility, teamwork and workplace expectations.

School & Community Outreach

• Develop relationships with schools, guidance counsellors, teachers and other youth-serving organizations throughout the community.
• Visit schools and deliver presentations about the Youth Engagement Centre, available programs, career and skills opportunities, scholarships, volunteer opportunities and employment pathways.
• Actively recruit youth to participate in YEC programming, with particular attention to reaching older youth who may not otherwise become involved.
• Represent the YEC at school, community and youth-focused events.
• Build relationships with community organizations, employers, training providers and other partners who can create opportunities for youth.
• Coordinate guest speakers, mentors and community partners participating in YEC programming.

Youth Support & Engagement

• Build positive, professional relationships with youth and create an environment where they feel welcome, respected and included.
• Provide guidance, encouragement and mentorship to youth.
• Recognize when youth may require additional support and connect them with appropriate BGC staff or community resources.
• Promote positive behaviour, conflict resolution, inclusion and respect.
• Encourage youth to develop independence, confidence and responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and follow all BGC Prince County child and youth safety policies.

Staff & Program Leadership

• Provide day-to-day direction and support to staff, students, volunteers and Junior Mentors assigned to YEC programming, as directed by the Summerside Program Director.
• Ensure staff understand program plans, expectations, schedules and responsibilities.
• Support staff in delivering consistent, high-quality programming.
• Model positive youth engagement and professional conduct.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and organizational initiatives.
• Communicate program successes, challenges, youth needs and emerging issues to the Summerside Program Director.

Program Development, Evaluation & Reporting

• Work collaboratively with the Program Development and Community Engagement Department on new and expanded YEC programs.
• Support the implementation of programs connected to grants and other funded initiatives.
• Collect required attendance, participation, outcome and program data.
• Maintain accurate records required for grants, program evaluation and organizational reporting.
• Gather youth feedback, surveys, testimonials and program outcomes.
• Provide program information and data to the Program Development and Community Engagement Department, Fund Development Team and Summerside Program Director as required.
• Identify emerging youth interests, community needs and potential opportunities for new programming.
• Participate in program evaluation and continuous improvement.

Facility & Program Operations

• Support the safe and effective daily operation of the Youth Engagement Centre.
• Ensure program areas are prepared, organized and appropriately supplied.
• Monitor program equipment, technology and supplies and identify purchasing or replacement needs.
• Ensure youth use specialized equipment safely and appropriately.
• Support the coordination of transportation, field trips, special activities and community outings.
• Follow BGC Prince County policies and procedures related to safety, supervision, incident reporting, confidentiality and child protection.
• Complete other duties related to the Youth Engagement Centre as assigned by the Summerside Program Director.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Child and Youth Care, Human Services, Recreation, Education, Community Development or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working directly with youth, particularly teens and older youth.
• Experience developing or delivering youth programs.
• Strong ability to build positive relationships with youth.
• Comfortable delivering presentations to youth, schools, community partners and groups.
• Strong communication, organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple programs, activities and priorities.
• Knowledge of youth development, leadership development and employment-readiness programming is considered an asset.
• Experience with career development, entrepreneurship, skilled trades, technology or experiential learning is considered an asset.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff across departments and with community partners.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Successful completion of all required BGC Prince County screening and child safety requirements.

Working Conditions

• This position requires a flexible schedule based on YEC programming and youth participation.
• Regular afternoon and after-school hours are required.
• Evening, PD day, summer and occasional weekend work may be required.
• Travel to schools, community organizations, events and program activities throughout Prince County is required.

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