Description

Job Title: Youth Program Specialist

Department: Resident Services

Reports To: Regional Community Services Manager

Supervisory Role: May supervise interns

FLSA Status: Exempt (Salaried)

Location: 

The Arden Apartments (Alexandria, VA) and Wexford Manor Apartments (Falls Church, VA)

Per week, works 4 days onsite and 1 day remotely

Work Schedule:

Primarily Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work. 

Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. for Fall through Spring, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during Summer 

Schedule is subject to change depending on grant requirements and program schedule. 

Company Overview 

Wesley Housing, a leading nonprofit developer throughout Virginia and the District of Columbia, has worked to provide affordable rental housing for individuals and families for more than 50 years. Since its founding, Wesley Housing has emerged as a premier developer of affordable housing with current ownership of 43 communities. Wesley Housing supplements housing with supportive services to build up the lives of its ~5,300 residents living across its owned and operated communities, including low- and moderate-income families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities and/or chronic disease.  Wesley Housing’s headquarters are located in Alexandria, VA (Fairfax County).  For more information, please visit www.wesleyhousing.org and follow @WesleyHousing on social media. 

To apply, please visit our careers website at https://wesleyhousing.org/about-us/careers/. Click on Open Positions. Select the position you are interested in. Then click the Apply button to submit your application. 

Job Summary

The Youth Program Specialist is a catalyst for possibility, working hand-in-hand with residents and community partners to create dynamic, youth-centered programs that reflect Wesley Housing's mission and values. This role blends creativity, leadership, and heart to inspire young people, unlock their potential, and equip them with tools to thrive. Success in this position comes from strong organization, excellent communication, and a passion for building meaningful relationships through impactful youth engagement, program development, and community outreach.

Locations

The Specialist will support youth at both Wexford Manor and The Arden, working on site at each community at least twice a week, with one remote day. 

Essential Functions

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of youth programs.
• Conduct workshops, activities, and events to empower youth and foster growth.
• Ensure program content and delivery is both effective and trauma-informed.
• Develop and deliver curriculum as needed, creating activities and itineraries for programming.
• Collaborate closely with other team members and Youth Programs Specialist to ensure seamless program delivery.
• Partner with other Wesley Housing staff, schools, and community partners to enrich program offerings.
• Engage in team meetings to contribute to program planning and assessment.
• Cultivate and nurture positive relationships with program participants.
• Offer guidance and mentorship to youth, addressing their unique needs and challenges.
• Foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all program attendees.
• Gather and analyze data to assess program outcomes and effectiveness.
• Provide insights and recommendations for program enhancement based on participant input and evaluation findings.
• Maintain thorough documentation of program activities and outcomes.
• Support the recruitment of youth participants through outreach initiatives and partnerships with local schools and community groups.
• Promote Wesley Housing youth programs via diverse channels, including community gatherings, newsletters, flyers and other marketing methods.
• Conduct administrative duties related to program delivery, such as scheduling, materials preparation, and participant communication.
• Ensure adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Comply with confidentiality requirements for records and information management.
• Create and distribute monthly newsletters, calendar and flyers. 
• Advocate, organize, problem-solve and provide results for families and youth. 
• Communicate effectively with clients, volunteers, community partners, and coworkers. 
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Prepare and submit reports for quarterly board meetings and other key stakeholders to supervisor.
• Manage program and event budgets.
• Collaborate with Resident Services Coordinator on family programs.
• Supervise BSSW or MSW intern candidates completing field placement internships at Wesley Housing
• Participate in training and staff meetings
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities 

• Ability to interact with and be sensitive to a diverse population of clients regarding economic status, cultural background, and primary language.
• Excellent written and oral skills are essential. 
• Bilingual in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, or another language prevalent in the community is preferred, but not required. 
• Working knowledge of behavior management and conflict resolution strategies. 
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software. 
• Able to use program database (Apricot) to maintain program records and produce community impact and/or grant reports as needed.
• Ability to troubleshoot minor technical problems with computer equipment and peripherals. 
• Excellent relationship building, interpersonal, and networking skills. 
• Able to effectively manage time and meet deadlines.
• Excellent problem solver with a high level of organization and attention to detail.

Required Education, Certifications, Licenses, Related Experience 

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Development or a related field is preferred. An experienced candidate with some coursework who is still in school, will also be considered if they have the required combination of education and experience to allow them to flourish in the position. 
• A minimum of one year of experience working with youth in community-based settings (internships and summer work count towards meeting this requirement).

Physical Job Requirements 

• Able to remain stationary (standing/seated) in front of computer monitor more than half the time 
• Able to operate a motor vehicle and travel between different Wesley Housing properties throughout the week
• Able to regularly maneuver (lift, move, carry, slide, etc.) 15 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds
• Able to operate office equipment that requires the constant use of hands/fingers/wrists (examples: typing, filing, etc.) more than half the time 

Travel Requirements

• This position commutes between Wesley Housing sites and other area locations 25% of the time.
• If operating own vehicle, must possess a current driver’s license and personal car insurance and maintain a safe driving record.

Benefits Overview

Wesley Housing offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees that includes a competitive salary, health insurance, disability insurance, paid time off, cell phone stipend, opportunities for training, and a retirement plan with a company match.