ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT: The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) creates and coordinates services that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Driven by the needs of residents, DHSP's extensive services and programs touch almost every sector in the city: from newborns to senior citizens, from school-aged children to homeless families, from non-profit organizations to local employers.

ABOUT THE ROLE: The Youth Connector works at Cambridge Youth Programs (CYP) to support access and equity with youth and caregivers to build an awareness and connection of OST opportunities and increase their access to these resources.  The Youth Connector will actively engage in and support the Department's Race and Equity Initiative. This person will work closely with the youth centers' leadership teams on a variety of special projects and initiatives while also implementing programmed activities for youth center members. This position reports to the Director of Program, Quality and Training.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: In partnership with school-based OST Specialists, coordinate efforts to support youth and their families in building an awareness about OST opportunities and the role they play in youth development:

• Work as part the CYP team to become a knowledgeable source of information about the different OST programs that are available to youth. Supporting priority youth to attend the youth centers and assisting in meeting our CYP goals while promoting and living CYP's Values.
• Build relationships with school-based staff to support efforts to identify and connect youth to OST programs through individual youth through individualized meetings, small group meetings and school-based support teams.
• Develop strong systems of family engagement (across CYP an CPS) and communicate with families of young people about the options and logistical process of overcoming barriers to attending opportunities.
• Maintain marketing and outreach plan for CYP including but not limited to social media, organize, and help disseminate information about OST opportunities.
• Plan for, design, and implement developmentally appropriate activities for middle school-aged youth while being a positive role model and building positive relationships.
• Attend and participate fully in staff meetings, planning sessions, site visits, staff development and training programs and activities as directed.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to spend time actively learning about many OST programs.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a teamand to work independently and manage and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet applications (including Google Drive).
• Experience and comfort working with social media tools and/or campaigns (Facebook, Instagram, Slack).
• Understanding of middle school development, positive youth development techniques, the role of OST in that development, and the barriers to participation.
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience or knowledge of Cambridge OST programs is strongly preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, WORK FLEXIBILITY AND ACCOMODATIONS:

• Ability to lift a minimum of at least 50 lbs.
• Work environments includes admin office at Cambridge Public Schools. Standard office environment at 135 Berkshire Street, which includes fluorescent lighting, carpeting, and air conditioning and filtering in a shared office space that can be a busy and moderately loud office environment.
• Work environment also includes public school buildings and OST program sites.
• This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City's new Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.
• Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Vacation, personal and sick days
• Sick incentive pay eligibility
• Management bonus of $2700/year
• City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement, Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter