Youth Program Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

Because The Salvation Army is very concerned about preventing individuals from falling into financial despair, addiction, and a lifestyle that reflects poor citizenship in our society, we focus much of our efforts on children and teens. The purpose of this position is to assist corps officers and program leaders in attracting and maintaining youth to our variety of programs, including residential summer camp, summer day camp, character building programs (“troops”), music and arts, etc. This position will also serve to help those who take advantage of one program to connect to other helpful programs, and to expose parents to services and programs that they can access. The position holder will coordinate and execute activities for children and youth throughout the county and will report to the Divisional Secretaries of the San Diego Regional Office (SDRO) of the Southern California Division.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Recruit children for residential camp.
• Assist corps officers and local leaders in recruiting children for corps day camp.
• Establish and conduct follow-up activities for summer residential campers: mid-year activities, mailings, etc.
• Work to integrate campers into regular corps programming such as character-building troops, music and arts programs.
• Strategize with local leaders for recruitment of children into ongoing programs.
• Introduce parents and other family members to Salvation Army programs and services that will benefit themselves and their families.
• Organize and conduct monthly youth nights for teens at the county corps.
• Encourage and support local corps youth leaders.
• Organize local events for young adults and support and promote divisional young adult events.
• Work with divisional youth department to increase young adult involvement.
• Help promote divisional and territorial youth events.
• Provide program and sensitivity training for local youth leaders.
• Provide training in best practices for youth ministry for local leaders.
• Other duties as assigned by the Divisional Secretaries.