A youth coordinator is a person who works on programs that cater to the needs of teenagers. Various organizations, including regional and local governments, as well as private organizations, employ youth coordinators. People who choose this profession usually want to help young people who are in need. They could work to improve children’s access to a safe place to hang out, provide academic tutoring, act as a mentor, or help with any other needs in the community, especially in a struggling one. The required experience, skills, and education level to obtain employment will vary depending on the needs of the organization and the requirements of that position, as with many other jobs and careers.
Youth coordinators are in charge of creating, implementing, and/or maintaining programs that are tailored to the needs and interests of the youth in a given community. Sports programs, cultural programs, and academic support or tutoring are just a few examples. If a program isn’t already in place, the youth coordinator may go out into the community to assess needs, develop a plan to address those needs, and, in many cases, manage fundraising to bring the program to life.
A youth coordinator can speak with parents, organizations that represent youths, such as schools and afterschool programs, and young people themselves to determine the needs of youth in a community. The youth coordinator will continue to oversee the program once it is in place. He or she will most likely supervise the staff, manage the distribution of resources or services, and keep in touch with the community to assess the program’s effectiveness and determine the need for any changes.
Given the amount of coordination required in a typical youth coordinator position, the individual in this position should possess strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to effectively manage his or her time. Youth coordinators are frequently under-supervised the heads of organizations, so they must be able to work independently and with their team. A good problem solver with knowledge of the regulations and procedures for working with youth in the community is another important skill set for a youth coordinator. To manage all of the information involved in establishing and maintaining a community-wide organization, good administrative skills, including computer skills, are frequently required.
Although much of the job will entail collaborating with community organizations and adults in the area, the youth coordinator must be at ease working with children and teenagers. Basic counseling skills are also important in this situation. Young people in need of youth organizations may be dealing with difficult issues such as crime or poverty, depending on the area, so being able to communicate with them is critical to better understanding their needs.
The education level required for a youth coordinator varies depending on the position. A bachelor’s degree in social work, medical or health education will be required for many youth coordinator jobs. Degrees in psychology or education, as well as counseling experience, may be required. A master’s degree and/or work experience in one of these fields may be required for some programs.