What are the responsibilities and job description for the ORBIT Program Assistant position at Open Space for Arts & Community?
ORBIT Youth Space, a program of Open Space for Arts and Community, provides free access and a safe space for arts, music, and self-expression for youth on Vashon Island, through weekly drop-in afterschool programming and special events for middle and high school youth. ORBIT works in collaboration with other island youth organizations to provide a facility for youth events, fundraisers, camps, and meetings.
Open Space for Arts & Community seeks an ORBIT Youth Assistant to help facilitate the delivery of ORBIT youth programming. Under the direction of the ORBIT Program Manager, the ORBIT Youth Assistant will work directly with middle and high school aged young people at our weekly drop-in programming and monthly youth events. They will also be involved with collaborative community-based projects, listen to community needs, and provide arts and music mentorship to youth.
The ORBIT Program Assistant reports to the ORBIT Program Manager. This is a part-time position of 8-10 hours/week.
Program Assistant responsibilities include:
- Open, staff, and close ORBIT for drop-in hours after-school on Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30pm-6:30pm, with potential additional hours for staffing monthly special events
- Complete ORBIT facilitator training, CPR, Mental Health First Aid, and other ongoing trainings and professional development
- Chaperone Drop-In and monthly youth events like dances, open mic, etc
- Facilitate youth-geared activities, games, discussions, and projects with youth during Drop-in
- Track attendance, help post communications on ORBIT’s social media
- Support youth and community members in following and maintaining ORBIT Community Agreements and venue policies
- Listen to community needs and input
- Program feedback, event planning, and general collaboration with Program Manager and fellow ORBIT staff
- Engage with teen volunteers to help direct future programming
- Empower young people through arts, music, and creative expression
- Uphold ORBIT and Open Space values and mission
Qualifications
- Experience working with youth
- Passion for inclusive arts and music programming for youth
- Strong leadership qualities, highly motivated, and able to take initiative and self-guide projects
- Positive and non-judgemental attitude
- Excellent organizational skills
- Experience in, or interest in developing, facilitation skills for youth-centered activities, discussions, and programs
- Excellent communication skills
- Familiarity with social media
- Ability to communicate via Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive and Google Calendar)
- Flexible schedule to include evenings and weekends
- Must be a legal resident of Washington State
- Must be eligible to obtain a Class 12 or Class 13 MAST Permit