Boys & Girls Club of south Puget Sound hires Pierce Vets
Katelyn Hummel
Staff Writer
The position is Part Time Program Specialist of the Heroes Helping Kids Program, and the Boys and Girls Club of South Puget Sound (BGCSPS) are hiring veterans attending Pierce.
The job is a work-study financial aid program with a range of responsibilities and requirements, however the job may be viewed as a sweet reward.
As program specialist, the veteran would be expected to plan, organize, implement and supervise all programs and activities to their specified program area under the supervision of the Program Director.
Some of the job duties that would be required of the veteran would be to participate in weekly branch staff meetings, maintain a steady stream of open contact with staff, club members and volunteers, prepare weekly reports for the Program Director, and promote safety of members and cleanliness of the program area.
“We of course hope to ensure a good fit against the job duties as outlined and the individual veteran’s desires and needs,” said Larry Saunders, Pierce’s point of contact at the BGCSPS.
And finding a good fit is not hard to find with the variety of program areas that include the Arts, health and life skills, sports, technology, education, and recreation.
The requirements, however, are a little tougher to squeeze through.
“As with all of our new employees, because they work directly with children, they must pass a criminal history and sex offender background check as well as a preemployment drug screen,” says Saunders.
Along with the background check, the veteran must be eligible for work-study financial aid, must be attending Pierce, must get First Aid/CPR Training, and must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Veterans should expect the need for strong verbal communication skills as well as a need for positivity and professionalism in the workplace. The job requires a lot of teamwork and an upbeat environment for all members.
They should also expect some physical exertion through lifting, bending, standing, some running, keyboarding, and demonstrating activities to children. Veterans should be aware and expect some loud noises such as the noise from crazed children or the screaming of a proud soccer mom.
Although the list of requirements and responsibilities runs long, the rewards can be great.
As program specialist, the veteran becomes a role model to youth and adolescents. They are put into the position to guide and help grow the next generation. Working with the children at the Boys and Girls Club can be an enriching experience for both the veteran and the youth.
“Additionally,” says Saunders, “ BGCSPS will work to find a successful professional from among our broad contacts in the community to mentor our veteran employees in their transition from the military to civilian life.”
When asked about the number of remaining positions, Saunders said that they hope to fill three or four positions this year.
“[We] plan to grow our capacity as much as feasible,” says Saunders, “given available funding and staffing needs as BGCSPS over the next several years.”
The BGCSPS locations are Al Davies, DA Gonyea, HT Shatz, Lakewood clubs, and some South Pierce County School sites.
The job-opening posting will remain on the Pierce College database until the positions are filled. Those who are interested in applying are asked to check their financial aid eligibility at the Pierce Financial aid office, send a cover letter of interest, a resume, and three current references via mail or emaill ([email protected]). Shifts are usually between 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. or until closing, yet times vary with the school calendar.
For more information, contact Vickie Bell at the college’s Veteran Student Center, 253-964-6364. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 1 p.m. on Friday.
