Youth Development Professional - Elementary

Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro•San Leandro, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Youth Development Professional, you’ll create a safe, fun, and inclusive after-school environment where middle school youth can learn, grow, and build confidence. Through engaging activities and mentorship, you’ll support their academic success and social-emotional development. This role directly contributes to Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro by fostering positive youth development and ensuring a high-quality after-school experience. What makes this role unique is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work with a diverse team, and make a lasting impact in a dynamic, supportive setting.

Requirements

No prior experience required—this is an entry-level role with hands-on training provided.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, managing transitions, playtime, and structured learning with flexibility and patience.
High emotional intelligence and integrity, with a deep understanding of how to support early social-emotional development.
Ability to connect authentically with young children, building trust through warmth, consistency, and engaging interactions.
Extreme patience and the ability to stay calm under pressure, especially when helping children navigate big emotions, social conflicts, or new experiences.
High school diploma + 48 college semester units (˜ 2 years college), OR
High school diploma + an Associate’s (or higher) degree, OR
High school diploma + a passing score on the district’s Paraeducator/Paraprofessional Exam within the first 30 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Multi-conversational language skills are a HUGE plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog).

Responsibilities

Engaging Supervision – Create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment where all youth feel supported.
Facilitate Engaging Activities – Lead fun and meaningful after-school programs that promote learning, creativity, and social development.
Adapt and Implement Lessons – Deliver curriculum-based activities while modifying approaches to meet the needs and interests of elementary-aged students.
Create a Positive Learning Environment – Establish clear expectations, routines, and behavior management strategies to keep youth engaged.
Build Positive Relationships – Foster trust and inclusion by mentoring youth, encouraging participation, and recognizing individual strengths.
Manage Daily Operations – Oversee transitions, playtime, meals, and lessons to ensure a smooth and structured program flow.
Collaborate with Your Team – Work closely with colleagues to improve activities, support program goals, and share best practices.
Be Flexible and Support Where Needed – Step in to assist at different sites or take on additional responsibilities to meet program needs.
Ensuring constant supervision of all youth, maintaining a structured, safe, and engaging environment.
Implementing emergency protocols, behavior management strategies, and safety guidelines to protect all participants.
Proactively addressing potential risks, maintaining clean and organized spaces, and teaching youth about responsible and respectful behavior.
Leading by example, demonstrating honesty, dependability, and professionalism in all interactions with youth, families, and staff.
Taking ownership of responsibilities, completing tasks thoroughly, and following through on commitments.
Maintaining confidentiality and upholding ethical standards while working with children, families, and program information.
Addressing behavioral challenges with positive reinforcement strategies, maintaining a supportive and structured program environment.
Adjusting activities and engagement techniques based on the needs of individual youth and group dynamics.
Proactively identifying potential program improvements, collaborating with the team to implement creative solutions.
Engaging in open and respectful communication with youth, making them feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
Providing clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and consistent expectations to ensure a smooth and engaging program experience.
Collaborating with colleagues, school staff, and families to ensure seamless transitions and youth support.
Creating an inclusive environment where all youth feel welcome, respected, and represented.
Encouraging discussions and activities that celebrate diverse backgrounds, traditions, and experiences.
Demonstrating awareness and sensitivity to the unique needs of different cultural, linguistic, and social groups.
Inspiring youth by modeling confidence, kindness, and a strong work ethic.
Encouraging independence and self-expression by guiding youth in decision-making and problem-solving.
Supporting fellow team members by offering ideas, constructive feedback, and collaboration to enhance program quality.
Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure seamless program execution, assisting as needed to support team success.
Building positive relationships with youth, staff, and families to foster a supportive community.
Contributing ideas, insights, and resources to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the program.
Using program materials and supplies responsibly, ensuring resources are not wasted and remain available for future activities.
Assisting in tracking attendance and participation data to ensure proper allocation of program funding.
Teaching youth the value of responsibility, respect for shared resources, and sustainable decision-making.
Setting clear objectives for youth engagement, participation, and personal development within the program.
Continuously evaluating activities and adjusting to improve learning outcomes and youth experiences.
Monitoring progress and celebrating small wins to reinforce motivation and achievement for both youth and staff.
Adjusting quickly to changing schedules, site needs, and youth dynamics while maintaining enthusiasm and structure.
Supporting youth through transitions, unexpected situations, and new challenges with patience and encouragement.
Embracing feedback, learning from experiences, and implementing new strategies to enhance program effectiveness.