Youth Development Professional

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL (YDP) - ELEMENTARY 

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Title: Youth Development Professional (YDP-E) - Elementary (YDP-E) 
Organization: Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro 
Location: School-Based Site 

Reports to: Program Manager  
Exempt Status: Non-Exempt 

Position Type: Part-Time, On-Site 

Compensation: $18-$29/hour 

Position Overview: 

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. 

Our Values in Action: 

Transformative Leadership: We aspire to transform possibilities into probabilities. By embodying emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and empathy, we foster positive change with humility, authenticity, and continuous self-improvement. What that looks like in this role: Supporting both students and colleagues with a team-first mindset, fostering a collaborative and positive environment. Flexibility is key, as team members may assist at different sites and work with various age groups based on program needs. Every interaction should be approached with emotional intelligence and empathy, ensuring that youth feel safe, valued, and supported. Adapting to challenges and embracing growth to create meaningful experiences that inspire and empower the children we serve. 

Resilience: We approach every situation with a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility, courage, and reframing challenges as opportunities. We acknowledge our current state, embrace change, and adapt as needed, maintaining a solutions-oriented approach throughout our growth journey. What that looks like in this role: Embracing the unpredictability of each day with commitment and energy, staying motivated despite challenges. Building supportive structures for youth by setting clear expectations and using proactive strategies to navigate challenging behaviors. Adaptability is essential, whether in building relationships, collaborating with others, or adjusting approaches to ensure positive outcomes. Viewing obstacles as opportunities to improve programs, strengthen skills, and enhance youth experiences.  

Youth Centered Approach: Every organizational action or maneuver is designed to directly impact and benefit the youth we serve. We value and prioritize the youth perspective, making decisions with a focus on their needs and well-being, rather than adult convenience. What that looks like in this role: Prioritizing the safety, well-being, and development of every club member. Building strong relationships by understanding each child’s interests and incorporating their voices into programming to maximize engagement. Facilitating age-appropriate activities that promote educational growth while offering mentorship, patience, and guidance each day. Advocating for and empowering young people, ensuring their needs and well-being remain at the heart of every decision. 

Essential Functions: 

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. 

BGCSL Core Competencies: 

BGCSL Core Competencies 

Description 

Commitment to  

Safety & Quality 

Prioritizing the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of youth, staff, and the community while adhering to established quality standards. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Accountability and Integrity 

Maintaining high standards of ethical behavior, transparency, and responsibility in all actions and decisions.  

In Action: 

• 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. 

Problem Solving &  

Decision Making 

Analyzing complex situations, identifying challenges, developing effective solutions, and implementing action plans that lead to positive outcomes. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Competency 

Communication & Listening 

Exhibiting clear, empathetic, and effective communication skills while actively listening to others to build trust and understanding. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Cultural Competency 

Promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect for all communities served. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Leadership  

Inspiring, guiding, and influencing individuals and teams to achieve a shared vision and organizational goals. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Teamwork 

Collaborating effectively with others, building positive relationships, and contributing to a shared goal. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Financial Stewardship 

Managing resources responsibly with an emphasis on sustainability and transparency. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Results Orientation 

Setting measurable goals, monitoring progress, and delivering high-impact outcomes aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.  

In Action: 

• 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. 

Change Management & Adaptability 

Navigating, leading, and embracing change effectively while maintaining organizational stability and progress. 

In Action: 

• 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. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

Required: 

• Must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible for this position. 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 
• High emotional intelligence and integrity. 
• Ability to connect authentically with a diverse group of youth. 
• Patience and the ability to work under pressure in emotionally charged situations. 
• Genuine belief in the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro and the responsibility of serving youth and the community. 

 Educational Requirements (Must have one of the following):

• 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.

Preferred:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree (B.S./B.A.) in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
• Teaching & Curriculum Experience: Experience teaching or leading learning activities in early childhood education.
• Collaboration with Professionals: Experience working with Family Support Workers, Social Workers, teachers, or other child-focused professionals.
• Multi-conversational language skills are a huge plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog). 
• Experience, education, or coursework in Childhood Development, Education, or related fields. 
• Prior experience working in youth programs, education, or nonprofit settings. 

Work Environment:  

Youth Development Professional – Elementary will work primarily in a school-based site at the Boys & Girls Club of San Leandro. This role may occasionally require flexibility to accommodate organizational events or deadlines. Key aspects of the work environment include: 

Frequently required to stand 

Frequently required to walk 

Occasionally required to sit 

Frequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterity 

Frequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl 

Continually required to talk or hear 

Rarely work in high, precarious places (playground equipment height) 

Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions 

Occasionally exposure to bloodborne and airborne pathogens or infectious materials (Communicable diseases in an office environment including COVID-19, common cold, and flu viruses. Negative TB screen required). 

While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud 

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50-70 pounds (with support, a child that has fallen) 

Specialized equipment: Walkie Talkie radios for communication 

The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro is committed to diversity and inclusion and is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, disability, sex, age, ethnic or national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, pregnancy, genetics, veteran status or any other status protected by state or federal law. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. 

The above description is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time, nor does it change your status as an at-will employee. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.