Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro·San Leandro, California
Create a safe and inclusive after-school environment by leading engaging activities and providing mentorship to elementary students. Manage daily operations, including transitions and behavior management, to support academic and social-emotional growth.
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.
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.
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.
We approach every situation with a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility and courage, 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
Qualifications & Experience: Required: No prior experience working with youth required—this is an entry-level role. 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. Ability to independently supervise a group of youth. Patience and the ability to work under pressure in emotionally charged situations. 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.
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 to, hear and see the youth 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.
Market context
In California, support roles that work with children often draw steady interest because schools and programs need staff who can help maintain safe, inclusive environments. These roles can be competitive when candidates already have CPR, First Aid, and child abuse prevention training, plus experience working with diverse groups of children. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certifications are current before applying.
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