Job Description
Job Description
Description :
Title : Youth Development Professional (YDP)
Organization : Boys and Girls Clubs of San Leandro
Location : School-Based Site
Department : Programming
Direct Reports : None
Exempt Status : Non-Exempt
Position Type : Part-Time, On-Site
Compensation : $20-$25 / hr.
Youth Development Professional (YDP) Overview
As a Youth Development Professional, you’ll create a nurturing, playful, and engaging after-school environment where young children can explore, grow, and build confidence. Through hands-on activities, guided play, and positive reinforcement, you’ll support their early learning, social-emotional development, and foundational skills in a way that feels fun and exciting.
This role directly contributes to Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro by fostering a safe and enriching space that promotes curiosity, creativity, and positive relationships. What makes this role unique is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in early childhood development, work with a diverse and supportive team, and make a lasting impact during one of the most critical stages of a child’s growth.
BGCSL Locations - San Leandro School District
- Bancroft Middle
- Garfield Elementary
- Halkin Elementary
- Jefferson Elementary
- John Muir Middle
- Madison Elementary
- Monroe Elementary
- McKinley Elementary
- Roosevelt Elementary
- Washington Elementary
Our Values in Action
Transformative Leadership We lead with emotional intelligence, empathy, and humility to create positive change. What that looks like : Supporting students and teammates with a team-first mindset, staying flexible to assist at various sites and with different age groups, and building safe, inclusive spaces through emotionally intelligent interactions.Resilience We approach challenges with a growth mindset, courage, and adaptability. What that looks like : Embracing daily unpredictability with energy, staying solutions-oriented during tough moments, and using proactive strategies to navigate youth behavior while continuously improving programs and practices.Youth-Centered Approach We make every decision with youth needs at the forefront. What that looks like : Prioritizing safety and well-being, building relationships rooted in trust, incorporating youth voices into activities, and delivering age-appropriate, engaging programs that empower and advocate for our members.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 Competencies
Commitment to Safety & Quality – Prioritizing physical, emotional, and psychological safety while maintaining high quality standards.Accountability and Integrity – Demonstrating ethical behavior, transparency, and responsibility.Problem Solving & Decision Making – Identifying challenges, creating solutions, and executing effective plans.Communication & Listening – Practicing clear, empathetic communication and active listening.Cultural Competency – Advancing equity, inclusion, and respect across all communities.Leadership – Inspiring and guiding teams toward shared goals.Teamwork – Collaborating effectively and building strong working relationships.Financial Stewardship – Using resources wisely with a focus on sustainability.Results Orientation – Tracking progress and delivering measurable impact.Change Management & Adaptability – Navigating and embracing change effectively.About Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro
For more than 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of San Leandro (BGCSL) has proudly served as the leading provider of youth services in San Leandro and surrounding communities. Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential in a safe, positive, and engaging environment.
When school is out, Clubs are in! BGCSL offers a wide range of programs for youth ages 4 to 18, including after-school programs, school break day camps, summer camps, and more. We take pride in providing supportive spaces where our youth can learn, grow, and thrive.
Today, BGCSL serves more than 5,000 youth across 25 Clubs, including 24 school-based Clubs in San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, and Union City, and our dedicated Teen Clubhouse.
Why Work with Us?
At BGCSL, we do whatever it takes to build Great Futures—and our team is the driving force behind our impact. When you join BGCSL, you’re not just stepping into a job—you’re joining a nationwide movement. Great futures start with you, and here, you have the power to shape young lives while growing your career.
Whether you're looking for meaningful work, valuable hands-on experience, or a fun and supportive team, we’ve got you covered! At BGCSL, we provide competitive compensation and benefits, invest in your success through training and professional development, and create opportunities to have a meaningful impact on our youth and our community every day.
Join BGCSL to unlock your potential and enjoy a range of benefits that make your work experience rewarding, fulfilling, and fun. Ready to Join us? Apply today and start your journey with BGCSL.
Requirements :
Youth Development Professional (YDP) Requirements :
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 elementary school positions and at least 21 years of age for middle school positions.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.Educational Requirements (Must have one of the following) :
High school diploma + 48 college semester units (˜ 2 years college) , ORHigh school diploma + an Associate’s (or higher) degree, ORHigh school diploma + a passing score on the district’s Paraeducator / Paraprofessional Exam.Preferred :
Multi-conversational language skills are a huge plus (Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Tagalog). preferredExperience, education, or coursework in Childhood Development, Education, or related fields. preferredPrior experience working in youth programs, education, or nonprofit settings. preferredWork Environment :
Youth Development Professional 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 standFrequently required to walkOccasionally required to sitFrequently required to utilize hand and finger dexterityFrequently required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawlContinually required to talk or hearRarely work in high, precarious places (playground equipment height)Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditionsOccasionally 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)Noise level is usually moderate to loudMust occasionally lift / move up to 50–70 pounds (e.g., to assist a child who has fallen)Specialized equipment : Walkie Talkies for communicationThe 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.