2

Entry Level Community Development Jobs in California

Housing Programs Intern

Pinole, CA ยท On-site

$20.54/hr

Community Development Department Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: 7/30/2026 12:00 PM Pacific ... DEFINITION Provides a variety of pre-entry-level administrative, analytical, and communication ...

New

Building Technician I/II

Folsom, CA ยท On-site

$57K - $80K/yr

Community Development Division: Building Services Opening Date: 07/07/2026 Closing Date: 8/2/2026 ... entry-level class of the Building Technician series. Initially under general supervision, the ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Community Development information

See California salary details

$35K

$75.2K

$116.9K

How much do entry level community development jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level community development in California is $75,175.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,700.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level professionals in community development, and how can they be addressed?

Entry level professionals in community development often encounter challenges such as building trust within diverse communities, managing multiple stakeholders with different priorities, and adapting quickly to evolving project needs. To address these, it's important to prioritize active listening, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and participate in regular team meetings to stay aligned with project goals. Developing strong communication and organizational skills can also help navigate the dynamic nature of community projects and foster effective collaboration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Community Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Community Development professional, you typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, social work, or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of community engagement principles. Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), project management software, and basic data analysis tools is often beneficial. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and organizational skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for building trust, managing projects, and effectively supporting the needs of diverse communities.

What is an entry level community development job?

An entry level community development job involves assisting with projects and initiatives aimed at improving local communities. These roles typically include tasks such as conducting outreach, organizing community events, gathering feedback from residents, and supporting senior staff with planning and implementation. Entry level positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain experience in social work, urban planning, or public administration, and often require strong communication and organizational skills. The work helps build stronger, more resilient communities by addressing local needs and fostering engagement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Community Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Community Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Community Development jobs in California? For Entry Level Community Development jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Community Development jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Community Development jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Community Development jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Community Development job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Community Development job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,175 per year, or $36.1 per hour.
VCN Youth Advocate

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
The VCN Youth Advocate will be part of an innovative team of service providers and educational experts that will work collectively to create/run an innovative program for young people in South Los Angeles that face the greatest barriers to finding employment. The VCN Youth Advocate will provide one-on-one supportive services to at-risk and transition-age youth in the VCN YouthSource Center who are preparing to join the workforce. The VCN Youth Advocate will assess basic needs, identify barriers employment and and education, develop an Individual Plan to address those barriers, and coordinate services to help youth prepare for and secure living wage jobs with a career path upon graduation of Workforce program. The VCN Youth Advocate should spend 50% of time providing individual and group case management. 30% of the advocate time will be spent on researching resources that eliminate barriers to employment and education and solidifying relations with other services. The % of advocate time will used for soft skills building, file quality assurance, and office case management documentation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Contact, receive and review referrals to the VCN YouthSource Center from local schools, community-based organizations, and government agencies, including walk-ins.
  • Work 1-2 Saturdays per month as needed.
  • Participate and coordinate outreach activities that include making presentations to non-profit organizations, government agencies, probation/parole staff and agencies, schools, and conduct door to door outreach in targeted neighborhood of South Los Angeles.
  • Conduct program orientation and intake assessments for incoming youth that will be on the Youth Advocate caseload.
  • Recruit and enroll 60 youth for youth caseload annually (July 1 - June 30)
  • Facilitate weekly and monthly readiness assessments for youth interested in receiving WIOA services.
  • Conduct individual needs assessments that captures barriers to basic needs such as housing and food; education level and school enrollment; current income, employment, and past work experience; eligibility for Independent Living Program services through the foster care system; gang affiliation; and involvement with the justice system
  • Develop an Individual Service Plan, that identifies barriers to employment and action steps and creating goals to become self-sufficient to address those barriers.
  • Place youth in part-time entry-level work with on-the-job training as part of CRCD's training component. Ensure all youth complete 120 hours of work experience through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
  • Identify and secure 2-4 worksite partnerships for youth entering the Youth Advocate caseload.
  • Accurately enter participant data into the JobsLA system and the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) system
  • Assist youth with enrollment in Los Angeles Trade Technical College
  • Support youth in attaining a high school diploma or general equivalency degree.
  • Observe youth in classroom setting and provide resolutions to classroom disruptions.
  • Participate in quarterly and annual professional development.
  • Assist youth with placement into jobs or internships that are allowed with their personal and professional goals.
  • Oversee and coach interns, and other staff responsible for providing direct support to youth in the program.
  • Facilitate and coordinate life skills workshops and educational activities for youth on your caseload.
  • Enter case notes, performance completion, and case management interventions in the participant case file and JobsLA.
  • Coordinate service learning and civic engagement events for participants on your caseload.
  • Conduct weekly individual and group case management sessions.
  • Must have a great personality and willingness to work with youth that display challenges of working with authority.

Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Associates degree in Human Services preferred and three to four years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Current California driver license with a clean driving record
  • Experience verifying WIOA eligibility and delivering WIOA services
  • Understanding and experience of implementing the 14 WIOA program elements
  • Experience entering data into the JobsLA system
  • Experience in registering or enrolling youth into community college
  • Fluent in case management facilitation
  • Experience in facilitating group workshops
  • Understanding and knowledge of education disparities in the Vernon-Central community
  • Proficient in reading and writing

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience working with foster youth
  • Experience working with the African American and Latino community
  • Knowledge of Los Angeles community resources and social service providers
  • Knowledge and understanding of community development and non-profit sector
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, etc)
  • Trained in delivering case management services (Training certificate is a plus)
  • This is not a work from home position. This role reports to the office 5 days a week.

SALARY
$50,000.00 - $55,000.00 annually
BENEFITS
CRCD is in the top 10% for excellent benefits for non-profits with an array of benefits available including:
  • 14 Paid Holidays
  • On-Demand training memberships to bolster professional development
  • Dental/Vision/ 85% employer-paid & 40% dependent paid Medical Insurance
  • 401k eligibility from day one & up to 3% matching after one year
  • 529 Educational Savings Plan from Principle
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Accident & Hospital Indemnity
  • Whole life insurance with cash benefits
  • Identity Theft Protection and Legal Services
  • Discount pet insurance through ASPCA
  • Generous work/life balance

All candidates are subject to pass background check conducted by Los Angeles County. CRCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the EEO/ADA Coordinator. EEO /ADA Coordinator contact: Stacey Cabling (213) 743-6193
Salary Description
$50,000-$55,000