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Positive Youth Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Youth Development Specialist

Bronx, NY ยท On-site

$19 - $21/hr

  • PTO

Encourage creativity, teamwork, leadership, and positive youth development through hands-on ... learning experiences. * Collaborate with Youth Workers and program leadership to coordinate ...

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How much do positive youth development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for positive youth development in the United States is $17.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Positive Youth Development?

Positive Youth Development (PYD) is an approach that focuses on building the strengths, skills, and assets of young people rather than just addressing their problems or risks. PYD emphasizes supportive relationships, opportunities for youth to participate and lead, and environments that foster healthy development. Programs using this approach aim to empower youth to reach their full potential by promoting competence, confidence, connection, character, and caring.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Positive Youth Development role?

To thrive in Positive Youth Development, you generally need a background in youth work, education, social work, or psychology, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with youth development frameworks, program evaluation tools, and case management systems is commonly required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to motivate and mentor young people are crucial for effectiveness. These skills are essential for creating supportive environments that foster youth empowerment, resilience, and positive outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Positive Youth Development roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Positive Youth Development often encounter challenges such as engaging youth who may have experienced trauma, building trust with diverse communities, and balancing administrative tasks with direct youth interaction. To address these challenges, it is important to employ trauma-informed approaches, foster open communication, and collaborate closely with families, schools, and community partners. Ongoing professional development and team support can also help staff stay resilient and effective in their roles.

What career paths are in positive youth development?

Career paths in positive youth development include roles such as youth program coordinator, community outreach specialist, youth counselor, and program director. These positions often require skills in mentorship, program planning, and community engagement, and may involve working in schools, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.
More about Positive Youth Development jobs

What states have the most Positive Youth Development jobs?

States with the most job openings for Positive Youth Development jobs include:

Infographic showing various Positive Youth Development job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,508 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

Youth Development Professional-Elementary

Positive Place

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$22 - $23.25/hr

Other

PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Leading the Change in Youth Development
At Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, we are taking youth programming to a new level. We are one of the largest Club organizations in the country, and we pride ourselves on always doing what is best for youth. As leaders in youth development, we provide a safe place for kids and teens during critical out-of-school time that is affordable for all families. Our Clubs offer life-changing programs and services to youth in greater Seattle. We prioritize a youth-centric Club experience through culturally relevant, inclusive, and diverse programming delivered by individuals committed to serving youth.
Our organization values advancing racial equity, creating safe spaces, encouraging collaboration and accountability, and seeking transparent and authentic communication. If you are passionate about youth development, love to connect with people, have a proven track record of results with youth, and want to be part of an extraordinary team, Boys & Girls Clubs of King County is right for you!!
Opportunity Overview: YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONAL
A Youth Development Professional (YDP) supports Club Leadership in providing an Outcome Driven Club Experience in a variety of programming areas including: Gym, Games Room, Learning Center, Computer Lab, Kitchen, Club Entry, and other targeted programming areas. The majority of responsibilities are working directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being and development through interactive play and other activities as directed.
The YDP is self-motivated, mature, energetic, and able to maintain clear and healthy boundaries with club members, parents and staff; able to communicate and interact with youth in a way that is age appropriate, motivational and positive in nature. The YDP must be flexible, have the ability to adapt to a work environment which changes often, must remain calm and solve problems in stressful situations. The YDP must anticipate and implement all elements of activities in an organized fashion.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
โ€ข Provide engaged presence to prepare youth for success while creating a safe and healthy Club environment that facilitates positive youth development
โ€ข Ensure facilities, equipment & supplies are maintained
โ€ข Assist with planning, developing, implementing and evaluating programs
โ€ข Collect and track Club member attendance, coursework and behavior data
โ€ข Model mature work behaviors to ensure a productive work environment
โ€ข Ensure program areas are set-up and cleaned up on a daily basis
โ€ข Assist in facilitation of club specific and BGCA core programs
โ€ข Assist in facilitation and delivery of High Yield Learning Activities (HYLAs)
โ€ข Ensure member confidentiality during and after employment: which includes, but not limited to membership data, and school data and other information obtained
โ€ข Affirm positive behavior in members, and deliver coaching conversations and redirection when needed
โ€ข Build partnerships with parents and families
โ€ข Develop programs and activities that support the three impact pillars: healthy lifestyles, good character and community membership, and academic success
RELATIONSHIPS:
Internal: Maintain close, daily positive contact with club staff, volunteers, club members, and supervisor. Attend staff meetings.
External: Maintain a good reputation and moral conduct outside of work, in the community and on social media networks.
QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge and experience working with a non-profit youth development agency, Boys & Girls Club experience preferred
  • High School diploma required to work in a licensed program
  • Must be 18+ years old to work in a licensed program
  • Strong organization skills, attention to detail, professional presence, strong customer relations skills and ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Understanding of youth development principles, ability to motivate youth in a positive way
  • Collaborate with other Clubs, Sites and Community Partners
  • Learn and support new ideas for the good of the Club
  • Model and guide youth in strengths-based problem solving, goal setting and study skills
  • Experience working within diverse cultures preferred

Requirements for Staff Upon Hire:
  • As a requirement of the Department of Children, Youth and Family (DCYF), it is necessary for individuals in this position to possess a STARS ID number and a Portable Background Check with a "Cleared" status prior to commencing work. The process can be initiated by visiting merit.dcyf.wa.gov. For more information, please reach out to our HR team at hr2@positiveplace.org.
  • Must provide documentation signed within the last twelve months by a licensed health care professional of negative TB testing.
  • Completion of initial STARS basic training, HIV/AIDS, First Aid, CPR and BBP certification (within 90 days of hire)

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement & Policy:
On August 18, 2021 Governor Jay Inslee announced that most child care, early learning, and youth development providers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by October 18, 2021 or obtain a religious or medical accommodation.
All BGCKC youth facing staff have provided proof of vaccination. BGCKC volunteers fall under this mandate as well. Please reach out to Human Resources at hr2@positiveplace.org to obtain the form to request a religious or medical accommodation.
COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, getting hospitalized, and even dying. As with vaccines for other diseases, people who are up to date are optimally protected. CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older get their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines, and receive a booster dose when eligible.
People are considered "fully vaccinated" after 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, like the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
HOURS: Variable Part-time, less than 30 hours/week
LOCATION:
PAY RATE: $22.00-$23.00 per hour depending on experience. (Lifetime Range $20.00-$23.00 per hour)
FSLA: Non-exempt
Benefits of working with us include:
  • Accessible PTO & Paid Holidays
  • 100% Employee Discount for Childcare Fees
  • Employee Tuition Assistance
  • Orca Cards

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and characteristics of the work environment described here are representative of those occurring in the performance of the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
This position is located on-site, at the staff's designated club. The noise level in the work environment is typically moderate to loud.
DISCLAIMER:
This position description generally describes the principle functions of the position and the level of knowledge and skills typically required. It does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and it is subject to change as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination
Boys & Girls Clubs of King County (BGCKC) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. BGCKC does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions