Youth Development Assistant Jobs in Fort Myers, FL

Child & Youth Development Advocate

Primary Location: Immokalee Campus
Occasional Travel: Naples Campus, based on programmatic and organizational needs
Reports to: Residential Child & Youth Services Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)
Schedule Requirement: Must be available to work Wednesdays until 7:30 PM and maintain flexibility based on program needs.
Work Environment: Fully onsite position; no remote work opportunities available.

The Impact of This Position

The Child & Youth Development Advocate plays a vital role in supporting children and youth residing at The Shelter through trauma-informed childcare, after-school programming, mentorship, advocacy, and developmental support services. This versatile role helps cultivate safe, empowering, and engaging environments where children can heal, grow, learn, and thrive.

This position supports both Child Care and Youth Development programming and may work with infants, toddlers, school-aged children, and teens depending on organizational and programmatic needs. The role requires flexibility, compassion, professionalism, and the ability to create positive, developmentally appropriate experiences for children impacted by domestic violence and crisis.

What Youll Do

Child & Youth Programming

• Develop and facilitate engaging, developmentally appropriate activities for children and youth.
• Assist with after-school programming, homework support, recreation, enrichment activities, and character development initiatives.
• Lead and participate in indoor and outdoor activities, games, and learning experiences.
• Foster a positive, trauma-informed, youth-centered environment focused on safety, empowerment, and emotional well-being.

Childcare & Supervision

• Supervise children at all times to ensure safety, health, and emotional well-being.
• Support children with hygiene routines, behavioral guidance, nutrition, and developmental needs.
• Maintain appropriate child-to-caregiver ratios in accordance with DCF standards.
• Follow all safety, sanitation, nutrition, and licensing requirements.
• Conduct classroom and facility safety checks and report concerns immediately.

Advocacy & Family Support

• Build supportive relationships with children, youth, and parents residing in Shelter services.
• Provide advocacy, emotional support, crisis intervention, and safety planning support as appropriate.
• Communicate with parents regarding developmental progress, behavioral concerns, and successes.
• Provide referrals and resource connections for families as needed.
  

Documentation & Administrative Duties

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including attendance, incident reports, service tracking, and participant progress notes.
• Collect and maintain participant data and program information for reporting purposes.
• Maintain organized classrooms and activity spaces.
• Assist with program housekeeping and general operational support.
  

Non-Negotiables

Education & Experience

• CDA, Associates degree, BA/BS degree in education, social services, child development, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience working with infants, toddlers, school-aged children, teens, youth recreation programs, camps, childcare settings, classrooms, or after-school programs required.
• Experience working within trauma-informed or social service environments preferred.

Certifications & Requirements

• Completion of First Aid and CPR certification required.
• DCF Child Care Training completion required or ability to obtain upon hire.
• Successful completion of The Shelters Core Competency training upon hire.
• Valid Florida Drivers License required.
• Must pass state and federal background checks, provide satisfactory references, and complete a drug screening.
• Must maintain flexibility to work between Naples and Immokalee campuses based on operational needs.

Who You Are

• Caring, compassionate, and passionate about supporting children and families.
• Able to remain calm, professional, and composed during challenging situations.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced and emotionally sensitive environments.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborative and team-oriented with strong communication skills.
• Committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Comfortable learning new systems, software, and processes.
• Professional proficiency in English required; bilingual in Spanish or Creole strongly preferred.
• Willing to take ownership, adapt quickly, and support evolving program needs.

What We Value

• Human connection and personal growth.
• Compassion, empathy, and kindness.
• Professionalism and leadership by example.
• Resilience and adaptability.
• Open and honest communication.
• Commitment to mission-driven work.
• Attention to detail and accountability.
• Collaboration and community partnership.
• Passion for supporting survivors and their children.

Full-Time Employee Benefits Package

The Shelter offers a spectacular benefits package for all full-time staff, including a 36-hour work week, staff appreciation events, and generous paid time off for vacation, your birthday, holidays, and sick days. The Shelters Wellness Plan covers 100% of medical and mental health benefits and includes affordable dental and vision plans, employer-match 401(k), Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time Off Buy Back Program for eligible employees, and wellness incentives that support a healthy and balanced work environment.

Work Environment, ADA & Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

You must be able to lift up to 20 pounds and bend, stoop, sit, or stand for extended periods as needed. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role.

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable regulations.

Join Us

Make a meaningful difference in the lives of survivors and help build a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.

Apply online today!