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Youth Development Associate Jobs in Springfield, MA

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Youth Development Associate information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$28.9K

$53.2K

$80.7K

How much do youth development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth development associate in Springfield, MA is $53,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,400.00 and $59,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Development Associate, you need knowledge of youth development principles, experience working with young people, and typically a relevant degree or coursework in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with program management software, data tracking tools, and mandated reporter training or certifications is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to motivate and mentor youth set exceptional candidates apart. These skills are essential for creating supportive environments, fostering positive youth outcomes, and ensuring the safety and well-being of program participants.

What does a youth development associate do?

A Youth Development Associate works with young people to support their personal, social, and educational growth. Their responsibilities typically include planning and leading activities, mentoring youth, fostering a safe and positive environment, and helping youth develop important life skills. They often work in after-school programs, community centers, or nonprofit organizations, collaborating with families and other professionals to support youth development. The goal is to empower young people to reach their full potential and become responsible, engaged members of their communities.

What are some common challenges faced by youth development associates and how are they addressed within the team?

Youth Development Associates often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of youth, managing behavioral issues, and balancing administrative tasks with direct youth interaction. To address these challenges, teams typically hold regular meetings to share strategies, provide mentorship, and facilitate ongoing professional development. Collaboration with colleagues, supervisors, and community partners is encouraged to develop creative solutions and ensure a supportive environment for both staff and youth participants.

What is the difference between Youth Development Associate vs Youth Program Coordinator?

AspectYouth Development AssociateYouth Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require associate's degreeBachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field often preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizationsProgram planning settings, community organizations, non-profits
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in youth-focused non-profits, community programsOften in organizations managing multiple youth programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level youth rolesLooking for roles with more program management responsibilities

The Youth Development Associate typically focuses on direct youth engagement and support, often with minimal supervisory duties. In contrast, the Youth Program Coordinator usually oversees program planning, implementation, and coordination, requiring more experience and organizational skills. Both roles are vital in youth services but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Associate jobs in Springfield, MA?

For Youth Development Associate jobs in Springfield, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Associate jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Associate jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Youth Development Associate jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Youth Development Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Development Associate job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,231 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Child Development Specialist (Sun-Thurs 2pm-10:30)

The Village For Families & Children

Hartford, CT

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Our Mission:

The Village was one of the first agencies in the country to provide homes for neglected children. Today, we continue to achieve our mission “to build a community of strong, healthy families who protect and nurture children” by providing a full range of behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment and support services for children, adults and families in the Greater Hartford, Connecticut region.

Named a Connecticut Top Workplace for six consecutive years with national distinction for workplace culture and diversity, equity and inclusion practices, you can be sure you're joining an organization that's just as

Starting hourly rate $20.50 per hour with differential pay given for hours worked between 3 PM-7 AM.

Shift schedule: Sun-Thurs 2:00-10:30 (scheduled for 8.5 hours with a .5 break)

ABOUT EAGLE HOUSE

Program Overview

  • 24-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility (PRTF) serving children ages 6-12
  • Functions as a step-down or diversion from inpatient hospitalization
  • Serves youth with severe emotional and behavioral challenges related to significant trauma
  • Average length of stay: ~4 months
  • Goal: stabilize youth and prepare them for transition to community-based care, family, or foster placement
  • Provides intensive, trauma-informed care focused on relationship-building and skill development
  • Services include:
    • Psychiatry and nursing evaluations
    • Individual, group, and family therapy
    • Case management
    • Therapeutic recreation
    • Special education services
  • Emphasis on helping youth build emotional regulation, coping skills, and positive interactions with peers and adults

Position Overview - Child Development Specialist

  • Key member of the multidisciplinary treatment team
  • Supports treatment and educational needs of children with trauma-related challenges
  • Implements therapeutic behavior management strategies
  • Teaches and reinforces healthy coping skills aligned with treatment goals
  • Oversees daily routines (e.g., hygiene, meals, structure)
  • Facilitates and participates in recreational group activities
  • Provides continuous supervision to ensure physical and emotional safety
  • Builds therapeutic relationships to support emotional regulation, prosocial skill development, and overall behavioral functioning
  • Transports clients to appointments or to and from community activities

Employee Benefits & Engagement

  • Staff recognition programs, including awards and incentives for staff of the month, perfect attendance, and appreciation events throughout the year
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunitie


Qualifications & Skills

  • High school diploma required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Experience in human services or working with children with special needs preferred
  • Knowledge of child development and the impact of trauma, abuse, and neglect
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
  • Strong cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations
  • Ability to remain calm, manage stress, and respond safely in crisis or emergency situations
  • Physically able to supervise children and perform job duties, including physical interventions (holds) when necessary (with or without reasonable accommodation)

Required Certifications (or willingness to obtain)

  • Medication Administration Certification
  • Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI)
  • First Aid & CPR (American Red Cross)
  • Defensive Driving
  • Safe Food Handling
  • Situational Awareness
  • Risking Connection

Benefits:

Our benefits package supports your whole life with comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and employer matched retirement savings. We also invest in your growth through tuition assistance (Loan Forgiveness Program – NHSC, tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment). https://thevillage.org/careers/our-benefits/