Youth Development Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

OUR CULTURE:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger, beginning with you.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Café Intern is a paid workforce and leadership development experience designed to help teens ages 16-18 build workplace skills, confidence, leadership capacity, and career readiness through hands-on experience at The Block Community Café. Under the supervision of the Teen Director, the intern assists with daily café operations while developing transferable job skills. The internship is designed to provide real-world experience that helps participants build confidence, responsibility, and career readiness.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Assist with preparing and serving food and beverages in The Block Community Café
• Provide friendly customer service to YMCA members, guests, and program participants
• Learn to operate the café's point-of-sale system and assist with transactions
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the café workspace, equipment, and service areas
• Support opening and closing café procedures as assigned
• Restock food, beverage, and café supplies as needed
• Follow YMCA food safety, sanitation, and health guidelines
• Support a welcoming and inclusive café environment for all members of the community
• WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:
• Hands-on experience in food service and café operations
• Development of customer service and hospitality skills
• Workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, communication, and time management
• Exposure to nonprofit community programming and YMCA mission-driven work
• Financial literacy and workplace responsibility experience
• Exposure to career pathways and professional mentorship
• Leadership development and community engagement experience

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN:

• Hands-on experience in food service and café operations
• Development of customer service and hospitality skills
• Workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, communication, and time management
• Exposure to nonprofit community programming and YMCA mission-driven work
• Financial literacy and workplace responsibility experience
• Exposure to career pathways and professional mentorship
• Leadership development and community engagement experience

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

• Interest in food service, hospitality, or workforce skill development
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interact respectfully with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Reliable, organized, and willing to learn new skills
• Ability to follow safety procedures and workplace guidelines
• Willingness to participate in training and feedback opportunities

Preferred:

• Previous volunteer, youth program, or customer service experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
• Continuous operations requiring attention to detail and multi-tasking
• Will be exposed to cleaning supplies
• Must be able to stand or sit for long periods of time
• Must be physically able to complete required certifications
• Program schedules will align with YMCA operational needs and applicable youth labor guidelines.

BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet the minimum requirements of the position. They may include criminal background and reference checks, E-Verify, drug test, driver’s license record, and/or a Child Protective Services Check (CPS). Additional driver’s license check, CPS, criminal background check, alcohol, and/or drug testing may be required to be processed in the future in order to meet and/or maintain the requirements of this position.

Participation in the internship is dependent on meeting these safety requirements and maintaining compliance with YMCA policies and standards for the duration of the internship.

Note: Participants are expected to comply with all YMCA employment policies, safety standards, and program expectations throughout the residency experience.