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Youth Development Internship Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Unpaid Intern

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$13.75 - $18.25/hr

Interns will work closely with YMCA professionals to support program delivery, special projects, or community initiatives that advance the Y's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social ...

Youth Safeguarding & Autonomy Intern

Arlington, VA · On-site

$17.25 - $23/hr

Hands-on experience contributing to systems-level change in youth development and safeguarding ... This is an unpaid internship, however, we are happy to support you in meeting the requisites of ...

Unpaid Intern

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$13.50 - $18/hr

Interns will work closely with YMCA professionals to support program delivery, special projects, or community initiatives that advance the Y's mission of youth development, healthy living, and social ...

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Youth Development Internship information

What is a youth development internship?

A Youth Development Internship is a temporary, hands-on learning position designed to provide experience working with young people in educational, recreational, or community settings. Interns typically assist with planning and leading activities, mentoring youth, and supporting program administration. This role helps interns develop skills in leadership, communication, and program management, while making a positive impact on youth participants. Such internships are often offered by non-profits, schools, camps, and community organizations focused on youth services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth development intern?

To thrive as a Youth Development Intern, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, along with a genuine interest in working with young people. Familiarity with program management tools, youth engagement platforms, and, in some programs, CPR/First Aid certification is beneficial. Strong communication, patience, creativity, and leadership skills help interns connect with youth and foster a supportive environment. These skills and qualifications are important to effectively mentor, support youth growth, and ensure a safe, positive program experience.

What types of projects or activities might I lead during a youth development internship?

As a Youth Development Intern, you may be involved in planning and leading a variety of activities such as educational workshops, recreational events, mentoring sessions, and community service projects. Interns often collaborate with full-time staff to develop engaging curricula, facilitate group discussions, and support youth in developing life skills. This hands-on experience not only builds your leadership and communication abilities but also helps you understand the unique challenges faced by young people in different settings.

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

AspectYouth Development InternshipYouth Program Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or college courseworkBachelor's degree often in education, social work, or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often part-time or seasonalFull-time, supervisory role in community or educational programs
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, community centers, educational institutionsNonprofits, government agencies, schools
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level experience, career explorationProgram management, leadership roles

The Youth Development Internship provides hands-on experience for individuals exploring careers in youth services, typically requiring minimal credentials. In contrast, the Youth Program Coordinator oversees program operations, requiring more experience and education. Both roles are vital in youth-focused organizations but serve different career stages and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Internship jobs in Virginia?

For Youth Development Internship jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Internship jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Internship jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Youth Development Internship jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Youth Development Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Development Internship job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Senior Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck

Kilmarnock, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description:

POSITION DESCRIPTION


Senior Youth Development Professional

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck

Department


Operations

Reports To


Senior   Club Site Director, as assigned

FLSA Status/Salary


Exempt/   $39,520

Supervisory Responsibility


Provides   day-to-day functional guidance to Youth Development Professionals and   volunteers; does not independently hire, terminate, formally discipline,   evaluate, or approve budgets.

Typical Schedule


Monday   through Friday during school-year and summer programming, with occasional   evenings and weekends based on Club needs and with appropriate notice.

Effective Date


July 2026

Position Summary

The Senior Youth Development Professional is an experienced direct service leader responsible for planning, delivering, and evaluating high-quality, outcome-driven programming for club kids ages 5 through 18. This position bridges frontline youth development and program management by leading assigned program areas, coordinating daily program activities, and coaching Youth Development Professionals and volunteers under the direction of the Club Director or Club leadership.

The Senior Youth Development Professional remains actively engaged with members and serves as a reliable day-to-day program lead. The position exercises delegated leadership but does not carry the full personnel, budget, or operational authority of a Club Director.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Planning, Delivery, and Evaluation

• Develop and submit weekly lesson plans and activity schedules aligned with organizational goals, Club standards, identified member needs, and the priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Healthy Lifestyles, and Good Character and Citizenship.

• Plan, prepare, facilitate, and evaluate engaging programs in areas such as education, arts, STEM, sports and recreation, leadership and service, health and life skills, and social recreation.

• Provide direct instruction, active supervision, and constructive feedback that help club kids build skills, confidence, and positive relationships.

• Encourage broad participation and adapt activities to members' ages, abilities, interests, backgrounds, and learning needs.

• Incorporate youth voice into program planning by documenting member interests, gathering feedback, and recommending program improvements.

• Lead assigned Club programs, small groups, curricula, and special initiatives, including required attendance, pre/post assessments, and evaluation documentation.

• Promote programs to club kids and support timely communication of schedules, events, accomplishments, and opportunities.

• Review program results and participation information with the supervisor and recommend adjustments that strengthen quality and youth outcomes.

Daily Program Leadership and Team Support

• Serve as the day-to-day lead for assigned program areas, groups, or shifts and help coordinate room assignments, transitions, coverage, and activity flow as directed.

• Model effective youth development practices, professionalism, preparedness, teamwork, and positive communication.

• Orient, coach, and provide practical support to Youth Development Professionals, volunteers, and interns on lesson delivery, group management, safety procedures, and Club expectations.

• Communicate daily priorities, monitor completion of assigned program tasks, and promptly report staffing, performance, conduct, or coverage concerns to the supervisor.

• Provide informal feedback and demonstrations that help staff and volunteers improve program quality; refer formal performance or disciplinary matters to the supervisor.

• Act as the designated program point person when assigned or when the Club Director is temporarily unavailable, operating within established procedures and delegated authority.

• Attend and contribute to staff meetings, planning sessions, program reviews, and required training.

Member Safety, Supervision, and Club Climate

• Maintain active supervision and follow established staff-to-member ratios, check-in/check-out procedures, authorized pickup requirements, emergency plans, and safety protocols.

• Implement Club rules consistently and use positive behavior support, redirection, restorative practices, and appropriate de-escalation techniques.

• Document and promptly report incidents, injuries, behavioral concerns, disturbances, suspected abuse or neglect, and other child-safety concerns in accordance with Club policy and applicable requirements.

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, clean, organized, and emotionally safe environment where members feel respected and supported.

• Maintain assigned program areas, equipment, supplies, and vehicles in safe working order and immediately report hazards, damage, discrepancies, or needed repairs.

• Respond appropriately to emergencies and support drills, evacuations, first aid, and crisis procedures within the scope of training.

• Protect member confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with Club policies.

Member, Family, and Community Engagement

• Build supportive relationships with club kids and provide mentoring that strengthens self-esteem, belonging, responsibility, and positive decision-making.

• Greet club kids and families professionally and communicate routine program information within the scope of the position.

• Refer significant family concerns, complaints, disciplinary matters, or requests for exceptions to the appropriate supervisor.

• Maintain effective working relationships with Club staff, volunteers, families, schools, community partners, and visitors.

• Represent the Club positively at approved programs, events, meetings, and community activities.

Records, Quality, and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate and timely attendance, participation, assessment, incident, activity, and outcome records.

• Prepare routine reports and provide the supervisor with information on program participation, achievements, challenges, member needs, and follow-up items.

• Support program quality reviews and implement corrective actions or improvement steps assigned by the supervisor.

• Monitor assigned supplies and equipment, assist with inventory, and use resources responsibly within approved limits.

• Follow established procedures for purchasing requests, cash handling, deposits, data systems, and confidential records when specifically assigned and trained.

• Complete required Boys & Girls Clubs of America and BGCNN training and maintain assigned certifications.

Requirements: Additional Responsibilities

• Support and, when assigned, lead special programs and events such as Keystone, Youth of the Year, awards programs, family events, field trips, and community service activities.

• Transport members in a Club vehicle only when authorized, properly licensed, trained, and in compliance with all Club transportation requirements.

• Assist with opening, closing, meal service, homework support, member arrival and dismissal, and other daily Club functions as assigned.

• Perform other related duties consistent with the purpose and level of the position.

Working Relationships

Internal: Maintain close daily contact with Club members, Youth Development Professionals, volunteers, program leadership, and other Club staff to exchange information, coordinate activities, provide guidance, and resolve routine program issues.

External: Maintain professional contact, as assigned, with parents and caregivers, schools, community partners, vendors, visitors, and other stakeholders to share approved information and support effective program delivery.

QualificationsEducation and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree, college coursework, or recognized credential in youth development, education, recreation, human services, or a related field preferred.

• At least two years of progressively responsible experience working directly with youth in a Club, school, recreation, childcare, camp, or similar setting.

• Prior experience leading groups, coordinating activities, or providing day-to-day guidance to staff or volunteers preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of positive youth development, age-appropriate programming, group dynamics, behavior support, and member safety.

• Demonstrated ability to plan lessons, lead engaging activities, evaluate participation, and adjust programming based on results and member needs.

• Strong group leadership, communication, interpersonal, conflict-resolution, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to coach peers and volunteers respectfully while recognizing when a matter must be elevated to a supervisor.

• Ability to organize multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, meet deadlines, and follow through with limited day-to-day direction.

• Proficiency with email, word processing, spreadsheets, attendance or data systems, and other commonly used technology.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and creating welcoming environments for youth and colleagues.

• Sound judgment, discretion, dependability, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Required Certifications and Conditions

• Must meet all BGCNN screening, background-check, training, and employment requirements.

• Must register with Boys & Girls Clubs of America systems and complete all assigned trainings.

• Must obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR certification within the timeframe established by BGCNN.

• A valid driver's license and the ability to meet Club vehicle-insurance requirements are required when driving is assigned; the ability to obtain a CDL with passenger and air-brake endorsements is strongly encouraged for positions that support member transportation.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Ability to perform duties requiring prolonged standing, walking, talking, hearing, and sitting, as well as frequent bending and occasional kneeling, running, climbing, or active participation in programs.

• Ability to use telephones, computers, office equipment, recreation equipment, and program materials.

• Ability to lift, move, manipulate, or hold objects weighing up to 25 pounds; assistance is required for objects exceeding 25 pounds.

• Ability to work in active indoor and outdoor youth-program environments that may include moderate noise, changing temperatures, and frequent interruptions.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

General BGCNN Expectations

Healthy Behavior Modeling: Teach and model the importance of an active, healthy lifestyle while working with members.

Inclusive Environment: Support child-friendly environments where youth and teens of all backgrounds can participate, belong, and succeed; embrace BGCNN's commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

Continuous Learning: Participate in required professional development and continue building skills in youth development, safety, program quality, and leadership.

Safe Spaces: Share responsibility for maintaining an environment free from sexual, physical, or emotional abuse and for following all child-safety and reporting requirements.

Disclaimer

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected for this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or objectives. Duties may be modified or assigned based on organizational needs. This description does not constitute a contract of employment or alter the at-will employment relationship.