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Youth Development Program Director Jobs in Florida

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Youth Development Program Director information

What does a youth development program director do?

A Youth Development Program Director oversees programs and initiatives designed to support the growth and well-being of young people. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating activities that foster positive youth development, such as after-school programs, leadership training, and community engagement. Additionally, they supervise staff, manage budgets, collaborate with community partners, and ensure that programs meet the needs of the youth they serve. The role requires strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Youth Development Program Director, you need strong leadership, program management, and youth engagement skills, often supported by a degree in education, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with grant writing, budgeting software, and youth program evaluation tools is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competence, and conflict resolution are vital soft skills for building trust and fostering positive relationships with youth, staff, and community partners. These skills ensure effective program delivery, sustainable funding, and meaningful youth outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by a youth development program director, and how can they be addressed?

Youth Development Program Directors often encounter challenges such as limited resources, engaging diverse groups of young people, and ensuring program sustainability. Balancing administrative responsibilities with direct interaction can also be demanding. Strong communication skills, creative problem-solving, and cultivating partnerships with community organizations can help address these challenges. Establishing clear goals, regularly evaluating program effectiveness, and staying adaptable are also essential strategies for success in this role.

What is the difference between Youth Development Program Director vs Youth Activities Coordinator?

AspectYouth Development Program DirectorYouth Activities Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in education, social work, or related field; experience in youth programsHigh school diploma or equivalent; experience in youth activities preferred
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, community centers, schoolsRecreational facilities, community events, outdoor settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, community organizationsRecreation centers, youth clubs, camps
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on program management and developmentFocuses on organizing activities and events

The Youth Development Program Director oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of youth programs, often managing staff and budgets. In contrast, the Youth Activities Coordinator primarily organizes and facilitates specific activities and events for youth. While both roles require experience working with youth, the director's role is broader, involving program strategy and administration, whereas the coordinator focuses on activity execution.

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

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs in Florida are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development Program Director jobs in Florida?

For Youth Development Program Director jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development Program Director jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development Program Director jobs in Florida are:

What cities in Florida are hiring for Youth Development Program Director jobs?

Cities in Florida with the most Youth Development Program Director job openings:

Youth Development Program Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Program Director job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Program Director - Youth Shelter

Youth and Family Advocates

New Port Richey, FL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Program Director is responsible overseeing day to day operation of residential shelter, supervises team members and manages regulations/standards compliance, facility-specific human resources functions, budget development/monitoring, building maintenance, and implementation of the youth development system.

In addition to the duties and requirements listed below, YFA expects employees to be committed to incorporating principles of trauma-informed care in all areas of service delivery. Commitment to these principles is demonstrated through active participation in agency-required trainings, use of trauma-informed practices, and understanding that trauma-informed environments require cultural sensitivity and an emphasis on a safe and respectful environment for all.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Oversees and coordinates with the shelter leaders to ensure timely completion of contractual requirements including but not limited to fire drills, mock emergency drills, health inspections, sharps count, chemical inventory, MSDS sheets, medication management, etc.
  • Provide supervision to Assistant Program Director and specialty positions such as the cook, office specialist, outreach coordinator, counselor, case manager, and nurse
  • Facilitate the delivery and compliance with the Youth Development System amongst all staff under direct supervision.
  • Oversees QI process/system and compliance with COA standards. Prepare a monthly report to demonstrate progress on all action plans required of the shelter.
  • Engage in continuous program improvement to enhance outcomes for children and families served within the program.
  • Fully understands and follows all policy and procedures of YFA, DJJ, DCF, and Florida Network.
  • Prepare and take the lead on any contract monitoring’s as the occur annually.
  • Ensure collaboration with community providers and networks to ensure all children under different revenue streams are accessed and leveraged.
  • Assures that all direct care and non-direct care staff are following the policies and procedures of YFA.
  • Leads all staff meetings and attends external meetings in a timely manner as assigned by direct supervisor.
  • Handles fundraising responsibilities as needed.
  • Oversees and ensures compliance with licensing standards and budgetary requirements. 
  • Participates on community/regional committees, workgroups, collaborative teams as needed.
  • Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, and disciplinary actions. 
  • Oversees and ensures compliance with Department of Health (DOH) food program including budgetary requirements.
  • Provides guidance in the preparation of probationary and annual performance evaluations of youth development staff. 
  • Identifies and coordinates comprehensive training needs of all staff.
  • Ensure annual strategic goals are developed and maintained for the program and employees.
  • Trained and authorized to access protected health information.
  • Facility Maintenance Oversight: Ensure regular maintenance and repairs of the shelter’s physical infrastructure, including plumbing, electrical systems, and structural elements, to guarantee a safe and functional environment for residents and staff.
  • Cleanliness Management: Implement and supervise daily and periodic cleaning schedules for all areas of the facility, ensuring that all living spaces, common areas, kitchens, and bathrooms are consistently clean and hygienic.
  • Safety Inspections and Compliance: Conduct regular safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards, ensuring compliance with health, safety, and building regulations. Coordinate with relevant authorities for any required inspections and certifications.
  • Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Cultivate relationships with internal facilities personnel to coordinate maintenance and repair services. Coordinate specialized services with external vendors as directed by facility personnel and standard operating procedures. Oversee contracts, schedule work, and ensure high-quality service delivery within budget constraints.
  • Inventory and Supplies Management: Maintain an inventory of cleaning and maintenance supplies, ensuring adequate stock levels. Order necessary supplies and equipment in a timely manner to prevent any disruptions in maintaining the facility's standards
  • Provides support for staff that provide trauma informed care, through the promotion of employee self-care, well-being, and the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 
  • Monitors and evaluates adherence to and effectiveness of practices and strategies for individuals impacted by trauma.

The above duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in social work or in a related area of study and four (4) years of experience working with children; or master’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least two (2) years of experience in social services. At least one year of experience working in a residential facility is required. At least three (3) years of experience working as a shift leader, team leader, or in another supervisory capacity in social services is required.

Preferred knowledge and understanding of trauma-informed principles and practices, including the importance of creating a safe environment, fostering trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering individuals.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to understand and empathize with individuals, recognizing the impact of trauma on emotions, relationships, and overall well-being
  • Ability to build and maintain range of internal and external contacts
  • Ability to monitor large groups and the varied group dynamics that may arise during scheduled activities
  • Ability to work cooperatively in a group/team setting
  • Ability to show respect to others
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule including working during extreme weather events
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suites
  • Skilled in actively listening to concerns, providing a safe space for individuals to express themselves without judgment or blame

Physical Requirements: Ability to travel regionally on a regular basis and statewide as needed. Ability to bend, lift, and carry 30 pounds.

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