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Youth Development Program Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

$10 - $15/hr

The YMCA of Metro Fort Worth is seeking enthusiastic and engaging Youth Development Specialists to join our Program Team. As a Youth Development Specialist , you'll be a dynamic part of the YMCA team ...

Youth Development Professional

Orange, TX

$13.50 - $18.25/hr

In absence of the Program Coordinator, may provide supervision oversight to other Youth Development Professionals to ensure continuity of program services at unit/branch locations. Builds and ...

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Youth Development Program information

See Texas salary details

$8

$15

$29

How much do youth development program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development program in Texas is $15.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.79 and $17.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Youth Development Program role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Youth Development Program role, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with young people. Familiarity with youth engagement tools, program management software, and certifications such as CPR/First Aid or youth development credentials are often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to motivate and mentor are vital soft skills for building trust and rapport with youth participants. These skills ensure effective program delivery, positive youth outcomes, and a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in youth development programs and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in youth development programs often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of young people, managing behavioral issues, and addressing varying levels of family or community support. Building trust and rapport with participants is essential, as is adapting activities to meet the unique needs of each individual. Successful professionals leverage strong communication skills, collaborate closely with colleagues and community partners, and pursue ongoing training in youth engagement strategies to overcome these challenges and create a supportive environment for growth.

What is a Youth Development Program?

A Youth Development Program is an organized initiative designed to support the personal, social, and educational growth of young people. These programs provide activities, mentorship, and resources that help youth build skills, confidence, and positive relationships. They often focus on areas such as leadership, career readiness, health, and community engagement. By participating in these programs, young people can develop important life skills and prepare for successful futures.

What is the difference between Youth Development Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth Development ProgramYouth Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, social work, or related field; certifications in youth work or counselingRequires similar credentials; often includes counseling certifications or training in youth engagement
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizations, summer campsSchools, community centers, juvenile facilities, non-profit agencies
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutionsEducational institutions, social service agencies, juvenile justice systems
Primary FocusProgram development, youth engagement, skill-building activitiesProviding guidance, mentorship, and support to youth

While both roles focus on youth engagement, Youth Development Programs typically involve designing and managing activities to promote youth growth, whereas Youth Counselors focus on direct mentorship and support. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in community and educational settings, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly.

Infographic showing various Youth Development Program job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,081 per year, or $15.9 per hour.
Youth Development Program Director - Boerne Area

Youth Development Program Director - Boerne Area

YMCA

Windcrest, TX • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


YMCA rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 1,979 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

494th of 690 rated non-profit organizations


Job description

The Youth Development Program Director is the operational director for five (5) School Age sites and a summer camp program. With guidance from the Youth development Program Executive, the incumbent develops, organizes, and implements high quality YMCA afterschool program(s). The position is responsible for ensuring program staff complete all required training classes. Serves as coach and mentor to staff in correcting deficiencies noted by licensing inspections. The Director must perform all duties in accordance with state guidelines for youth development programs as well as the policies, procedures, and standards established by the YMCA of Greater San Antonio.
This position will receive a minimum of 4 weeks Paid-Time Off, Holiday Pay, Full-Time benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement 403(b) pension plan upon eligibility and a Free YMCA Household Membership.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  1. Manages, directs and coordinates the afterschool programs for assigned location(s). Ensures high quality programs and establishes new program activities. Expands program within the community in accordance with strategic and operating plans.
  2. Recruits, hires, trains, develops, schedules, and directs staff and volunteers as needed. Reviews and evaluates staff performance. Develops strategies to motivate staff and achieve goals.
  3. Develops, manages and controls budgets related to the position. Ensures program operates within budget. Prepares monthly variance reports.
  4. Ensures the start up and close down of each program site.
  5. Assures compliance with state and local regulations as they relate to program areas. Ensures that YMCA program standards are met and safety procedures followed.
  6. Provides for upkeep of assigned program facilities and equipment and ensures the physical environment supports healthy living.
  7. Develops and maintains relationships with state child care licensing agency, school administration, parent groups and other organizations and agencies related to assigned programs. Responds to all agency, parent and community inquiries and concerns in a timely manner.
  8. Provides staff leadership for annual fund raising campaign and committees as assigned.
  9. Organizes special events for parents.
  10. Assists with Program Committee meetings.
  11. Other duties as assigned.

YMCA COMPETENCIES (Team Leader):
Mission Advancement: Models and teaches the Ys values. Ensures a high level of service with a commitment to changing lives. Provides volunteers with orientation, training, development, and recognition. Cultivates relationships to support fund-raising.
Collaboration: Champions inclusion activities, strategies, and initiatives. Builds relationships to create small communities. Empathetically listens and communicates for understanding when negotiating and dealing with conflict. Effectively tailors communications to the appropriate audience. Provides staff with feedback, coaching, guidance and support.
Operational Effectiveness: Provides others with frameworks for making decisions. Conducts prototypes to support the launching of programs and activities. Develops plans and manages best practices through engagement of team. Effectively creates and manages budgets. Holds staff accountable for high-quality results using a formal process to measure progress.
Personal Growth: Shares new insights. Facilitates change; models adaptability and an awareness of the impact of change. Utilizes non-threatening methods to address sensitive issues and inappropriate behavior or performance. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. Bachelor's degree in Recreation, Education, Child Development, Family Services or related field preferred.
  2. Minimum of two years experience in administration, staff supervision and promotion is required.
  3. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  4. Must meet TDFPS standards for Director qualifications.
  5. Ability to relate effectively to diverse groups of people from all social and economic segments of
    the community.
  6. Must understand the basic concepts of a voluntary, non-profit organization, as well as the structure of the YMCA as a partnership of volunteers and staff, and accept a commitment to the YMCA mission.
  7. Employee must have working knowledge of a Mac environment, Gmail, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  8. Must obtain minimum 20 hours of continuing education training hours.
  9. Certifications required within the first 60 days of hire: CPR Pro and First Aid. This position must have the ability to respond to safety and emergency situations.
  10. A Texas Driver's license is required as well as capacity to drive to various locations within the greater San Antonio metropolitan area.
  11. Within first 120 days of hire, must complete all basic childcare and child abuse prevention training within 120 days of starting position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
  1. Work is performed in a fast-paced office, school gymnasium, and outdoor environments. Position requires attending meetings at different off-site locations.
  2. Sufficient strength, agility and mobility to perform essential functions of position and to safely supervise children's activities.
  3. Visual acuity is required for reading computer screens and/or documents and making changes as necessary/required.
  4. Job requires high levels of alertness and concentration. This position requires analytical abilities and multitasking in order to identify problems and recommend solutions.
  5. Job requires accuracy and attention to detail, organizational, and time management skills, while maintaining high levels of initiative in order to work within deadlines.
  6. Occasional stooping and bending with regular lifting of up to 20 pounds is required.
  7. Incumbent must be able to sit and stand for long periods of time, as well as, able to manipulate keyboards, telephone keypads, and writing utensils is essential.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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