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Youth Development Program Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Youth Development Program information

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How much do youth development program jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development program in Virginia is $16.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.61 and $18.37 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.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Youth Development Program jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Youth Development Program job openings:

Youth Development Director

YOUNG MENS CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION OF SOUTH HAMPTON

Chesapeake, VA • On-site

$42K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Description:

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:

Under the direction of the Executive Director, the Youth Development Director is responsible for providing Cause-Driven leadership to before and after school care, summer camp, School's Out camp, and teen programs. The Youth Development Director also assumes a leadership role in the annual support campaign. Day-to-day operations include staff supervision, fiscal control, program development, program area facility management/maintenance, marketing, and volunteer management. The Youth Development Director is also responsible for hiring, training and supervising and leading their staff team in superior levels of member service and engagement in accordance with the Association operating standards.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Division of Duties:

90% supervision and management of assigned licensed child care programs

10% leadership to Annual Giving and other association/department initiatives

Priorities:

  • Provides supervision and management to licensed child care programs, including, Before and After School, Summer Camp, School’s Out Camp, and teen programs.
  • Ensures all program operations are consistent with association procedures, including emergency, insurance, accident, purchasing, personnel, accounting, and other administrative systems
  • Serves as the Program Director for assigned programs

The Youth Development Director must understand and be willing to learn the necessary skills required for the successful completion of duties including:

  1. Program Management and Operations
  2. Provides day to day management of program operations and staff
  3. Hires, trains, supervises and evaluates program staff
  4. Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed state licensing requirements
  5. Ensures assigned programs meet or exceed program quality standards
  6. Program Development and Membership Engagement
  7. Creates opportunities for members to form small communities and build meaningful relationships
  8. Provides strong leadership and support for attaining goals and objectives of the Association Strategic Plan
  9. Expands current Youth Development offerings with high quality programming in accordance with the Association operating guidelines
  10. Team Performance Towards Organizational Goals
  11. Recruits and trains program volunteers
  12. Participates in association cabinet meetings and training.
  13. Works collaboratively and in partnership with the association child care leaders to deliver on assigned responsibilities.
  14. Fundraising
  15. Participates in a successful annual support campaign. Active leadership required in staff giving and membership involvement
  16. Professional Development
  17. Maintains current CPR/AED/O2/First Aid and MAT certifications
  18. Attends trainings as required, including YMCA New Staff Orientation, blood borne pathogens and child abuse prevention training
  19. Attends mandatory staff meetings
  20. Follows the Code of Conduct established by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
  21. Enthusiastic, positive, and motivating to children and peers
  22. Communicates the YMCA mission and objectives to the community
  23. Incorporates the five character values of the YMCA: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Faith and promote the YMCA Mission
  24. All other duties as assigned
Requirements:

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:

  • Functional Expertise
  • Communication & Influence
  • Developing Self & Others

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Youth Development Director will meet the qualifications set forth by the YMCA of South Hampton Roads and the Virginia Department of Education, Division of Child Care Health and Safety. Minimum qualifications include:


Meet the minimum qualifications for “Program Director” as defined by the VA Department of Social Services Division of Licensing, which include:

  1. Staff shall be in good character and reputation
  2. Capable of carrying out assigned responsibilities; capable of accepting training and supervision; capable of communicating with emergency personnel; and capable of communicating effectively both orally and in writing as applicable to the job responsibility.
  3. Meets a minimum age of 21 years or older
  4. A minimum of 48 credit hours from a college or university of which 12 credit hours are in child-related courses, plus 1 year of programmatic experience.

YMCA Team Leader Certification preferred


WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Will be required to walk, stand, kneel, stoop, push, and lift up to 50 pounds
  • While performing duties the employee may occasionally work in the outside weather conditions, and is exposed to wet, cold and /or humid conditions
  • 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 successfully complete required certifications
  • During peak program seasons, may be expected to work night and weekend hours to meet program needs


BACKGROUND CHECKS:

An offer of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet 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.


ACCOUNTABILITY:

Accountable for completion of assigned goals as measured by the number of people served, cause driven measures, service satisfaction scores, operating results, and supervisor evaluation of assigned duties. Continuation of employment is contingent upon receipt of satisfactory results to meet minimum requirements for the position. They may include a background check, drug test, driver’s license record, CPS, and/or Criminal Background check.