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Youth Development Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

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Rooted in the values of golf, Francis Ouimet, youth development, and education, our mission depends on donors, partners, and communities understanding and connecting with that story. About the Role ...

As a YMCA volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission to strengthen communities by promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Volunteers assist in ...

As a YMCA volunteer, you will play a vital role in supporting our mission to strengthen communities by promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Volunteers assist in ...

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Youth Development information

See Rhode Island salary details

$8

$16

$30

How much do youth development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development in Rhode Island is $16.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.41 and $18.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is youth development?

Youth development works to prepare young people to meet the challenges that come with becoming an older adolescent and an adult. Individuals who work in this field help children to achieve their potential. These jobs often involve creating experiences and activities to aid young participants in developing their social, emotional, cognitive, ethical, and physical competencies, such as having kids work in their community or plan events for themselves. In this type of role, you may work one-on-one with children and adolescents or host group events, depending on your employer, the program, and the kind of work that you do. You may also work with specific age groups, such as older teens or young children.

What is youth development?

Youth development refers to the process of helping young people acquire the skills, knowledge, and attitudes they need to become responsible and productive adults. This field involves creating supportive environments and programs that encourage positive growth in areas such as education, social skills, leadership, and emotional health. Professionals in youth development work in community centers, schools, non-profits, and other organizations to mentor, guide, and empower youth. The ultimate goal is to help young people reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in youth development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Youth Development, you need a background in education, psychology, or social work, along with experience working with children or adolescents. Familiarity with program management software, youth engagement platforms, and certifications like CPR or youth mental health first aid are often required. Strong communication, empathy, and leadership skills help build trust and motivate young people. These skills ensure positive youth outcomes, safe environments, and effective implementation of development programs.

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

Youth development professionals often encounter challenges such as engaging youth with diverse backgrounds, managing behavioral issues, and balancing administrative tasks with direct interaction. Building strong relationships through consistent communication and setting clear expectations helps foster trust and positive behavior. Collaborating closely with colleagues, families, and community partners also provides additional support and resources to address these challenges effectively.

What do youth development professionals do?

Youth development professionals design and implement programs that support the social, emotional, and educational growth of young people. They often work in community centers, schools, or non-profit organizations, using skills in mentoring, program planning, and communication to foster positive development and life skills in youth.

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

The most popular types of Youth Development jobs in Rhode Island are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Development jobs in Rhode Island?

For Youth Development jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Development jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Development jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Youth Development jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Youth Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Youth Development job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,774 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Youth Director with CYP Oversight

US Department of the Navy

Middletown, RI • On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


United States Navy rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 380 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

The purpose of the Youth Director with Oversight position is twofold: (1) to administer a developmentally appropriate youth program for children of eligible patrons and (2) oversee all installation Child and Youth Programs (CYPs). Administration includes the direction and operation of a large (200 or more children) School Age Care (SAC) program and/or a Youth Program (YP).
Qualifications:

Resumes must include information which demonstrates experience and knowledge, skills, and ability (KSAs) as they relate to this position. Applicants are encouraged to be clear and specific when describing their experience level and KSAs.
A combination of education and full time experience working with children
Professional knowledge of the principles of child and youth development and in designing and managing an exceptionally complex program that includes, but is not limited to safety, security, disease prevention, employee training, developmentally appropriate activities, parent involvement, and facility management.
Knowledge of DoD, DON, local and state regulations, instructions and procedures pertaining to military child care.
Knowledge of Federal and State laws governing the detection and prevention of child abuse and/or neglect.
Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and purchasing as it pertains to a child and youth program.
Knowledge of facility design, functional use, and maintenance concepts.
Skill in program planning, organizing and coordinating to devise and carry out a variety of program components.
Skill working with military families and an understanding of military lifestyles is preferred.
Ability to identify and respond properly to emergency situations, including evacuations, child and youth illness, and physical and emotional disorders.
Ability to supervisor others, exercise sound business skills, and provide positive personnel management.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally, and in writing, and possess strong interpersonal communication skills.

Education:A 4-year degree in a field related to youth programs, such as youth recreation, physical education, elementary education, secondary education, home economics with an emphasis in human development, youth development, psychology, or social work, or other degree appropriate to the position being filled AND 3 years of full time experience working with children and/or youth.
OR
A Master's degree in the related field of study AND minimum of 1 year professional experience working with children.
OR
A combination of education and experience (e.g. courses equivalent to a major in a field (24 higher level semester hours) appropriate to the position (see above) plus appropriate experience or additional course work that that provided knowledge comparable to that normally acquired through the successful completion of the 4-year course of study described above AND 3 years of full time experience working with children and/or youthEmployment Type: OTHER

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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About US Navy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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