Youth Program Assistant Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Youth Program Teacher leads a diverse cohort of preteen and middle school participants ages 9 to 13 in the Youth Center's licensed afterschool program. Reporting to the Youth Center Director, the position provides direct supervision, mentorship, and support to youth and families throughout their engagement with the Youth Centers. The Youth Program Teacher develops and facilitates curriculum, programmed activities, service projects, civic engagement, leadership development, team building, and behavior management strategies that align with Cambridge Youth Programs values. The position balances administrative responsibilities, including attendance tracking and schedule coordination, with direct youth engagement, regular check-ins, team meetings, and program-wide activities, workshops, and field trips that support youth growth in a safe, engaging, and empowering environment.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

• Manage cohort activities and behaviors during center activities inside and outside the building by supervising assigned spaces, actively monitoring youth, maintaining required staff-to-youth ratios, conducting headcounts during transitions, and ensuring the safe, orderly use of equipment and facilities.
• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and support to assigned youth participants, including regular check-ins, cohort meetings, and activities that promote leadership, communication, teamwork, and positive youth development.
• Support Youth Workers and Group Leaders by providing necessary materials, information, and guidance and by assisting with planning, facilitating, and implementing workshops.
• Assist the Program Director in implementing youth-related policies and procedures, and support the Youth Center Director in program planning, day-to-day operations, and smooth program flow.
• Inform the Program Director of specific Youth Center member needs or concerns brought to your attention.
• Plan, design, organize, and implement age-appropriate programs and activities for preteens ages 9 to 13 within the assigned cohort and across the program; develop inclusive lesson plans aligned with curriculum, licensing requirements, and goals; integrate social-emotional learning, civic engagement, service, and leadership development; and plan and facilitate educational workshops with program staff.
• Plan and facilitate community meetings, team meetings, and group activities focused on Cambridge Youth Programs values, center expectations, youth leadership, and future planning.
• Provide a safe, structured, and engaging environment for Youth Center members and volunteers.
• Serve as a positive role model and build meaningful relationships with Youth Center members.
• Foster a positive group culture and sense of community within the assigned cohort and broader Youth Center program.
• Maintain open, friendly, and ongoing communication with families and schools regarding participants' progress.
• Track attendance, coordinate schedules, and complete related administrative tasks to support daily program operations.
• Assist with organizing and participating in program-wide activities, workshops, field trips, and special events.
• Attend and fully participate in staff meetings, planning sessions, other meetings, and staff development and training programs and activities as directed.
• Perform related duties as required.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some postsecondary education preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience working with youth in academic, recreational, athletic, youth development, or related settings.
• Familiarity with Cambridge neighborhoods preferred.
• Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI) background checks required.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. 

• Knowledge of positive youth development, restorative practices, and age-appropriate programming for preteen and middle school youth.
• Skill in group management, facilitation, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.
• Skill in communicating effectively with youth, families, staff, schools, and other adults.
• Ability to create, plan, and implement curriculum, activities, workshops, and service or leadership development projects.
• Ability and interest in engaging and supporting families.
• Ability to support safe, inclusive, and structured program environments.
• Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups across diverse identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Works under the general direction of the Youth Center Director, with functional guidance from the Youth Center Director, exercising independent judgment in carrying out assigned program responsibilities within established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through conferences, observations, periodic performance evaluations, quality of youth engagement, and compliance with program expectations and safety procedures.

This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities, but provides day-to-day guidance and oversight to program participants and may provide functional direction to assigned volunteers or interns during program activities.

Work is performed primarily in a busy Youth Center environment, including classroom-style spaces, open activity areas, gymnasiums, and other program spaces. The position involves frequent interaction with youth, families, program staff, volunteers, interns, and community partners. Noise levels range from moderate to very loud depending on program activities, and work requires ongoing attention to youth safety, group dynamics, behavior support, and program flow.

Work is active and program-based, requiring frequent standing, walking, movement throughout program spaces, and participation in youth activities. The position requires the ability to supervise youth in active settings, respond quickly during play or emergency situations, communicate effectively with youth and staff, and maintain visual and auditory awareness of program participants and surroundings. The position may require occasional running, bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, or moving program materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter 

The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies