Program Assistant

Horton's Kids, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 27,552 - 31,684; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package for full-time employees

Flexible hours and telework options

Employer-matched retirement

Job summary

A non-profit organization in DC is seeking multiple Program Assistants to support enrichment and academic programming for children. The ideal candidates will work with elementary to high-school-aged participants, leading homework help and social-emotional learning activities. This part-time role requires a commitment of at least three shifts per week from September through June. A background in education and experience with children from diverse backgrounds is preferred. This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of prior experience working directly with children in elementary and/or middle school.
• Experience with children from a similar background to Horton’s Kids participants is preferred.
• Ability to facilitate whole group and small group lessons.

Responsibilities

• Support enrichment and academic programming for elementary, middle, and/or high-school-aged participants.
• Lead small-group social-emotional curriculum and enrichment activities.
• Implement behavior management strategies across youth programs.

Skills

Behavior management

Relationship building

Communication skills

Job description

Base pay range

$20.00/hr - $23.00/hr

About Horton’s Kids

Horton’s Kids partners with more than 700 children and families in Southeast Washington, DC to ensure every young person graduates from high school ready for success in college, career, and life. We make a 13‑year commitment to each child and provide integrated, year‑round support across three pillars: Educational Attainment, Family Stability, and Safety & Belonging. We operate place‑based programs in Anacostia, with a central Hub and two Community Resource Centers located inside the apartment buildings where many of our families live. Any child or caregiver living within a half‑mile of our Hub can access comprehensive services, including high‑impact tutoring, after‑school and summer programming, social‑emotional learning, college and career readiness, mental health and wellness resources, groceries and essentials, and community safety initiatives.

Our work is rooted in the belief that children thrive when their families and communities are supported. We strengthen the ecosystems surrounding each child by partnering with caregivers, schools, and community organizations to expand opportunity, reduce barriers, and foster lasting stability and belonging.

As an organization serving communities impacted by decades of disinvestment and systemic inequities, we know these challenges disproportionately affect people who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color; people with disabilities; LGBTQ+ individuals; people from low‑wealth backgrounds; and women. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging, and we strongly encourage candidates from marginalized communities to apply.

Job Summary:

Horton’s Kids seeks multiple Program Assistants (PAs) to support the organization’s enrichment and academic programming, with opportunities to support elementary, middle, and/or high‑school‑aged participants. These programs include homework help, sports and arts enrichment, academic intervention, and weekly SEL discussion groups. The position reports directly to the Manager of Programs and School Advocacy and collaborates with all youth programs staff. Youth Program Assistants must make a year‑long commitment for the school year, from September through June. Program Assistants must be available to work at least three shifts per week, Monday through Thursday, from 3:30 pm‑7:30 pm.

The ideal candidate is flexible and collaborative, with excellent relationship building, behavior management, and communication skills.

SEL and Behavior Management:

• Lead small‑group social‑emotional curriculum and enrichment activities.
• Implement Horton’s Kids behavior management strategies and procedures across youth programs.
• Attend enrichment programs and field trips off‑site, ensuring kids are safe and engaged.
• Build positive relationships with all students, families, and community members.
• Facilitate quarterly gender‑specific small group sessions (e.g., boys’ groups or girls’ groups) to support social‑emotional development and community building.
• Lead daily small‑group homework help sessions.
• Support implementation of literacy intervention curriculum, leading when needed.
• Use strong customer service skills to ensure all volunteers and tutors are successful.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications:

• At least 1 year of prior experience working directly with children in elementary and/or middle school in a classroom or OST setting. Experience working with children from a similar background to Horton’s Kids participants is preferred.
• Strong behavior management and relationship building skills.
• Ability to facilitate whole group and small group lessons.
• Comfortable working on a team, adapting quickly to changes, and receiving feedback.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Part‑time

Job function

Education, Administrative, and Training

Industries

Non‑profit Organizations and Primary and Secondary Education

Horton’s Kids offers a generous benefits package to full‑time employees including vacation hours, holiday breaks, sick time, parental leave, flexible hours and telework options, 3% employer‑matched retirement, mobile phone allowance, health & wellness benefit, some employer‑paid health benefits including medical, vision and dental, and more.

Any offers made to candidates will be contingent upon undergoing standard screening requirements including an FBI background check, DC background check, Child Protection Register check. Must be 18 or older to apply. Horton’s Kids, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.