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Teen Leader
Teen Center/Lynn Education Lynn, MA, US
2 days ago Requisition ID: 1552
Salary Range: $16.00 To $20.00 Annually
Part-Time · Teen Programs
Position Summary
The Demakes Family YMCA is looking for an energetic, dependable, and relationship-driven Teen Leader to support teen programming at our Lynn location. Teen Leaders are responsible for teen program and club development, supervision, recruitment, retention, and implementation of the Y’s teen programs, and for building meaningful relationships with middle and high school students. Under the supervision of the Teen Director, this role includes facilitating small group activities, modeling and reinforcing our character traits — responsibility, caring, honesty, and respect — throughout all programming, and providing a safe and welcoming environment for every young person who walks through our doors.
Program Development & Implementation
- Help develop and implement quality programs to meet the needs of middle and high school students, ensuring YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures are upheld.
- Work with the Teen Director to set goals and review standards for activities that foster creativity and awareness, including cultural, educational, recreational, environmental, and social topics.
- Facilitate, plan, and engage teens in daily clubs and interest-based activities following YMCA Safe for You, Safe for Us guidelines.
- Coordinate with the YMCA management team to ensure consistent service delivery and a youth-friendly, safe environment.
- Maintain and monitor enrollment and participation in Y teen programs.
- Ensure teens participate in required trainings, special events, and community collaborations.
- Meet all reporting and tracking requirements for collaborative programs.
- Adhere to the Association Teen Development Agenda.
Relationship Building & Youth Engagement
- Build genuine, consistent relationships with teens and young people, creating an environment where they feel seen, valued, and supported.
- Engage youth during structured programming and throughout unstructured time — in the gym, common areas, and during transitions.
- Serve as a positive role model, reinforcing YMCA character values through daily interactions.
- Support the Teen Director with outreach and recruitment of teens in the community and through partnerships with local middle and high schools.
- Be a consistent, caring presence that young people can count on.
Supervision & Downtime Coverage
- Monitor and supervise teen spaces during open gym, drop-in time, and unstructured periods.
- Enforce space rules and expectations calmly and consistently, redirecting behavior with care and respect.
- Engage youth during downtime through informal games, conversation, and activities that reinforce connection and positive behavior.
- Ensure teen program areas clean, organized, and properly maintained throughout each shift.
- Set up and break down equipment and supplies for programs and activities.
- Respond to emergencies in accordance with YMCA safety protocols.
Administrative & Team Responsibilities
- Communicate program information, concerns, and observations to the Teen Director as they occur.
- Attend YMCA staff meetings, community meetings, and collaborative events as requested by the Teen Director.
- Complete all required documentation and program reports accurately and on time.
- Remain current in required and voluntary training to support Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.
- Abide by all established YMCA policies, procedures, and guidelines; ask when in doubt.
- Job performance will be reviewed regularly by the supervisor to ensure quality programming is being delivered.
- Perform additional duties as requested by the supervisor.
Education & Experience
- Minimum age of 21 required.
- Experience in youth programming required; teen-specific programming experience preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with teenagers from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong communication, conflict resolution, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to model and reinforce positive character values in an authentic and consistent way.
- Reliable, accountable, and genuinely passionate about working with young people.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Required Training & Certifications
- Completion of all company-mandated training required at the start of employment.
- CPR/AED/First Aid certification required (must be obtained within the first 90 days of employment if not already certified).
The YMCA of Metro North is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion.