Youth Assistant

The Salvation Army Southern California; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Youth Center Program Assistant to plan, coordinate, and implement activities for children within a community center. The role requires teamwork, strong communication, and the ability to supervise and tutor youth during after‑school programs.

Responsibilities include leading recreational activities, enforcing safety, assisting with program planning, and helping staff develop positive life skills and Christian values.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; early childhood education credits preferred.
• Childcare experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work with children in a team environment.
• CPR and First Aid Certification or ability to acquire it.
• Valid Washington Driver’s License and ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Supervise children and activities assigned.
• Lead recreational activities as assigned.
• Assist youths with schoolwork and tutoring needs.
• Enforce safety rules and procedures.
• Assist with program planning and staff development.
• Foster positive attitudes and Christian values.
• Ensure safe participation and monitor facility security.
• Assist with facility care, cleaning, and maintenance.

Skills

Child interaction

Team work

Verbal and written communication

Computer skills

CPR/First Aid

Driver's license

Background check

Education

High school diploma or GED

Early childhood ed credits preferred

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Internet

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Scope Of Position

The Youth Center Program Assistant assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing activities within the community center, working directly with children and other staff. Work is performed inside a heated and ventilated facility in an office or recreation area environment. Noise level is medium depending on activities in progress. Exposure to weather is medium to high as children and staff go to the park, attend fields trips regardless of weather conditions. Staff are responsible for outdoor gear and should plan each day in accordance with varying weather. Occupational exposure rate is low. Personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks may be required in the course of job performance.

Education And Work Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; early childhood education college degree/credits preferred
• Childcare experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required

• Demonstrated ability to work with children in a team environment
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written
• Competent use of computers, word-processing, spreadsheets, and the internet
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or able to acquire
• Possess a valid Washington Driver’s License
• Pass a Criminal Background check
• Able to use general office and recreational equipment

Essential Duties And Responsibilites

• Supervise children and activities assigned
• Provides leadership for recreational activities as assigned
• Assists Youth Center children with completion of schoolwork/tutoring needs
• Enforce facility safety rules, regulations, and procedures
• Assists in Youth Center/After-School program planning
• Participates in staff training and staff development programs
• Works with staff/volunteers to foster positive attitudes, life skills development, Christian values, and service to others
• Ensures safe participation of members, guests, and staff in center activities and programs, adhering to safety policies and procedures
• Works with center staff to monitor and maintain facility security
• Assists with care and maintenance of the facility; cleaning and organizing areas of the building and equipment as assigned by supervisors
• Complete Protect the Mission (PTM) training/maintain PTM standards with children/staff
• Assist with Youth Center After‑School Programming
• Assist with Corps Family Night Programs (troops, music program, etc.)
• Available to work nights and weekends, as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Physical Requirements

• Sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or continuous basis
• Grasp, push, and/or pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, carts, and doors
• Reach and work over head
• Operate a telephone
• Operate a desktop computer and general office automation equipment
• Access and produce information from a computer
• Understand written information
• Operate recreational equipment
• Lift up to 25 lbs. on a regular basis
• Sweep, clean, shovel snow, mop, and perform other janitorial/outdoor maintenance tasks as needed
• Possess hearing and visual acuity within normal ranges
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed is reasonable and no undue hardship would result.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled.