Youth Development Coach

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 15,440 - 17,160; Part time

Job summary

Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo is seeking a Youth Development Coach for our elementary afterschool program in Kalamazoo, MI. The role runs 18-20 hours per week with an hourly rate of $16.50, starting August 31, 2026.

The position emphasizes supporting school engagement, academics, and socio-emotional learning. The coach will work closely with CIS staff, enrichment partners, and volunteers to deliver high-quality programming, ensure safety, and foster a positive environment for youth.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Minimum age: 18 years or older.
• Experience: Preferred experience in youth development or related setting.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with CIS site team to plan and deliver after-school programs.
• Engage and supervise students to ensure safety and active participation.
• Provide instruction and support with homework or enrichment activities.
• Promote inclusivity, equity, and positive youth development.
• Attend required professional development and training.
• Maintain confidentiality of student and family information.

Skills

Communication skills

Planning & organization

Professionalism

Confidentiality

Instructional communication

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Details

Position: Youth Development Coach, Elementary School Openings – Start of position is August 31, 2026.

Location: Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Position Type: Part Time (18-20 hours per week)

Hourly Rate: $16.50 per hour

Education Level: High School

Expected Work Schedule

Monday - Thursday from either 1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Additionally, a minimum of two Fridays per month are required for professional development and "Fun Friday" events. Occasional evening and weekend field trips are also required, totaling approximately 18-20 hours per week.

While the afterschool program is not in session during Kalamazoo Public Schools breaks, half-days, or snow days, these times may be utilized for afterschool program planning and professional development. Regular attendance and a full commitment through the end of the school year are expected.

Position Summary

Responsible for the direct delivery of a wide range of activities as part of a high-quality youth development program for students enrolled in a CIS After School Program. The Youth Development Coach (YDC) engages directly with school-aged students. The coach’s purpose is improving skills and behaviors associated with success in school, including core academics (reading, English language arts, STEM) and socio-emotional learning through regular attendance and school engagement. The position provides student supervision, in keeping with basic measures of safety, as well as creating opportunities for character development, practicing general skills learned during the school day, and expanding experiences that may not otherwise be available to students. The YDC is an essential part of delivering after-school programs that comply with high-quality youth development standards, consistent with Michigan's OST and Weikart Program Quality Improvement (PQA) standards.

Core Competencies & Responsibilities

• Team Contribution: Work closely with others to ensure programming is efficiently and smoothly delivered daily, including maintaining adequate structure, supervision, and safety.
• Demonstrate consistent ability and willingness to operate as a positive and effective member of the CIS site team.
• Work effectively with enrichment partners, volunteers, and interns to ensure the most effective programs for students.
• Manage planning skills with the ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently in a timely manner.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, consistently meet the required schedule.
• Maintain consistent student engagement by remaining physically present, actively monitoring peer interactions, and proactively addressing distractions such as cell phone use to ensure a focused and supportive environment.
• Good communication skills with the ability to understand and transmit instructions to others.
• Collaborate with CIS team members to maintain quality youth development programs aligned with OST and PQA standards.
• Create an inclusive and supportive environment where student voice is actively encouraged, respected, and valued.
• Continuous learning: Attend required and recommended professional development/training to enhance skills and meet requirements.
• Develop and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of childcare licensing requirements.
• Facilitate educational and enrichment activities and experiences supporting the career and college-going culture.
• Provide support and instruction with student homework or other academic enrichment activities and skill development.
• Practice and model the mission of CIS and serve as a positive ambassador for CIS and its mission within the broader community.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth, promoting inclusion, equity, and healthy lifestyle practices.
• Demonstrate an active commitment to breaking down barriers to create and sustain equitable outcomes for all students.
• Maintain confidentiality of all students, families, school, and Communities In Schools related information.
• Consistently model professionalism and integrity in alignment with CIS mission and values.

Working Environment & Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking and moving around the school building and potentially outdoor areas.
• Occasional lifting up to 15 lbs and moving materials.
• Ability to see or hear continuously, comprehend instructions, and perceive students’ needs.
• Occasional lifting or moving equipment that weighs up to 20 lbs.
• Adequate vision for reading computer screens and documents; hearing sufficient for phone conversations or virtual meetings.
• Ability to maintain high degree of physical activity to supervise and engage students on community field trips, recreation, exercise.
• Requires driving between locations.
• Requires ability to hear, understand, and distinguish between speech and other sounds.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent education and/or experience.
• Minimum age: 18 years or older.
• Experience: Preferred experience working in youth development program (e.g., Youth Development, Childcare Administration, Education, Recreation).
• Skills: Good communication skills, ability to understand and transmit instructions; strong relationship skills; planning and organizational skills; high level of professionalism; ability to meet required schedule.

The CIS afterschool program is supported by federal dollars awarded through the Michigan Department of Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This position was developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.