Youth Development Specialist

Center of Life; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Center of Life in Pittsburgh is seeking a part-time Youth Development Specialist to lead after-school activities for K-8 students. You will prepare and deliver daily instruction, supervise safety, manage materials, and guide personal growth and social development in a busy youth program.

The role requires strong communication with students and staff, comfort with supervising groups, and willingness to participate in meetings and trainings.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must obtain State, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprint, and National Sex Offender Registry clearances as well as provide proof of Mandated Reporter Training.
• Must have experience working with children, whether in early education, school‑age, or middle school settings.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate with children ages 4‑18 while also providing necessary instruction to students
• Must be able to provide adequate supervision and support to multiple students at one time
• Be aware that most programming activities occur on the second or third floor of a former school building and there is not an elevator
• Must possess knowledge and skill in academic areas, including but not limited to math and reading

Responsibilities

• Arrive on time and prepared to lead daily instruction.
• Understand and enthusiastically instruct participating students in the curriculum and activities.
• Communicate with supervisors regarding ordering of any and all activity materials in a timely manner.
• Supervise dinner and any other time designated for socializing.
• Supervise students during off-site excursions.
• Ensure the safety and well‑being of all students throughout the duration of the program.
• Be willing and able to share any concerns with Program Coordinators IMMEDIATELY
• Lead by example with a positive, enthusiastic attitude toward all children, parents, and peers.
• Collaborate with coworkers to maintain a productive learning environment.
• Attend monthly professional development trainings.
• Take responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and order of the teaching space.

Skills

Child supervision

Communication

Team collaboration

Student engagement

Education

Associate's degree in Education

Bachelor's degree in any field

Job description

Job Title: Youth Development Specialist

Purpose: Youth Development Specialists are responsible for preparing for, teaching, and carrying out activities while guiding students in their personal growth and daily living skills. They must supervise students, ensuring proper attention to health, happiness, discipline, and safety while encouraging academic attentiveness.

Reports to: K-8 Program Coordinators

Job Category: Part-time, Seasonal

Rate of Pay: $18/hour

Duration: September 14th, 2026 - May 27th, 2027

Monday - Thursday 3:00 - 7:30 PM

Job Functions:

1. Arrive on time and prepared to lead daily instruction.
2. Understand and enthusiastically instruct participating students in the academic curriculum and activities.
   1. Assist students with homework completion
   2. Identify skills students may struggle with and utilize resources to reinforce those skills
3. Communicate with supervisors regarding ordering of any and all activity materials in a timely manner (e.g. not waiting until the day before the materials are required before communicating a need)
4. Supervise dinner and any other time designated for socializing.
   1. Potential need for helping to heat/serve food on special occasions
5. Supervise students during off-site excursions (e.g. climbing club, visiting community parks, etc)
6. Ensure the safety and well‑being of all students throughout the duration of the program.
   1. Be willing and able to share any concerns with Program Coordinators IMMEDIATELY
7. Understand and enthusiastically instruct participating students in the curriculum and activities
8. Be willing and able to work with all students in grades K‑8
9. Abide by all Center of Life policies and procedures.
10. Be a positive role model for all students throughout the duration of programming, including all meetings and field trips.
11. Lead by example by displaying a positive, enthusiastic, kind, caring, and supportive attitude and behavior towards all children, parents, and peers.
12. Be aware of each child's diverse needs
13. Collaborate with your co‑worker(s) to ensure that the learning environment of the room is as impactful to the students as possible
14. Participate in all enrichment activities when attending them with the students; collaborate with any community enrichment partners (e.g. Reading is Fundamental) to manage student behavior and maintain position as student role model
15. Display a positive and enthusiastic conduct towards the delivery of Fusion activities while also encouraging children to participate in all activities.
16. Build strong, healthy relationships with children that inspire academic performance and community connectedness.
17. Contribute to verbal and written evaluations and communication as requested.
18. Participate enthusiastically in all Center of Life and Fusion meetings.
19. Participate as a member of the Center of Life staff to deliver and supervise special events or Fusion‑associated functions.
20. Attend professional development trainings - monthly ones are scheduled and mandated - to maintain continuing education
21. Participate with all staff in maintaining the cleanliness and order of the teaching space.
    1. Take garbage out on a nightly basis
    2. Break down/put up tables and chairs in Hall on occasion

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must obtain State, Child Abuse, FBI Fingerprint, and National Sex Offender Registry clearances as well as provide proof of Mandated Reporter Training
• Must have experience working with children, whether in early education, school‑age, or middle school settings.
• Must possess the ability to effectively communicate with children ages 4‑18 while also providing necessary instruction to students
• Must be able to provide adequate supervision and support to multiple students at one time
• Must possess strength and endurance required to maintain constant supervision of students
  • Be aware that most programming activities occur on the second or third floor of a former school building and there is not an elevator
• Must possess knowledge and skill in academic areas, including but not limited to math and reading

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current CPR/First Aid certification
• Associate's degree in Education OR a Bachelor's degree in any field
• Minimum of two years of experience in the realm of education (e.g. within a classroom or other formal youth development/teaching/education arena)
• Formal teaching experience within a classroom setting OR experience as a camp counselor in a role that required following or writing activity plans
• Formal teaching and/or education training (e.g. minor in Education or college‑level courses taken)
• Behavior specialist or Counselor experience/education/etc.