Youth Ministry Coordinator - 11-025- SC/ Glendale Corps

The Salvation Army Southern California; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California seeks a Youth Ministries Coordinator to develop and lead faith-centered youth programs, including after-school activities for children and teen ministries. You will coordinate operations, supervision, tutoring, and spiritual development in a community-focused environment.

Applicants should be committed Christians, capable of managing multiple programs, mentoring youth, and collaborating with families, volunteers, and partner organizations to support

Qualifications

• Requires a committed Christian faith aligned with Salvation Army doctrine.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in youth ministry or working with young people; Salvation Army program leadership preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop, coordinate, and oversee daily operations of youth programs.
• Ensure compliance with safety policies and documentation requirements.
• Lead devotions, Bible studies, and faith-based activities for youth.
• Collaborate with parents, staff, and community partners to support youth growth.
• Organize outreach events, field trips, and volunteer activities.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework in youth ministry/education (preferred)

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

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 and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Youth Ministries Coordinator is responsible for developing and leading youth ministries that evangelize. The Youth Ministries Coordinator is responsible for the development, coordination, administration, and growth of the Zone after-school program and youth ministry programs. This position serves as a bridge between community-based programs and congregational ministries, creating opportunities for children, youth, and families to experience academic support, personal development, meaningful relationships, and spiritual growth. The role will plan and implement daily operations of The Zone After-School Program for children in grades K-5 while also leading youth ministries that evangelize, disciple, and support the development of children and teens through Christ-centered programming. As a ministry position, it requires a committed Christian faith in alignment with The Salvation Army’s Articles of War and Handbook of Doctrine. The Youth Ministry Coordinator is expected to model a Christ-centered lifestyle, represent the mission of The Salvation Army with integrity, and actively engage the community in ways that reflect the values and beliefs of the Corps.

Essential Functions

Program Administration & Operations

• Develop, implement, and oversee daily operations of The Zone After-School Program.
• Ensure all youth programs operate in compliance with The Salvation Army Protecting the Mission policies, Child Safety Guidelines, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, participant files, sign-in/sign-out sheets, surveys, evaluations, and required documentation.
• Prepare monthly statistical reports tracking participants, volunteer hours, activities, and program outcomes.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for youth and families.

Youth Development & Academic Support

• Provide supervision, tutoring, homework assistance, recreation, and enrichment activities for participants.
• Develop and implement age-appropriate activities that support educational, social, emotional, spiritual, and developmental growth.
• Observe and address behavioral concerns in a fair, firm, and caring manner.
• Work collaboratively with parents, staff, and community partners to support youth success.

Youth Ministry Leadership

• Develop, oversee, and expand youth ministries that evangelize, disciple, and encourage spiritual growth.
• Plan and lead Corps Cadets, Bible Bowl, teen ministries, and character-building programs.
• Lead devotions, Bible studies, and other faith-based activities.
• Build positive Christ-centered relationships with youth and families and encourage participation in Corps programs and worship services.
• Facilitate opportunities for youth leadership, service, and discipleship.

Events, Outreach & Community Engagement

• Organize and coordinate field trips, youth outings, special events, camps, and outreach activities.
• Assist with community outreach initiatives, including food drives, toy drives, and seasonal programs.
• Prepare promotional materials and utilize social media and other communication tools to increase awareness and participation.
• Coordinate and support fundraising activities that benefit youth programs.

Transportation & Safety

• Transport youth participants to approved program activities and events using Corps vehicles as needed.
• Ensure compliance with all transportation, safety, and risk management policies.
• Maintain vehicle usage documentation and complete required safety procedures.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate records and required reports for Corps Officers and Divisional Headquarters.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, conferences, and professional development opportunities.
• Report suspected child abuse immediately according to established policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Corps Officers.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and program settings, with exposure to interruptions, noise, multiple deadlines, and frequent interaction with diverse groups of people.
• Requires extended periods of sitting at a computer and telephone, as well as physical activity including walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Specific vision abilities required include close and distance vision.
• Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment.
• Requires strong interpersonal and customer service skills, including the ability to work collaboratively, accept feedback, and maintain confidentiality.
• Position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle (automobile or passenger van) and to travel, including occasional overnight trips.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a committed Christian in agreement with The Salvation Army’s mission, doctrine, and practices.
• High school diploma or GED required; college coursework in youth ministry, education, or a related field preferred.
• At least two (2) years of experience in youth ministry or working with young people; leadership in Salvation Army youth programs strongly preferred. Must possess (or obtain within 30 days) a valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and extended hours as needed.
• Must possess (or obtain within 30 days) a Current Child CPR and First Aid Certification.
• Must possess (or obtain within 30 days) a current Food Handler Card.
• Strong communication, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and basic social media platforms.
• Must pass a criminal background check and remain current in Protecting the Mission training and child safety requirements.

Preferred

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Previous youth ministry leadership experience.
• Ability to teach foundational musical concepts to beginners

Skills, Knowledge, And Abilities

• Ability to teach, mentor, and positively influence children and youth.
• Ability to read, interpret, and implement policies, procedures, and program requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and mediation abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships with youth, families and community partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible, adaptable, and willing to respond to changing ministry and program needs.
• Knowledge of child development principles and youth engagement strategies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Maintains professional appearance and demeanor in accordance with The Salvation Army’s dress code and standards.