Youth Program Assistant

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Orlando is seeking a Youth Program Assistant to provide case management and educational support for homeless youth aged 5 to 17. The role involves supervising daily activities, assisting with academic tasks, and promoting positive interactions. Candidates should have an Associate's Degree and relevant experience in working with youth. This full-time position requires flexibility, organizational skills, and a commitment to the mission of supporting vulnerable populations. Candidates who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience with youth having behavioral issues or disabilities.
• 1-2 years of teaching, tutoring, or relevant experience with school-aged youth.
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.

Responsibilities

• Supervise youth during activities and events.
• Maintain relationships with youth and families.
• Assist students with homework and academic tasks.
• Implement activities in health, fitness, nutrition, and life skills.

Skills

Ability to motivate and encourage students

Problem-solving and decision-making

Active listening

Flexibility and adaptability

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Education

Associate’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

POSITION:Youth Program Assistant
REPORTS TO:Youth Program Supervisor
STATUS:Full-Time – Hourly – Non-Exempt

OVERVIEW: The Program Assistantwill provide appropriate case management and instruction for school-aged guests ranging from 5 to 17 years of age at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida. Under the Direct supervision of the Youth Program Supervisor, the Program Assistant will facilitate in the implementation of, life skills programs, tutoring/academic assistance, health and nutrition programs, and a variety of other services to homeless youth that are participants of the Homeless Youth and Families Program. The Program Assistant will also be responsible assisting the Youth Program Coordinator in maintaining case files of assigned youth enrolled in the program and any additional programmatic needs as the Youth Program Supervisor sees fit. The Program Assistant requires a high degree of ethics, commitment, compassion, and flexibility to effectively uphold the mission and values of the Youth Program and of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida as a whole.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise youth during daily indoor/outdoor activities, field trips, outings, and special events
• Maintain relationships with youth and families to encourage participation
• Facilitate both planned and spontaneous curriculum and program activities
• Assist students with homework, projects, test preparation, and other academic tasks
• Serve or arrange appropriate snacks or meals as needed
• Promote positive interactions among children, youth, and adults in the program environment
• Empower students and parents to engage in the child’s education
• Maintain accurate youth files and case notes
• Participate in program evaluation using tools such as rating scales, risk assessments, and surveys
• Attend planning meetings, case discussions, and group coordination sessions
• Assist with active recruitment of youth into the program
• Implement activities in health, fitness, nutrition, tutoring, and life skills
• Maintain a clean and tidy youth room daily
• Represent and uphold the agency’s mission, policies, and procedures
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree required
• 1 year of experience working with youth with behavioral issues or disabilities (ideal)
• 1 year of experience with children and families experiencing homelessness (ideal)
• 1–2 years of teaching, tutoring, or other relevant experience with school-aged youth
• 1–2 years of case management experience
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Must have current CPR/First Aid certification (or willingness to become certified)
• Must pass a Level 2 background screening upon hiring

Required Skills

• Ability to motivate and encourage students to complete academic tasks
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Active listening to assess and understand student needs
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing responsibilities
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple students
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Word, and willingness to learn new programs
• Ability to complete and analyze documentation such as case notes
• Ability to build rapport with youth and families
• Ability to frequently stand, walk, reach with hands, and use hands to handle or lift
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds
• Requires close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
• Must possess sufficient hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the phone
• Will work both indoors (office setting) and outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat and cold

Disclaimer: This job description does not imply that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. The employee will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. This description excludes the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to essential job duties. All duties, responsibilities, and requirements are vital to the job. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship.

The Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida