Youth Program Support Specialist
Part-time grant-funded through June 2026
We are looking for creative, energetic, and motivated individuals to help us develop and deliver youth programs to foster the social-emotional, intellectual, and artistic growth in young people!
JOB SUMMARY: Youth Program Support Specialists are responsible for supporting the daily operations of youth programming at Faneuil Gardens – a site operated by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). Working as a team member and in partnership with the Faneuil Gardens Tenant Organization, various departments within the City of Boston, and several Allston-Brighton community partners, Youth Program Support Specialists shape and deliver a holistic afterschool youth development program. In this role, you will engage deeply with a diverse and resilient community of youth and families at Faneuil Gardens, ultimately working to facilitate afterschool activities rooted in social-emotional learning, academic support, creative expression, and community engagement. We are especially interested in activities and workshops that center topics such as public health, identity, conflict resolution, peer leadership, and creative expression. Furthermore, we work closely with the Oak Square YMCA, West End House, Boston Center for Youth and Families (BCYF), AB Youth Athletic Committee, and Friends of McKinney Park to ensure recreational and athletic programming as well.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Management and Operations
•Shape and maintain a youth development program in direct collaboration with the CDC’s Youth Development team and the Faneuil Gardens Tenant Organization, reporting directly to the Youth Program Site Coordinator
•Support the daily operations of afterschool programming, including set-up, clean-up, and maintaining supplies.
•Meet weekly with the other Youth Program Support Specialists to co-plan workshops, address youth needs, and manage data and assessment (with support from the Youth Program Site Coordinator and community partners).
•Develop and coordinate enrichment opportunities in partnership with local organizations (e.g., universities, nonprofits, and community groups), including field trips to Boston sports events, participation in outdoor activities at McKinney Park, and engagement in hands-on workshops (science experiments, bike safety, self-care activities, arts & crafts, swim lessons, etc.).
Creative Instruction and Youth Support
•Create and maintain a safe space for youth between the ages of 7 – 14, particularly those experiencing community violence, family separation, and/or school difficulties.
•Facilitate daily individual and group academic support sessions as needed.
•Organize daily and weekly activities that foster social-emotional skills, teamwork, and leadership.
•Connect youth and families to neighborhood and citywide opportunities, including civic engagement projects, food access resources, sports programming, and immigrant resource navigation and support.
External Communication
•Support Youth Program Site Coordinator’s outreach efforts as it relates to recruiting youth for programming and fostering partnerships with other youth-serving organizations or community stakeholders.
•Attend (most often virtual) trainings, forums, and other webinars for professional growth and learning.
Data Monitoring
•In partnership with Youth Program Site Coordinator maintain daily, bi-weekly, monthly, and annual data regarding youth participation, referrals, length of stay in program, outcomes, surveys, case notes, etc.
Other Duties
•Participate in planning and support for the Tenant Organization’s events such as Unity Day, school supplies giveaways, and other events and activities related to community building and youth/family engagement.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or GED
1 or more years of experience in youth development or other relevant field such as direct social services
Commitment to racial equity, relationship building, and positive change for young people
Passion for youth development, social justice, and civic engagement
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to work independently and in a team setting
Competency in various computer software programs, such as Microsoft Office and Internet applications
Project management skills; the ability to plan, problem-solve and utilize decision-making skills
Ability to handle potential conflicts with grace
Able to work a flexible schedule (program hours are scheduled for Monday – Thursday, 3PM – 7PM). We ask that you commit to two (2) days a week of afterschool support as well as 1-2 planning meetings per week
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Humanities, Arts, Social Work or related field
Three or more years of direct experience working with urban youth in a youth development context
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, crisis de-escalation, and conflict resolution.
Experience and/or knowledge working in community-based settings such as Allston-Brighton
Bilingual: Proficiency in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, or Chinese preferred
COMPENSATION: $25.00 per hour
TIME COMMITMENT: 10 – 12 hours per week through June 2026
THE APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Rachel Regis (Deputy Director) at [email protected] and Emma Galletta (Youth Program Site Coordinator) at [email protected]. RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE POSITIONS ARE FILLED. Allston Brighton CDC seeks a diverse pool of candidates.
ABCDC is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or age. People of color and Allston Brighton residents are strongly encouraged to apply.