Summer Youth Group Leader

Organization Overview Since 1906 YWCA Utah has been a voice for women, a force for change, and a place for hope. Our enduring belief is that better lives for women – all women – will lead to stronger families and communities. YWCA is Utah’s most comprehensive provider of family violence services; our programs include walk‑in services and a crisis line, emergency shelter, transitional housing, children’s programs, and a vast array of supportive services. In addition to our work in the area of family violence, the YWCA also reaches out broadly into the community with offerings for every woman, including a nationally accredited childcare and early education center, leadership opportunities for women at all life stages, and opportunities to participate more fully in civic life. YWCA Utah’s mission is to empower women, eliminate racism, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Benefits Professional development with internal and external training opportunities Free Employee Assistance Program providing counseling options to employees, partners, and dependents Position Summary The Summer Youth Group Leader plays a critical role in supporting YWCA Utah’s summer programming for youth residing in shelter and transitional housing. This position is responsible for day‑to‑day supervision, engagement, and support of both school‑age children and teens, ensuring a safe, structured, and enriching environment. This role focuses on implementing activities and lessons designed by the Afterschool Coordinator, while maintaining strong group management and building positive, supportive relationships with participants. The Youth Group Leader must be adaptable, attentive, and proactive in responding to the diverse emotional, behavioral, and developmental needs of youth. Programming includes a combination of on‑site structured activities and 2–3 off‑site field trips per week, requiring strong supervision, safety awareness, and the ability to manage youth behavior in a variety of settings. The Youth Group Leader is also responsible for transporting youth in a company vehicle and ensuring safety during all transitions and outings. Scheduling: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a‑5:30 p from June 1–August 7, 2026. Essential Job Functions On‑Site Programming (Campus Days) Facilitate and lead daily activities, lessons, and group programming developed by the Afterschool Coordinator Support a structured daily schedule, including transitions between activities, meals, and recreation Engage youth in meaningful programming that promotes life skills, social‑emotional learning, and positive peer interaction Adapt facilitation style and communication to meet the needs of both school‑age children and teens Encourage participation while creating a welcoming and inclusive group environment Support homework time or quiet activities when applicable Reinforce program expectations and routines consistently Field Trip Days (Off‑Site) Provide active, attentive supervision of youth during 2–3 field trips per week Monitor youth behavior in public and community settings, ensuring safety and adherence to expectations Maintain clear group accountability at all times (head counts, transitions, check‑ins) Anticipate and proactively manage behavior challenges in less structured environments Ensure all youth follow safety protocols and represent YWCA appropriately in the community Safely transport youth using a company vehicle, following all driving and safety policies Support smooth logistics for outings, including loading‑unloading, timing, and transitions General Responsibilities Build positive, consistent relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model Support youth in developing emotional regulation, communication, and conflict resolution skills Implement strength‑based behavior management strategies Utilize trauma‑informed practices to create emotionally and physically safe environments Respond to behavioral challenges, crises, or conflicts using appropriate de‑escalation techniques Recognize and respond to signs of distress or unmet needs Maintain constant supervision and awareness of youth safety at all times Follow all YWCA Utah policies and procedures related to youth programming and safety Complete attendance tracking, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time Ensure program spaces are clean, organized, and meet health and safety standards Report any concerns including behavioral issues, safety risks, or suspected abuse/neglect Maintain compliance with licensing and program requirements Work closely with the Afterschool Coordinator to ensure smooth program implementation Communicate regularly regarding youth behavior, group dynamics, and program needs Collaborate with other staff and Family Case Managers to support youth development goals Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and supervision as required Additional Duties and Responsibilities Uphold and act in accordance with the organization's mission, vision, values, and strategic direction. Demonstrate commitment to understanding and using Sanctuary Model principles, language, and tools in daily work. Model YWCA community standards and encourage program participants and other staff to follow them. Administrative and Compliance Requirements Understand and follow all established organizational and program related policies, procedures, and protocols. Keep all necessary records to ensure that work is conducted in accordance with agency, contractual, and legal requirements. Records are expected to be complete, accurate, and timely. Satisfactorily perform all duties outlined in this job description. Complete and maintain all training, certifications and licensing related to role, program licensing, and grant standards including but not limited to: CPR, First Aid, Food Handlers Permit. Monitor campus security in collaboration with all staff to protect the safety and well‑being of program participants, staff, and visitors. Competencies & Essential Skills Problem Solving/Analytical Thinker: Ability to solve and analyze problems effectively and efficiently. Communication/Interpersonal Skills: Ability to provide exceptional customer service to supporters, partners, board members and co‑workers. Exceptional communication skills and ability to respond to difficult situations. Time Management: Ability to multitask and work efficiently within close time constraints. Ability to work under pressure and in a stressful environment. Business Knowledge: Ability to effectively complete the components of a multi‑disciplinary and multi‑programmatic organization and partner organizations. Have knowledge and understanding of Anti‑racism, gender equity and violence against women. Organization: Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize efficiently and meet deadlines. Judgement and Decision Making: Ability to exercise initiative, sound judgement and problem‑solving techniques in the decision‑making process. Technology/Tools: Ability to use various computer systems and applications including proficiency in online and electronic communication strategies. Commitment to mission: Demonstrates commitment to YWCA Utah’s mission and philosophy. Actively engages in YWCA Utah’s anti‑racism work. Compliance: Adhere to YWCA Utah’s policies and is committed to act legally and ethically within the scope of the work. Preferred Qualifications High school diploma or GED. 21 years of age or older. Experience working with youth. Knowledge about the issue of domestic violence and about child development (through adolescence) is helpful. Work experience in these areas is preferred. Ability to relate in a positive and nurturing way with children and adolescents. An understanding of, and agreement with, YWCA Utah’s mission, values and philosophy regarding the elimination of racism, and empowerment of women. Ability to work scheduled hours on a regular basis. Proficiency with general office duties, computer systems, and technology. Excellent writing, interpersonal communication, and public speaking skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, evaluate progress, and adjust activities to complete projects within established timeframe. Demonstrated experience functioning within multidisciplinary settings. Skilled in establishing effective working relationships. Ability to collaborate and invite collaboration. Able to demonstrate skills in effective communication, conflict resolution and problem solving. Must pass Department of Health and Human Services criminal background check, meet I‑9 requirements, and, if driving agency vehicles, a valid Utah driver's license, automobile insurance and motor vehicle record. Physical/Sensory Demands Work is generally performed in a safe environment with the understanding that classroom management can be challenging, and that children may exhibit big feelings and behaviors. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to: sit for long periods of time; use computer to enter data; use telephone to converse with residents and employees; walk and stand for long periods, especially during children’s recreation time; travel to attend conferences, training, outreach and other events occurs routinely. Equal Opportunity Employer YWCA Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) and values a diverse workplace. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process due to disability, it is available upon request. No applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request. #J-18808-Ljbffr YWCA Utah