Job Description
Position Summary
High school is a time when young people begin discovering who they are and who they want to become. As a Program Leader, Beyond the Bell, High School, you'll help create a welcoming after school environment where teens can build friendships, explore new interests, develop leadership skills, and prepare for life beyond graduation. Whether you're leading enrichment clubs, supporting college and career readiness, facilitating workforce development activities, mentoring students, or creating opportunities for youth voice and leadership, you'll help young people build confidence while discovering their potential. If you're passionate about mentoring teens, creating meaningful experiences, and making a lasting difference during one of the most important stages of a young person's life, we'd love to have you on our team. This is a part-time, seasonal, grant-funded position supporting students during the school year, with additional opportunities that may be available during school breaks.
How You'll Make an Impact
• Create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where high school students feel respected, connected, and inspired to participate.
• Lead engaging experiences that may include college and career readiness, workforce development, leadership development, recreation, enrichment clubs, service learning, academic support, and mentoring.
• Build meaningful relationships with teens by encouraging youth voice, leadership, teamwork, and positive decision making.
• Serve as a trusted mentor and positive role model while helping students build confidence, life skills, and a sense of belonging.
• Help ensure the program operates safely, effectively, and in alignment with YMCA standards while creating experiences that prepare young people for success in school, work, and life.
Schedule
This is a part-time, seasonal position that follows the school calendar. Program Leaders typically work Monday through Friday on school days, with shifts generally scheduled between 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., averaging 18 to 21 hours per week. Paid training and professional development are provided throughout the school year, and additional opportunities for work may be available during school breaks, including summer programs, summer school support, and other YMCA youth programs.
Who We're Looking For
This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys connecting with teens, building authentic relationships, and helping young people discover their strengths. Whether you're a college student exploring a career in education, counseling, social work, recreation, youth development, or simply someone who enjoys mentoring older youth, you'll thrive in this role if you're energetic, approachable, and passionate about helping teens prepare for their future.
Minimum Qualifications
• Twenty one (21) years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with older youth or teens in a group setting.
• Experience leading enrichment activities, leadership programs, recreation, academics, workforce development, or other skill based experiences.
• Strong communication skills, emotional maturity, and the ability to build positive, authentic relationships with teens and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Current EMSA First Aid and Adult, Infant, and Child CPR certifications, or the ability to obtain required certifications as a condition of employment.
• Completion of required health screenings and background clearances prior to working with participants.
Why You'll Love Working at the Y
Whether you're starting your career, building new skills, or looking for meaningful work that fits your schedule, the Y is a place where you can grow, make an impact, and be part of something bigger than yourself.
Stay Active. Stay Healthy.
• Free gym membership with access to YMCA centers across Greater Los Angeles.
• Team Member Assistance Program with confidential counseling and support resources.
• Paid Well-Being Day to rest, recharge, and focus on yourself.
Grow Personally & Professionally
• Build your résumé through paid training, certifications, and leadership development.
• Tuition assistance through partner universities, including Capella University, Springfield College, and Strayer University.
• Expand your professional network through the YMCA Professional Network (YPN).
• Opportunities to grow your career with one of the nation's largest YMCA associations.
• 10% employer contribution to the Y Retirement Fund (upon eligibility).
• Tax deferred and Roth 403(b) retirement savings options.
Enjoy Exclusive Team Member Perks
• Save on YMCA programs, including swim lessons, personal training, camps, youth programs, and more.
• Complimentary before and after school child care for eligible Team Members (restrictions apply).
• Free youth sports and enrichment classes for your family, including ballet and martial arts.
Save Every Day
• Enjoy exclusive savings through PerkSpot, plus discounts on wireless services and Dell products.
• Access exclusive financial benefits through Rize Credit Union.
About the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles
At the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Every day, our Team Members help strengthen communities by creating spaces where children, teens, adults, and families experience belonging, discover their potential, and build meaningful connections. If you're looking for meaningful work where you can mentor teens, inspire future leaders, and help young people prepare for what's next, we'd love to welcome you to our team.