Group Assistant

START HERE. BUILD YOUR SKILLS. GROW INTO LEADERSHIP.

NOW HIRING: GROUP ASSISTANTS – PAID INTERNSHIP

YMCA Y Scholars Program

Looking for a part-time opportunity where you can gain real experience, make an impact, and build toward your next role?

The YMCA Y Scholars Program is hiring Group Assistants for an 8-week paid internship designed for people who want hands-on experience working with youth while developing the skills to become strong youth development professionals.

You’ll work alongside experienced Group Leaders and Site Leaders in elementary and middle school afterschool programs—helping students learn, play, explore new interests, and feel supported.

And this internship is designed to lead somewhere.

Strong-performing Group Assistants may be considered for promotion into a Group Leader position after completing the 8-week internship.

Come ready to learn, contribute, and grow. We’ll provide the coaching, training, and real-world experience to help you take your next step.

POSITION OVERVIEW

• Pay: $21/hour
• Job Type: Temporary Paid Internship, Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• Start Date: Immediate
• Internship Length: 8 weeks from your start date
• Typical Schedule: At least 4 days per week, Monday–Friday
• Typical Shift: 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
• Hours: Approximately 16–20 hours per week
• Locations: You will be assigned to a region and gain experience at both an elementary school and middle school program in Richmond, San Pablo, Pinole, El Sobrante, or Oakland.
• Map of Program Sites: http://map.ymcayscholars.org

WHAT YOU’LL GET FROM THIS INTERNSHIP

• Paid, hands-on experience working directly with youth
• Structured coaching, feedback, and professional development
• Experience in both elementary and middle school program environments
• Opportunity to be considered for promotion into a Group Leader position
• Free YMCA gym membership
• Leadership development and professional training
• Priority consideration for spring break and summer camp opportunities
• Opportunities for continued career advancement within the YMCA

YOUR 8-WEEK DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE

This isn’t an internship where you spend your time watching from the sidelines.

You’ll be part of the team.

During your 8 weeks, you’ll work alongside experienced team members, practice leading activities, build relationships with students, learn how strong afterschool programs operate, and receive feedback to help you grow.

You’ll also rotate between elementary and middle school programs, giving you experience working with different age groups, program environments, and leadership styles.

At the conclusion of your internship, we’ll review your experience and growth with you. Depending on performance, program needs, and available positions, you may be considered for promotion into a Group Leader role and/or opportunities with our spring break and summer programs.

ABOUT THE YMCA Y SCHOLARS PROGRAM

We believe every student should have the opportunity to discover their purpose and reach their full potential.

The YMCA Y Scholars Program partners with schools throughout West Contra Costa and Oakland to provide high-quality out-of-school-time experiences centered around three areas:

Physical Play. Academic Achievement. Creative Curiosity.

Through enrichment, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and meaningful relationships, we create environments where students can explore who they are, discover what they’re capable of, and feel that they belong.

Does our mission align with yours?

WHAT YOU’LL DO

As a Group Assistant, you’ll work alongside Group Leaders and Site Leaders to help create a safe, engaging, and welcoming experience for students.

You’ll gain experience with:

• Supervising students and maintaining a safe, supportive environment
• Supporting enrichment activities including sports, STEAM, creative arts, literacy, homework support, and group games
• Building positive and professional relationships with students
• Learning and practicing effective group and behavior management strategies
• Supporting transitions, attendance, and daily program routines
• Helping prepare activity spaces, materials, and supplies
• Modeling positive behavior and reinforcing program expectations
• Supporting school-site events and special activities
• Maintaining clean, organized, and safe program spaces
• Receiving and applying coaching and feedback from program leaders
• Taking on additional responsibilities as your skills and confidence grow
• Completing other program-related tasks and projects as assigned

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

You don’t need years of professional youth development experience to start here.

We’re looking for people who are dependable, coachable, energetic, and genuinely interested in working with young people.

Strong Group Assistants are people who:

• Show up consistently and on time
• Bring positive energy to the program
• Take initiative instead of waiting to be told what to do
• Ask questions when they need support
• Accept feedback and put it into practice
• Communicate professionally with teammates and supervisors
• Build positive relationships with students
• Take responsibility for their actions and commitments
• Stay engaged and present throughout their shift
• Want to keep learning and improving

We don’t expect you to know everything on day one.

We do expect you to be ready to learn.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must have completed 48 college units or passed the Instructional Aide (IA) Exam
• If you have not completed 48 college units, we can provide information about completing the IA Exam.
• Must successfully complete DOJ/FBI criminal background clearance
• Must obtain CPR, First Aid, AED, and Child Abuse Prevention certifications within 30 days of hire

THE SKILLS YOU’LL BUILD

This internship is designed to help you develop practical skills you can carry into future roles in education, youth development, recreation, nonprofits, and leadership.

You’ll have opportunities to strengthen your ability to:

• Facilitate activities and engage groups of students
• Build relationships with youth and teammates
• Manage your time and responsibilities
• Communicate professionally
• Respond to challenging situations
• Lead with a growth mindset
• Receive and apply feedback
• Take initiative and solve problems
• Understand your impact on others
• Take accountability when challenges arise
• Work effectively as part of a team

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Team members must be able to:

• Demonstrate sufficient strength, agility, and mobility to supervise program activities
• Occasionally lift up to 30 pounds
• Frequently bend, stand, and move throughout the program space
• Walk and remain active for extended periods
• Visually monitor activities in indoor and outdoor environments
• Respond quickly and appropriately during emergencies

WHERE CAN THIS INTERNSHIP TAKE YOU?

For the right person, Group Assistant can be the beginning of a longer journey with the YMCA.

Group Assistant → Group Leader → Assistant Site Coordinator → Site Coordinator → Program Leadership

Your first eight weeks are an opportunity to show us—and yourself—what you can do.

Bring your curiosity. Bring your energy. Bring your willingness to learn.

We’ll help you build the experience.

READY TO START?

If you want a paid internship where you can make a difference today while developing skills for tomorrow, we’d like to meet you.

Join the YMCA Y Scholars Program and help us create the kind of afterschool experience students look forward to every day.

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 16.0 – 20.0 per week

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person