Job Title: Youth Development Professional
Reports To: Program Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Youth Guidance (1028 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960)
Work Schedule: Part-time (20-30 hours per week)
-After school program hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
-Summer Camp hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Youth Guidance
Since 1973, Youth Guidance of Indian River County has stood beside local children who need someone in their corner, connecting them with positive adult role models and programs that change the direction of their lives.
Today we serve young people ages 6–24 through afterschool and summer programming built around three career tracks -- Health Sciences, Skilled Trades, and Culinary Arts -- with life skills, career preparation, and industry certifications included throughout. We work alongside schools, employers, and community organizations to give students a real look at their future and a real path to attain it.
Position Summary
The Youth Development Professional is the staff member our students see most: the person who picks them up at school, rides with them to the stable or the pool, and stands beside them while they learn to build a bike or sew a garment. This is a hands-on, in-the-field role for someone who is dependable behind the wheel, steady with a group of kids, and comfortable stepping in to lead an activity when the situation calls for it.
The position blends three responsibilities: safe daily transportation of students from partner schools to our campus, chaperoning and supervision at off-site community partner programs, and direct group leadership as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
Transportation
- Operate an agency 15-passenger van on assigned afternoon routes, picking up students from local elementary, middle, high, charter, and private schools on a staggered dismissal schedule
- Follow the assigned route sheet and adjust safely when dismissal times, weather, or rosters change; communicate delays promptly to the Program Director
- Maintain accurate daily ridership records and verify that every student is accounted for at pickup and arrival
- Enforce van safety rules, including seating, seat belts, and behavior expectations, and manage student conduct calmly while driving
- Complete pre- and post-trip vehicle checks, report maintenance needs, keep vans clean and fueled, and follow all agency vehicle policies
Off-Site Chaperoning
- Accompany students to community partner programs, including equestrian and swimming lessons, and remain with the group for the duration of the activity
- Maintain continuous visual supervision and accurate headcounts during transitions, arrival, and departure
- Reinforce partner-site rules and safety instructions, and support the partner instructor by managing behavior, attention, and participation so they can focus on teaching
- Respond appropriately to injuries, behavioral incidents, or emergencies
- Serve as a professional face of Youth Guidance with partner staff, volunteers, and families
Group Supervision and Instruction
- Oversee student behavior during group activities with community partners, including fashion design, bicycle repair, and other rotating program electives
- Step in to lead a group or facilitate an activity when an instructor or partner is unavailable, following the existing lesson plan or a provided activity outline
- Set and hold clear behavior expectations using positive, developmentally appropriate classroom-management practices
- Build supportive, encouraging relationships with students and help them stay engaged, particularly those who are hesitant to try something new
- Assist with setup, cleanup, materials, and attendance for daily programming
General
- Support afterschool programming on campus during non-route hours, including tutoring, snack, transitions, and activity blocks
- Report attendance, incidents, and student concerns accurately and on time
- Participate in staff meetings, training, and professional development
- Follow all agency policies on child safety, mandatory reporting, and confidentiality
- Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum 21 years of age
- Valid Florida driver's license with a clean driving record; must be insurable under the agency's policy and pass a Motor Vehicle Record check
- Ability to safely operate a 15-passenger van (no CDL required)
- Successful completion of a Level 2 background screening and drug screening
- Demonstrated experience working with children or youth in a school, camp, afterschool, coaching, mentoring, or childcare setting
- Ability to manage a group of students independently and maintain composure in a busy or unpredictable environment
- Reliable attendance and punctuality — students and partner sites depend on this role running on schedule
- Strong communication skills with youth, families, coworkers, and community partners
Preferred Qualifications
- Current CPR and First Aid certification
- Two or more years of experience leading youth groups or activities
- Experience driving a passenger van or shuttle route
- Familiarity with Indian River County schools and neighborhoods
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
Physical and Environmental Requirements
- Sit and drive for extended periods, including in afternoon traffic
- Stand, walk, bend, and remain active for the length of a program block
- Lift and carry up to 40 pounds (program supplies, bicycles, equipment)
- Work outdoors in Florida heat and humidity, at a stable or barn, and around a pool
- Assist students in and out of vehicles and equipment
What Success Looks Like
In the first 90 days, this person knows their route, knows every student by name, and has become the adult that partner sites are glad to see walk through the door. Groups run smoothly whether or not the lead instructor is there.
To Apply
Send a resume and a brief note about your experience with young people to [email protected] or apply in person at 1028 20th Place, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Youth Guidance of Indian River County is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
Work Location: In person
