Youth Program Assistant - School Year Positions

Locations: Portland, South Portland, Auburn & Lewiston
Schedule: Monday–Friday, approximately 2:30–6:30 p.m.
Status: Part-Time, approximately 20 hours per week
Pay Range: $17–$20 per hour, commensurate with experience

Position Summary

Join Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine and make a difference in the lives of young people every day. As a School Year Program Assistant, you will help create a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment where members in grades K–5 can learn, grow, build relationships, and have fun.

Program Assistants lead and support activities, mentor youth, and work alongside an energetic and supportive team committed to helping every Club member reach their full potential.

The ideal candidate is enthusiastic about working with young people, brings patience and positivity to their work, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Facilitate engaging educational, enrichment, and recreational activities in program areas including STEM, Art, Leadership, Academics, Health & Wellness, Gym, and Games Room.
• Support the delivery of high-quality youth programs using established curricula, lesson plans, and activity guidelines.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with members and create an environment that promotes participation, inclusion, and a strong sense of belonging.
• Provide active supervision of members and use positive, developmentally appropriate behavior-management strategies.
• Maintain a safe and welcoming environment by consistently following all Club safety policies, procedures, and youth-protection practices.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff to evaluate programming, share feedback, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Assist in other program areas as needed to support daily Club operations, special events, and staff coverage.
• Accurately track member attendance and other program information as assigned.
• Model professionalism, respect, responsibility, and positive behavior in all interactions with members, families, colleagues, and community partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support Club programs and operations.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in a recreational, educational, childcare, or community-based setting preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships with youth and colleagues.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Patience, empathy, good judgment, and the ability to respond professionally to challenging situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and adapt to changing program needs.
• CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain upon hire.
• Valid driver's license and excellent driving record preferred.
• BHPs and Ed Techs are encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to actively participate in youth programming and activities.
• Ability to remain standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds as needed.
• Ability to move throughout Club program spaces and provide active supervision of youth.

Compensation & Benefits

• $17–$20 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Maine Earned Paid Leave, up to 40 hours annually based on hours worked.
• Supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine

Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Maine's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Our Clubs provide safe, welcoming spaces where young people can build meaningful relationships, explore new opportunities, develop skills, and thrive.

Ready to make a difference? Join our team and help create a positive Club experience for young people across Southern Maine.