What are the responsibilities and job description for the CAYLA Program Assistant position at The City of Asheville?
Summary
This position will NOT be eligible for benefits, paid leave time (vacation, sick, holiday) nor participation in the retirement system.
About our opportunity:
The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of CAYLA Program Assistant in the Community & Economic Development department. The Community & Economic Development Department partners with residents, businesses, and organizations to foster equitable economic advancement and vibrant neighborhoods. The CAYLA Program Assistant supports the City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA), which provides meaningful summer work experiences, leadership development, and college preparation for local high school students.
Purpose of Classification
Other things to know:
- Work Schedule: This is a temporary position, Monday - Friday up to 20/hrs weekly. Must be available to begin May 4, 2026 and work through July 31, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Functions
- Assists with planning, coordinating, and implementing CAYLA summer programming, including daily activities, leadership development sessions, and special events.
- Serves as an educational and personal resource to participating students by providing guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the program.
- Supports the development and facilitation of workshops, field trips, and community service initiatives, including preparing materials, coordinating logistics, and transporting students as needed.
- Assists with student internship placement by helping match participants with appropriate worksites and maintaining communication with host sites as needed.
- Tracks and maintains accurate student attendance, participation records, and program documentation in both digital and paper formats.
- Monitors student progress and identifies concerns related to attendance, engagement, or performance, reporting issues to program leadership in a timely manner.
- Provides academic and post-secondary guidance to students, including information on high school course planning, career pathways, and college readiness resources.
- Performs administrative and logistical support functions, including communications, file management, scheduling support, running program-related errands, and transporting materials or supplies as needed.
Education and Experience
Required
- High School diploma or equivalent
- At least one (1) year of experience working with youth, supporting educational programs, or providing administrative assistance
- Valid state Driver's License
- Ability to work effectively with youth from diverse backgrounds
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Ability to work independently and take initiative
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally to program sites and events
- Prior participation in the CAYLA program
- Experience working with high school students in an educational, mentoring, or workforce development setting
PERFORMANCE APTITUDES:
Data Utilization: Basic Ability to obtain, interpret, evaluate, audit, and apply quantitative or qualitative data using established criteria while exercising discretion in determining implications, identifying patterns, and selecting appropriate actions or alternatives.
Human Interaction: Working Ability to engage effectively with individuals or groups through communication, collaboration, persuasion, facilitation, and professional relationship-building to accomplish work objectives.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Material Utilization: Working Ability to operate, apply, adapt, and evaluate tools, equipment, technology systems, or materials required to perform work functions safely and effectively.
Verbal Aptitude: Working Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate complex information using reference, descriptive, advisory, or policy-related materials.
Mathematical Aptitude: Basic Ability to apply mathematical concepts and quantitative reasoning appropriate to job responsibilities.
Functional Reasoning: Working Ability to apply principles, policies, and professional knowledge to develop solutions and approaches using independent judgment.
Situational Reasoning: Working Ability to exercise judgment and adaptability when responding to evolving or subjective circumstances.
Critical Thinking: Working Ability to analyze information, evaluate alternatives, anticipate consequences, and develop logical solutions.
PHYSICAL & ACCESSIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Ability Requirement: Light Work The level, type, and frequency of bodily capabilities required to perform the essential functions of a job. This includes strength, endurance, mobility, balance, coordination, and dexterity necessary for tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, standing, walking, climbing, or other movements. Levels reflect the intensity, duration, and complexity of physical activity, with a focus on the requirements of the work.
Sensory Requirement: Moderate Ability to perceive, discriminate, and respond to sensory input necessary for performing essential functions. This includes visual, auditory, and oral communication requirements. Levels reflect intensity, frequency, and complexity of sensory demands.
Environmental Factors: Moderate Ability to perform work under varying environmental conditions, including exposure to temperature extremes, noise, vibration, or other physical surroundings. Levels reflect exposure intensity, duration, and work impact.
Some positions may require a fingerprint-based SBI background check after a conditional offer and before your start date; HR will provide instructions if applicable.
For benefits-eligible positions, explore our full benefits at AshevilleBenefits.com.
About us:
The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.
The City’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment. Applicants will be assured of fair treatment in all aspects of recruitment and selection without regard to a person’s age, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, genetic information,or disability, except where certain physical and mental requirements are Bona Fide Occupational Qualifications (BFOQ). The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.
The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.