Youth Program Leader

Who We Are

Work ED creates meaningful after-school and enrichment programs that help students build confidence, explore career pathways, and develop real-world skills through hands-on, project-based learning. Our programs combine enrichment, academic support, recreation, and mentorship to support students’ growth both inside and outside the classroom.

We are a mission-driven organization focused on positive mentorship, student engagement, and applied learning. Our team culture values collaboration, growth, and innovation, with strong staff retention and clear opportunities for professional development and advancement.

At Work ED, we invest in our people through competitive pay, ongoing training, internal growth pathways, and a supportive, team-oriented environment where new ideas and open feedback are encouraged.

Youth Program Lead Positions

Work ED is hiring After School Program Leaders to join our team, working on site at local elementary and middle schools. This position will support our operations for the Orange, CA After School programs for our 2026 - 2027 school year.

Youth Program Leader Role Description

After School Program Leaders work directly with TK–8th grade students in small groups (about 15–20 students), leading fun, hands-on activities during after-school programs. This role is about mentoring and guiding students—not lecturing—while helping students build confidence, teamwork, and social-emotional skills through projects and challenges.

Program Leaders serve as positive role models and collaborate with a supportive team to create an engaging, student-centered learning environment. Through career-connected activities in areas like technology, entrepreneurship, storytelling, and creative industries, students gain meaningful, real-world experience connecting learning to practice.

This is a great opportunity for college students and education-related majors (education, child development, psychology, sociology, or related fields) looking to gain hands-on experience working with youth in an educational setting.

Position Details

Join our team as a Youth Program Lead supporting our After School Program in Orange, CA for the 2026 - 2027 school year. This is a hands-on, student-facing role ideal for college students looking to gain real-world experience working with children in an educational setting.
Program Timeline

• Paid Training Date: Tentatively the week of August 17th, 2026
• Program Start Date: Anticipated start date of August 17th, 2026
• Program Duration: Supporting operations through the 2026 - 2027 school year going from August 2026 to June 2027.

Schedule

• Proposed Hours: Monday–Friday, 11:00AM – 6:00 PM
• Note: Days and hours may adjust slightly based on program needs
• Availability during program hours is required

Compensation & Classification

• $25.00 per hour
• W-2, Part-Time Position
• Paid training provided

Why this role is great for college studentsThis position is an excellent fit for students majoring in, but not limited to:

• Education / Teaching
• Child Development
• Psychology or Sociology
• Human Development
• Social Work
• Kinesiology or Recreation
• Counseling or Youth Services

You’ll gain hands-on experience working directly with TK–8th grade students in a structured educational environment — experience that translates directly to graduate school, credential programs, and future careers in education and youth development.

Sick Leave and Other Benefits

• Part-time, non-exempt employees accrue paid sick leave in accordance with California’s Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act
• 401(k) plan participation is available to eligible employees per plan terms
• This position is not eligible for health insurance benefits unless working 30 hours per week for 6 months.

Benefits of Joining Our Team

• Joining a team which is helping to solve a major societal problem; helping youth discover careers with industry.
• Being a pillar of support for young students who haven't had a chance to discover the reality of careers as they make important life decisions on career pathways later in Middle School & High School.
• Being part of an innovative team which creates valuable programs with major employers and also launched a new Work Based Learning Tech Platform.
• Being a part of a team that is taking a service and matching it with a technology helping to solve major challenges educators & industry face creating valuable work experiences for students.

What You’ll Gain

• Direct, resume-building experience working with youth in an educational setting
• Practical application of concepts from education, child development, and psychology coursework
• Mentorship and professional development opportunities
• Experience collaborating with educators and school partners
• A supportive, mission-driven team with strong staff retention and growth pathways

Position Expectations

• Plan, prepare, and execute our Work ED curriculum with your students walking them through the different activities and challenges in a variety of subjects.
• Support the Work ED team and your school’s students throughout the weeks of learning.
• Support the next generation of Work ED students to build skills which will help them offset learning loss such as building their confidence and their ability to make friends.
• Support all current and future school relationships from chaperones to leadership.
• Join our industry partners, instructors and leadership in meetings before the programs and regularly to ensure the creation of a cohesive program which will have the desired impact on our students.
• Must submit a Background Check.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Desired Characteristics

• Ability to troubleshoot and stay calm under pressure
• Effective ability to form strong relationships with school staff, leadership and students
• Able to identify with youth in their challenges going from education to industry
• Natural charisma and energy
• Brings a fresh perspective & offers life advice for our students
• Summer camp counselor, Teacher, Program & Youth Leader background
• High emotional intelligence
• Being bilingual is a plus!

Qualifications

You are a great candidate if you have:

• Current or previous teaching assistant, program operations, youth mentorship, or other leadership in helping youth grow as people
• An interest in helping students discover this career field and connect with them
• Strong interpersonal and team work abilities supporting a fast paced dedicated team working to constantly innovate in a new space.
• A passion for youth and education helping students cross the divide between education and industry.
• Understanding of how to effectively listen to students, parents, educators to understand potential challenges they are facing and be a pillar of support.
• Ability to lead and support our team in leading students, while building a culture of support and warmth.

Background Check Requirement:

As a part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure work environment, this position requires a comprehensive background check, including the verification of educational credentials.

Proof of Education:

To meet this requirement, candidates must be prepared to provide documented proof of their educational qualifications. This may include degrees, diplomas, certificates, or other relevant documentation.

Education Requirement

For Orange County, the school district may require Paraprofessional Education verification (or an equivalent local instructional assessment), in addition to meeting one of the following:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) with a passing score on a local instructional skills assessment; OR
• 48 college units completed; OR
• Associate’s degree (AA) or higher

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your application through the really portal. Those selected will be part of our in person interview process to be selected for this position.

Join Our Winning Team:

If you are passionate about education, innovation, and making a difference in the lives of students, we invite you to join us at Work ED. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders and changemakers to realize their full potential. Apply now and embark on a journey of impact and growth with Work ED.

Website: www.worked.com

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)

Experience:

• Working with children: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Orange, CA 92867 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Orange, CA 92867: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25