Youth & Teen Assistant Director (Multiple Vacancies/Part-Time/Temporary)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered

Join the Arlington Parks & Recreation Team: Empower Teens, Ignite Change, and Have Fun! Are you ready to be a leader in our dynamic youth and teen programs that change lives, spark creativity, and build the next generation of leaders? We’re looking for energetic, organized, and youth-centered temporary Teen After School Assistant Directors who are passionate about recreation, education, and equity. This is not your average desk job; this is a hands-on, heart-forward leadership role where you’ll design and lead programs that engage young people beyond the school bell.

About the Youth, Teen, and Family Programs Teen After School Programs. Our Teen After School Programs are more than just a place to hang out—they're a launchpad for personal growth, community engagement, and lifelong memories. Designed for middle and high school students, these programs offer a variety of activities, including creative arts, sports & games, academic support, service learning, mentorship, and social connections. 

 

As an Assistant Director, you'll be a leader for our staff team as well as consistent and impactful presence for our participants, helping to create a physically and emotionally safe space where teens can explore their interests, develop new skills, and grow into confident, responsible individuals.

Specific duties include: 

• Overseeing daily operations by supervising a team of 3-6 staff members along with the program director, ensuring effective task execution and active participant engagement;

• Collaborating with the Director to plan and facilitate monthly team meetings and individual staff evaluations, fostering professional growth and program excellence and customer service to each participant, family and guardian;

• Assisting in developing program calendars in advance, incorporating team input to ensure diverse and engaging activities, including completing activity sheets and the assignment of staff to specific activities, ensuring alignment with program objectives;

• Maintaining a consistent presence on the program floor, leading activities, supporting staff, and ensuring adherence to safety protocols and behavior management standards;

• Modeling and reinforcing positive behavior management techniques in line with Arlington CARES customer service values, providing coaching to staff;

• Manage participant attendance, registration, and evaluation data, including assisting in monitoring program budget expenditures, and attending monthly team meetings and school lunch outreach events;

• Maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants by celebrating differences, creating appropriate relationships with all participants that are under your care, and supporting participants as they navigate social and emotional development;

• Managing consistent site programming and recreation activities independently, with minimal Directorial instruction or assistance;

• Participating in program activities enthusiastically and collaboratively to engage teens and encourage participant retention, including completing participant and program evaluations;

• Working with individuals with disabilities and providing personal care of participants (training provided); and

• Performing other job-related duties as assigned. 

 

Successful candidates will be able to collaborate and communicate with others, have the ability to complete tasks, take initiative, and work successfully in a team environment. 

Minimums: 

• High School/GED/Equivalent; plus

• Some experience administering recreation programs.

Substitution: Completion of some college coursework may substitute for the experience requirement.  

Desirables: Preference may be given to candidates with one or more of the following:  
 

• Working in youth recreation programs in a leadership role;

• Planning and leading recreational activities;

• Willingness and/or experience working with individuals with disabilities; 

• Working with diverse populations; and/or

• Experience evaluating and coaching staff

Special Requirements
 

Please attach a resume to this application. 

If selected, staff may be required to: 

• Agree to a criminal background check.

• First Aid/CPR/AED Certification, or the ability to obtain one within 60 days of hire. 

• Possess a driver’s license to travel to multiple site locations per day including pick up and drop off program supplies & equipment.

• Provide additional background checks and paperwork for staff interested in working with licensed pre-school programs. 

• Provide references, which may be attached to this application. 

• Attend all trainings, wear a uniform, and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

• Stand for prolonged periods of time during the work shift.

• Provide personal care as needed to participants (training provided).

• Arlington County requires that all employees have a bank account to accept direct payroll deposits.  

Additional Information

Work Hours: Program hours are 2:00-6:00 p.m. or 2:00-7:00 p.m. Monday-Friday from September-June. Staff hours are 26-30 hours per week depending on program location. Additional hours may be available with morning DPR pre-school programs and with Youth, Teen, and Family programs on Arlington Public Schools’ early release days, school break days, evenings and weekends. 

The official job title is Recreation Assistant III.

 

Note: This announcement will remain open until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.  Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis and interviews conducted continuously with qualified applicants. This position will close when the position has been filled or when enough qualified candidates has been received.

 

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Click here to learn more about our commitment.

Please complete each section of the application. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application.  Your response to the supplemental questionnaire is required.  Incomplete applications may not be considered. 

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