Program Coordinator - YouthConnect Worcester

Program Coordinator

• YouthConnect Worcester Friendly House Massachusetts Worcester, MA Job Details 7 hours ago Qualifications Driver's License Working with children Conflict management Team motivation (leadership skill)

Full Job Description Description:

Job Title:

Program Coordinator

• Seasonal June 29, 2026, 2026, through August 19, 2026 About us: Founded in 1920, Friendly House's mission is to provide for the "Educational, social and family betterment of the residents of the City of Worcester.

Friendly House originally opened as a small three-room settlement house with a focus on providing support to recent immigrants. Friendly House today has eight locations across Worcester and provides services across four program areas

• Youth Development, Housing/Shelter, Food Security, and Social Services.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

SUMMARY:

YouthConnect Worcester is a neighborhood-based summer program providing recreational, educational, and cultural activities to underserved Worcester middle school-aged youth in an effort to reduce youth violence. The program serves 50 co-ed youth through activities including Basketball Skills & Drills, Cooking & Baking, and Visual Arts, supported by a team of 5 program staff and specialists. The Program Coordinator holds primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of all YouthConnect Worcester program activities. This includes leading outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts for middle school-aged youth, and overseeing all engagement across the program: adult to youth, youth to youth, staff to staff, and adult to staff. The Program Coordinator serves as the main point of accountability for program quality, staff performance, and participant safety.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(including but not limited to): Lead and assist with the registration of program participants in accordance with grant guidelines, including collecting required enrollment forms, verifying eligibility, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date participant records. Lead the design and implementation of all evening recreational and educational activities, including Basketball Skills & Drills, Cooking & Baking, and Visual Arts. Recruit, orient, and provide ongoing supervision and feedback to program staff. Lead weekly staff meetings and coordinate program operations. Oversee and participate in staff training and professional development opportunities. Establish and maintain a safe, structured, and supportive environment for all participants and staff. Complete and review incident and accident reports in a timely manner. Provide individualized and group-based supportive services to program youth. Oversee the recording and collection of all program data, including participant demographics, attendance, assessments, checklists, and evaluation scales. Represent Friendly House at citywide YouthConnect Worcester leadership meetings. Serve as the primary point of contact for the Director of Youth Programs regarding program updates, concerns, and outcomes. Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Youth Programs.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises the Assistant Coordinator and 3 part-time program staff. Responsible for day-to-day staff guidance, performance support, and ensuring adequate coverage and supervision at all program sites.

Requirements:

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrated sensitivity to the needs of youth and families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team. Ability to build trusting relationships through compassion, empathy, and genuine engagement. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, community-based environment. Bilingual preferred. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for outreach activities. Knowledge of American Sign Language helpful but not required. Must meet eligibility criteria per state and/or federal summer employment guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum five years of experience working with youth from culturally and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Bachelor's degree preferred, ideally in Child Development, Human Services, Psychology, Physical Education, Recreation, or a related field; equivalent experience considered. Strong knowledge of youth development principles and experience working with at-risk youth in community-based settings. Demonstrated experience supervising staff or leading a team. Experience serving youth from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Preference given to applicants with participation in: Youth Worker Training Institute, Worcester Youth Work Alliance, First Aid & CPR, Youth Mental Health First Aid, or Narcan Administration training.

COMPETENCIES

Diversity

• Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce. Ethics
• Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethically; upholds organizational values. Attendance/Punctuality
• Is consistently at work and on time; ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; arrives at meetings and appointments on time. Customer Service
• Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly to customer needs; solicits customer feedback to improve service; responds to requests for service and assistance; meets commitments. Professionalism
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. By accepting this position, I confirm that I have reviewed this job description and understand my job duties and responsibilities. I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined and I understand that my job may change on a temporary or regular basis according to the needs of my department.