Summer Freedom School Youth Program Specialist

Job Title: Summer Freedom School Youth Program Specialist

Schedule: 40 hours/week

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Seasonal 

Work Dates: May 27th - August 7th, 2026

Pay Range: $28 an hour

Nature and Scope:

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center (BTWCSC), the oldest Black-led and serving non-profit in San Francisco, has been a beacon of Black joy, self-determination, and community support for over 106 years. BTWCSC serves as an anchor institution in the Fillmore/Western Addition community, addressing economic and racial disparities by offering affordable housing, education, youth and senior programming, workforce development, and family stabilization services. Programming is designed for all ages, ensuring intergenerational connections and fostering a sense of unity and resilience.

BTWCSC’s summer program is a CDF Freedom Schools® site. The CDF Freedom Schools® program, coordinated by the Children’s Defense Fund, is a national direct service initiative that provides summer and after-school opportunities for children and youth, promoting family and community engagement.

The mission of CDF Freedom Schools® is to inspire a love for learning, build positive attitudes toward education, increase self-esteem, and meet the needs of children and families in their communities. The program serves children in grades K-12 for eight weeks through the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), which aligns with Common Core Standards. The IRC combines reading, conflict resolution, and social action while fostering social, cultural, and historical awareness. Research demonstrates its effectiveness in preventing summer learning loss and supporting educational achievement.

Candidates such as college-aged young adults and recent graduates play a key role in the program as a Youth Program Specialists, teaching up to 20 scholars each. These interns gain leadership development and networking opportunities, advancing their ability to provide direct service and advocate for children and families.

Summary:

Youth Program Specialists will work under the direct supervision of the Manager of Youth Success (K-8) who reports to the Associate Director of Expanded Learning and Enrichment . The youth program’s leadership will provide a safe, caring, and enriching environment for the children enrolled in the BTWCSC Freedom Schools program. Youth Program Specialists are expected to act as role models, embodying BTWCSC’s core values of dignity, hope, and joy. They will also ensure compliance with all BTWCSC childcare policies and procedures, demonstrating a commitment to program fidelity and excellence.

Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

Act as a positive role model for scholars, promoting dignity, respect, and personal growth.

Supervise and ensure the safety and well-being of up to 20 scholars per class, adhering to BTWCSC and CDF Freedom Schools® guidelines.

Lead scholars in the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), integrating reading, social action, and historical awareness into daily lessons.

Set up, manage, and clean classroom spaces per program standards, ensuring an organized and welcoming environment.

Attend all required training sessions, including the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute and local/site-based training.

Collaborate with site staff to ensure the successful implementation of all program components with fidelity. This includes organizational wide interdepartmental collaborations

Monitor scholars’ progress and report any concerns or issues to the Site Coordinator or Program Manager promptly.

Daily Operations:

Maintain accurate documentation of scholar attendance, absences, and emergency information through our AirTable database administration.

Keep consistent headcounts of scholars, communicating changes to staff immediately.

Assist in maintaining cleanliness of program areas and BTWCSC facilities, including performing janitorial duties as needed.

Monitor and maintain supplies, equipment, and materials; notify leadership staff when new or additional supplies are required.

Comply with BTWCSC’s emergency procedures to ensure scholar and staff safety at all times.

Interaction with Scholars:

Consistently demonstrate positive, respectful interactions with scholars, reinforcing their sense of dignity and self-worth.

Use positive discipline techniques to teach and redirect behavior rather than reprimanding.

Clearly express expectations and hold scholars accountable for adhering to program rules.

Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that aligns with BTWCSC’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Interaction with Parents:

Build positive relationships with parents, providing regular updates on their child’s progress and behavior.

Share program updates such as schedule changes and distribute permission slips as needed.

Always positively identify parents before releasing children into their care.

Qualifications:

Education:

Must be 18 years or older.

High school diploma or equivalent; some college coursework is strongly preferred.

Completion of at least one year of college in good academic standing is highly desired.

Knowledge and Experience:

Experience working with children and youth in a variety of age groups.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to motivate and inspire.

Proven reliability, sound judgment, and commitment to children’s success and well-being.

Experience leading and supervising intergenerational teams in youth programs is a plus.

Certifications:

CPR/AED/First Aid certification (required two weeks prior to the start of the program).

Training Requirements:

Participation in the following training sessions is mandatory:

May 30–June 7, 2026: National Freedom Schools® Training in Knoxville, Tennessee. This week-long intensive training provides Youth Program Specialists with the tools to implement the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC) and align with the Freedom Schools® mission. Participants will engage in sessions on curriculum implementation, classroom management, cultural sensitivity, and leadership development. Travel and accommodations will be arranged and covered by BTWCSC.

June 10–12, 2026: In-house Summer Camp Training at BTWCSC. This on-site training will focus on program-specific procedures, team-building exercises, BTWCSC policies, and local emergency protocols. Youth Program Specialists will also participate in planning enrichment activities and reviewing the summer schedule.

Professional Expectations:

The Youth Program Specialist will:

Fully abide by the BTW Employee Handbook and Code of Business Ethics 

Represent BTWCSC and the Freedom Schools® program professionally and enthusiastically.

Demonstrate a commitment to BTWCSC’s mission and values by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

Work effectively in a diverse, intergenerational team setting, encouraging open communication.

Embrace opportunities for self-development, consistently seeking ways to enhance job performance.

Exhibit adaptability, resourcefulness, and sound judgment when handling challenges.

Physical and Professional Demands:

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds using proper techniques.

Ability to stand for up to five hours and respond promptly in emergencies (e.g., running up to 100 yards).

Adequate vision and hearing to effectively supervise and interact with children and staff.

Employment Contingency Notice

Continuation of employment as a Youth Program Specialist with BTWCSC is contingent upon the successful completion of the National Freedom Schools® Training held from May 30th –June 7th, 2026, in Tennessee. This mandatory training is a cornerstone of the Freedom Schools® program and provides critical instruction on the implementation of the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC), classroom management strategies, cultural competency, and leadership development.

Participation in the full training program, including all sessions and activities, is required to ensure alignment with national standards and to prepare for the successful execution of the summer program at BTWCSC. Completion of this training is necessary to finalize employment and demonstrate your readiness to fulfill the responsibilities of your role.

By committing to this position, you agree to attend and actively participate in the National Freedom Schools® Training as outlined. All travel and accommodations will be arranged and covered by BTWCSC