South Bend Kroc Center - Education Lead

Help kids learn and grow while supporting the staff who guide them.

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is seeking an organized, encouraging, and dependable Youth Program Lead to help oversee our afterschool and homeschool programming. You will mentor program staff, develop engaging youth activities, and step into classrooms when additional support is needed. This is an opportunity to bring your creativity and leadership skills to programs that make a difference for children and families.

Starting Pay: $15.00 per hour
Position Type: Part-time, 29 hours per week

Required Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 2:30-6:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

The Youth Program Lead supports daily program operations by coordinating staffing, developing activities, preparing materials, and helping counselors provide safe and engaging experiences for students.

This role combines hands-on work with children and day-to-day staff guidance. You will help counselors strengthen their classroom skills, reinforce program expectations, and address challenges as they arise. You will also build positive relationships with families and help create a welcoming environment that reflects The Salvation Army's mission.

• 
  

  Mentor and support counselors through daily guidance, training, and feedback on classroom practices, student engagement, behavior management, and safety.

  
  
• 
  

  Develop engaging youth programming for afterschool and homeschool students, including activities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

  
  
• 
  

  Provide classroom support and coverage when staff are absent, staffing shortages occur, or students and counselors need additional assistance.

  
  
• 
  

  Prepare counselor schedules at least two weeks in advance, ensuring adequate coverage while keeping counselors within their 19-hour weekly limits.

  
  
• 
  

  Help maintain required Safe From Harm staffing ratios.

  
  
• 
  

  Support Afterschool STEAM University, Homeschool STEAM University, School's Out Day Camp, Summer Specialty Camps, and other assigned youth programs.

  
  
• 
  

  Prepare lesson plans and provide staff with schedules, attendance sheets, radios, lesson materials, and other supplies.

  
  
• 
  

  Communicate respectfully with parents and guardians about student needs, behavior concerns, program expectations, and account balances.

  
  
• 
  

  Track student attendance and maintain accurate records daily or no later than the end of each week.

  
  
• 
  

  Reinforce student behavior agreements and Kroc Center expectations using consistent, responsive classroom practices.

  
  
• 
  

  Keep classrooms, shared program spaces, and supply areas clean, organized, and ready for use.

  
  
• 
  

  Coordinate snack orders, restock supplies, and complete other related duties as assigned.

  
  

• 
  

  At least two years of related experience in youth programming, education, ministry, organizational leadership, or a similar setting.

  
  
• 
  

  Bachelor's degree in education, youth development, ministry, organizational leadership, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

  
  
• 
  

  Experience mentoring staff, leading programs, or providing supervision preferred.

  
  

• 
  

  Successful completion of a background check. All results will be reviewed in accordance with applicable requirements.

  
  
• 
  

  A valid driver's license and ability to maintain The Salvation Army's driver qualification standards.

  
  
• 
  

  Completion of Safe From Harm and CPR training within the first 30 days of employment.

  
  

• 
  

  Clear communication with children, families, staff, leadership, and community partners.

  
  
• 
  

  Ability to create age-appropriate activities and lead groups of students with different needs and abilities.

  
  
• 
  

  A patient, respectful approach to guiding staff and supporting student behavior.

  
  
• 
  

  Strong organization, time-management, and problem-solving skills.

  
  
• 
  

  Ability to manage changing priorities, work independently, and collaborate with a team.

  
  
• 
  

  Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ability to learn scheduling and reporting systems.

  
  
• 
  

  Ability to communicate effectively in English and work respectfully with people of different backgrounds.

  
  

This position does not have formal direct reports. It provides day-to-day leadership, mentoring, scheduling support, and training for youth program counselors.

Work takes place in classrooms, program spaces, and office settings, with regular interaction with children, families, and staff. Some travel may be required.

Essential duties may require standing for extended periods; bending, squatting, and walking; preparing materials and using equipment; and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials weighing up to 25 pounds. The role also requires sufficient speaking, hearing, and vision abilities to communicate and supervise activities.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.