Youth Programs Assistant Paid Internship

Arlington, VA
Seasonal
Community Support
Student (College)
Summary: The Animal Welfare League of Arlington is seeking to hire two (2) dependable, hard working college students or newly graduated high school students interested in teaching our mission to promote empathy for animals through educational programs. The Youth Programs Assistant is responsible for leading our summer camp programs in engaging lessons and activities. Working with a variety of ages, daily programs are filled with games, crafts, educational lessons, special speakers, animal encounters, and more. For the 2025 summer camp season, camps will be filled with 16 campers from 9am-3pm. We will continue to follow COVID procedures based on CDC guidelines and practice strict cleaning protocols to ensure the safety of all participants and staff. Our educational internship program will provide opportunities to expand leadership skills, develop better group management techniques, improve positive communication skills with children, work on strategic planning, organizing, and provide the ability to lead educational programs through effective public speaking.

Position: Paid Internship $12.50 per hour
Weekly hours: 20-35 hours per week
Dates: June 9, 2025 to August 20, 2025. There is a one-week, unpaid break from July 21 - July 25, 2025
Number of positions available: We are hiring two (2) interns for this position

All applications should be submitted by March 10, 2025. Applications reviewed upon receipt


Responsibilities include the following however other duties may be assigned:
  • Plan, coordinate, and implement Educational Presentation content in-person
  • Lead and/or Co-lead Educational Presentations and League Tours (virtual/in-person)
  • Help create and brainstorm ideas for education programming 
  • Cultivate a safe, fun, and engaging environment 
  • Facilitate daily art and craft activities
  • Responsible for moving all animals to and from kennels. 
  • Ensure participant and animal safety throughout programs 
  • Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to summer camp 
  • Maintain inventory of education supplies for camp 
  • Responsible for behavior management of camp 
  • Help with educational outreach events with our Community Resources

Responsibilities include the following however other duties may be assigned:

  • Plan, coordinate, and implement Educational Presentation content in-person
  • Lead and/or Co-lead Educational Presentations and League Tours (virtual/in-person)
  • Help create and brainstorm ideas for education programming 
  • Cultivate a safe, fun, and engaging environment 
  • Facilitate daily art and craft activities
  • Responsible for moving all animals to and from kennels. 
  • Ensure participant and animal safety throughout programs 
  • Set up and breakdown equipment and activities related to summer camp 
  • Maintain inventory of education supplies for camp 
  • Responsible for behavior management of camp 
  • Help with educational outreach events with our Community Resources Department

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities

Qualifications:
Education / Licenses / Certifications

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate program with a full-time status, returning/starting in fall 2024 (minimum 12 credit hours).
  • Working towards a degree in Early Childhood Education or related fields is helpful but not required.
  • Ability to complete Fear Free Certification 2 weeks after hire
  • Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other background clearance.

Experience

  • Strong public speaking skills including experience presenting information to a wide variety of audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire, and instruct children.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and effectively.
Key Skills
  • Excellent communication, counseling, and interpretation skills.
  • Ability and desire to work with children from diverse communities.
  • Comfortable and experienced handling cats, dogs, and small companion animals
  • Ability to handle and pick up all type of animals 
  • Resourceful and creative thinker.
  • Enthusiasm and energy to make camp sessions and the workplace an enjoyable environment.
  • Computer literacy including Zoom, Canva, MS Word, Excel, email, and database skills.
Requirements:
  • Ability to receive clearance through the Department of Justice NSOPW search or other background clearance.
  • Available to work all camp dates/times, 25-35 hours per week for 10 weeks as follows:
  • Camp Prep Planning: Monday, June 9th to Friday, June 20th,2025.
  • Camp sessions: Monday, June 23th to Tuesday, August 20th, 2025.
  • One (1) week (unpaid) break: July 21nd - July 25th.

To learn more about the Animal Welfare League of Arlington Kids Summer Camp: https://www.awla.org/programs/youth-programs/summer-camp/

Typical physical & mental demands:

Working with animals involves frequent bending, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and extended periods of walking or standing. You will need strong hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity to operate common equipment like computers, telephones, photocopiers, and other systems/tools used in daily tasks.

Be prepared for exposure to injured or deceased animals, disinfectant chemicals, and fluctuating indoor and outdoor temperatures. You may assist in restraining animals, including those that are distressed or aggressive, and face potentially hazardous situations like bites or scratches.

Physical strength and dexterity are essential for managing animals on a leash, often while performing other tasks such as opening doors. You should be able to lift and move heavy objects or animals (up to 50 lbs) and engage in active, physical work throughout the day.

Clear hearing and vision are necessary for effective communication with the public, volunteers, staff, and animals. Flexibility and adaptability are also crucial to managing frequent interruptions and changes in routine. Comfort around a wide variety of animals—including dogs, cats, small companion animals, reptiles, amphibians, and wildlife—is key.

Additionally, this role requires emotional intelligence, empathy, and resilience to handle both the rewarding and challenging aspects of working with animals. Candidates must maintain composure, show compassion, and stay focused in a dynamic environment.


 


 
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