Chesterton - Youth Development Professional (School Year)

Boys & Girls Club Of Greater Northwest Indiana; Duneland Beach (IN); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Boys & Girls Club Of Greater Northwest Indiana seeks a Youth Development Professional to create, plan, implement, and supervise high-quality programs for youth across multiple areas. You will foster a safe, inclusive environment, support grant outcomes, and mentor youth in leadership and social-emotional skills.

The role emphasizes collaboration with staff and community partners, maintaining structured routines, and promoting youth engagement and growth in a dynamic club setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Some college education preferred.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred or ability to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, and grant‑aligned programming within assigned program areas.
• Facilitate activities in arts, STEM, sports, games, or nutrition to support youth development.
• Adapt programming to meet youth needs, interests, and skill levels.
• Maintain structured daily schedules and routines for smooth program flow.
• Build positive relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model.
• Create a safe, inclusive environment and promote youth voice and leadership.
• Ensure programming aligns with grant requirements and tracks attendance and outcomes.
• Collaborate with staff and community partners and participate in meetings and trainings.

Skills

Youth development

Mentoring

Communication

Organization

Time management

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college preferred

Job description

Position Summary

The Youth Development Professional (YDP) is responsible for creating, planning, implementing, and supervising high-quality, grant-aligned programs that support the academic, social‑emotional, and physical development of youth. YDPs may be assigned to a variety of program areas including the Art Room, Gym, STEM Room, Games Room, or Cafeteria, depending on organizational needs and individual strengths.

This role is essential in providing a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where youth can learn, grow, and build positive relationships. YDPs are responsible for delivering structured programming, supporting grant outcomes, and fostering youth voice, leadership, and skill development across all program areas at any of our Club.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Programming & Instruction

• Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, and grant‑aligned programming within assigned program areas (Arts, STEM, Sports & Recreation, Games Room, or Cafeteria/Nutrition).
• Facilitate a variety of activities such as creative arts (visual, digital, performing, literary, applied), STEM (science, technology, engineering, math, coding, and hands‑on learning), sports and recreation (gym activities, games, and physical wellness), social recreation (structured games, tournaments, and team‑building), and nutrition and food service support (snack programs, cafeteria supervision, and healthy habits).
• Adapt programming to meet the needs, interests, and skill levels of youth.
• Maintain structured daily schedules and routines to ensure smooth program flow.

Youth Development & Engagement

• Build positive, supportive relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model.
• Create a physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
• Promote youth voice, leadership, teamwork, and positive behavior.
• Support youth in developing social‑emotional skills, confidence, and goal‑setting habits.
• Encourage participation, creativity, and exploration across all program areas.

Program Operations & Grant Compliance

• Ensure all programming aligns with organizational goals, grant requirements, and expected outcomes.
• Track attendance, participation, and required program data accurately.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe program spaces.
• Monitor and manage supplies, equipment, and inventory within assigned areas.
• Follow all safety, supervision, and organizational policies and procedures.

Collaboration & Professionalism

• Work collaboratively with Club leadership, staff, and community partners.
• Support overall Club operations, including transitions, special events, and field trips.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
• Communicate effectively with team members and leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Club success.

Work Environment & Flexibility

YDPs may rotate or be assigned to different program areas such as the Art Room, Gym, STEM Room, Games Room, or Cafeteria. Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to support various program areas are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Some college education preferred.
• Previous experience working with youth, particularly elementary school age.
• Working knowledge of youth development as well as experience with Boys & Girls Clubs preferred.
• Ability to motivate youth, manage behavior, and foster a positive learning environment.
• Strong communication, organization, and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal history background check.
• Ability to satisfactorily pass a drug screen for all federally illegal substances.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.