Student - Youth Development Professional

Purdue University; Hammond (IN); On-site; USD 16,531 - 20,664; Part time

Job summary

Purdue University is seeking a Student - Youth Development Professional for a part-time role supporting youth programs in Hammond, Indiana. The position involves creating and implementing engaging developmentally appropriate activities while mentoring youth and ensuring compliance with organizational goals.

This role requires collaboration with program staff, adaptability to various educational areas, and strong engagement with the youth community. Flexible afternoon shifts are available, providing a great opportunity for students to participate actively in local youth development.

Qualifications

• Experience working with youth in a structured program setting.
• Ability to create and implement engaging activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and implement developmentally appropriate programming.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with youth.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements and program objectives.

Skills

Youth engagement

Creative programming

Collaboration

Mentoring

Adaptability

Education

Background in education or youth development

Job description

Job Title: Student - Youth Development Professional

City: Hammond

Job 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 locations.

Job Locations: Cedar Lake, Chesterton, East Chicago, Hammond, Gary, Portage, South Haven, Valparaiso

Position Type: Part Time

Job Shift: Afternoon 1pm to 7pm Monday through Friday, Occasional weekend shifts for rentals

Hourly Rate: $12.00-$15.00

Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

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)
  • 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.
• Positions are available across multiple Club locations in northwest Indiana.

Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to support various program areas are essential.

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.

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt