Youth Development Specialist

Socket.dev; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Union League Boys & Girls Clubs in Chicago is seeking a Youth Development Specialist to provide daily programs for club youth, aligned with our mission to foster good character, academic success, and healthy lifestyles.

You will supervise youth, implement activities designed by coordinators, ensure safety, and support personal growth through structured programs and field trips as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of youth development principles.
• Ability to plan and supervise activities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain safety and engagement.
• Willingness to participate in trainings.

Responsibilities

• Executes programs designed by the coordinators
• Assures members are safe and engaged in activities
• Encourages emotional, social, and educational growth of individual members
• Direct supervision of club youth members
• Follow program design of the coordinators
• Assists coordinators in ensuring materials for the day are prepared
• Assures program areas are cleaned and organized at end of day

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Planning

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Education

Enrolled in college or some college credits

Job description

Position Summary:

The youth development specialist will provide programs and services on a daily basis to youth enrolled in the club, understand and implement the Mission of Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. The program specialist will serve as the direct supervisor for youth members. In our club, there are areas that you as a potential staff person need to make sure we are developing. These areas are: Good Character and Citizenship, Academic Success, and Healthy Lifestyles.

Responsibilities:

• Executes programs designed by the coordinators
• Assures members are safe and engaged in activities
• Encourages emotional, social, and educational growth of individual members
• Direct supervision of club youth members
• Follow program design of the coordinators
• Assists coordinators in assuring all materials for the day are prepared
• Assures program areas are left cleaned and organized at the end of the day
• Other possible responsibilities pertaining to the club include, but are not limited to:
• Data entry
• Staff supervision
• Chaperone for field trips
• Moving materials from the club to school, or school to club

Requirements

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge of principles related to youth development
• Ability to plan effectively
• Group leadership skills
• including and understanding of group dynamics and discipline
• Understanding of the population of youth served.

Education:

Employees need to be 18 or older and be enrolled in college or have some college courses.

Experience:

Have worked or volunteered with children.

Scope of Authority:

The Youth Development Specialist’s direct supervisor is the Youth Development and Programs Coordinator.

Skills Needed:

• Communicate, listen and understand the children. Provide them with correct and timely information and feedback when requested.
• Decision Making: Youth Development Specialist will inform the Youth Development and Programs Coordinator about the problem and will try to come to a solution. If a solution cannot be reached, the Assistant Club Director and/or the Director of Club Services will be contacted to resolve the problem.
• Leadership–Be a Role Model for Co-Workers, volunteers and especially members.
• Enhance and encourage the members to strive to meet their goals.
• Personal Initiative to work and to achieve higher levels of responsibility to better serve the youth in all programs.
• Planning and organizing by coming in and working on special days to accomplish the task and goals needed to implement the programs and activities for our youth such as: Youth of the Year Award, Youth of the Month Award, annual Gala, and other organization events.
• Promote a Safe, and healthy environment. Making sure that the members know the safety rules of the Club are understood and met.

Desired Qualifications:

• Desire and ability to work with children
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance
• Good character, integrity and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience and self-control
• Positive example for youth and peers in appearance, attitude and behavior
• Must participate in required trainings by the Club, County, State, and/or funders

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Be enrolled in college or have some college credits
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test
• Must attend all staff meetings
• Responsible for all activities or program areas from beginning to end
• Be able to maintain high level of energy.
• Be adaptable and be flexible to change.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor