Youth Program Leader

Chinese American Service League; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Retirement Plan

Generous PTO

Paid Holidays

FSA/HSA

Life Insurance

Disability Coverage

Commuter Benefits

EAP

Job summary

Chinese American Service League (CASL) in Chicago seeks a Youth Program Leader to provide engaging, developmentally appropriate programming that supports youth growth across academic and social-emotional domains.

You will supervise tutors and volunteers, collaborate with families, and ensure program quality and compliance. The role operates Monday–Friday, based in Chinatown, with a comprehensive benefits package and a salary range of $38,000 to $48,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Fluency in spoken and written English; bilingual in English and Chinese preferred.
• Two years of college in Education, Social Work, Psychology or related field.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, online research, and data entry.

Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate youth activities.
• Identify needs of students and recommend initiatives to meet them.
• Supervise and support interns, tutors, and volunteers.
• Maintain compliant, safe, and engaging spaces for learning.
• Enter client efforts and notes into databases; support reporting.

Skills

Fluent English

Bilingual (English/Chinese)

Computer literacy

Communication skills

Education

Two years of college in Education, Social Work, Psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join CASL as a Youth Program Leader and Make a Difference

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in the lives of youth and families? Join CASL, where our mission is to support and empower children through safe, engaging, and enriching programs that foster academic growth, social-emotional development, and community connection.

Your Mission:

As a Youth Program Leader at CASL, you will lead high-quality, developmentally appropriate youth programming that supports the academic, social-emotional, and overall well-being of children and youth. This role ensures that youth programs are safe, engaging, compliant, and responsive to the needs of students and families, while fostering positive relationships, community connection, and opportunities for growth. Through thoughtful program planning, staff supervision, and family partnership, the Youth Program Leader advances CASL’s commitment to empowering youth and strengthening families.

About CASL:

Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives.

CASL’s history, watch here

CASL’s future, watch here

Make a Difference, and Get the Support You Deserve

Salary Range: $38,000 – $48,000/year | Full Benefits Package Included

We value your expertise and commitment, and we invest in both. From competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to a culture that puts people first, you’ll be supported while doing work that matters.

This role is based in Chinatown, Chicago, with a standard Monday–Friday schedule.

Scroll down for full details on salary, benefits, schedule and what it’s like to be part of CASL.

What You’ll Impact

As a Youth Program Leader, you will provide meaningful, structured learning and enrichment experiences that support youth development across social, emotional, academic, and behavioral domains. You will create a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel safe, supported, and motivated to grow, while identifying individual needs and connecting families to appropriate supports. Through your leadership, supervision of tutors and volunteers, and collaboration with parents and internal teams, you will help ensure program quality, compliance, and positive outcomes for youth served—directly contributing to CASL’s mission of building stronger, healthier communities.

In this role, you will also contribute to a culture grounded in our shared ways of working—demonstratingcare, clarity, coordination, commitment, and continuous improvement in how you support clients and collaborate with others.

• Plans, implements, and evaluates developmentallyappropriate classroomactivities, which meet the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, language, and health needs of youth children. This includes activity plans, daily schedules, room arrangement, and use of materials/methods.
• Identifiesthe social and recreationalneedsofthe students in the community andrecommendsappropriateinitiativesand actions to meet those needs.
• Provides support to youth who need help in developmental,socialand psychological aspects. Completes assessments (SAYO and Spence) thatidentifysocialemotional and stress levels of students. Plan activities to address these needs, and/or make referrals toBehavioralHealth Unit at CASL if necessary.
• Partners with parentsregardingstudents’ special needs, progress, areas ofstrengthand areas whereadditionalsupport may be needed.
• Train, supervise, evaluateand support interns, tutors and volunteers and meet with them on a regular basis to provide guidance.
• Enter all client efforts and case notes into internal and external databases.
• Comply withall DCFS licensing standards for classrooms.
• Obtains data, analyzes and evaluates regularly to meet funding requirements. Provide data as needed for funding.
• Provide workshops and enrichment activities. Invite outside content area specialists to provide information and activities for youth enrichment and community involvement.
• Maintains a space that is clean, safe, and compliant for youth learning. Maintain andrecommendspurchases for the program supplies/activities.
• Prepares reports and performs record keeping functions required by the agency andassistwith report writing as needed
• Responsible for own professional development, including participating in the supervisory process and using other educational opportunities, both within and outside of the agency.

Note:This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in response to organizational needs, and flexibility will berequired.

What You Bring - To thrive in this role, you should have:

Education and Experience:

• At least two years of collegein Education, Social Work, Psychology or related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least one year of practical experience in youth work or social service or working with children/youth in a classroom setting.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Fluency in spoken and written English, bilingual in English and Chinese preferred.
• Basic computerproficiencyrequired, including Microsoft Office, online research, andaccuratedata entry into internal systems.
• Good communicationskills with youth and parents.

Bonus Points For:

• Experience working with children or youth in a school, nonprofit, or community setting
• Experience supervising or supporting staff, interns, or volunteers
• Familiarity with social-emotional learning or trauma-informed approaches
• Experience working with diverse families and communities
• Bilingual or bicultural experience

Physical Demands:

• Mainly work inclassroominvolving prolonged periods of sitting,walkingand standing.

Environment and Scheduling:

• CASL standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am - 5:00 pm), with flexibility to workadditionalhours, as necessary.
• Work is performed during program hours, 10:00am – 6:00pm or 10:30am – 6:30pm, depending on age group responsibilities.
• Must be flexible and available to work alternatehourswhen necessary, i.e., CPS closures.Full day hours: 9am – 5pm.

Compensation & Benefits:

This position offers a salary range of $38,000 - $48,000 annually, reflective of experience and qualifications.

Join CASL and unlock a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your loved ones. As a full-time employee, you’ll enjoy a range of options tailored to your needs.

CASL’s comprehensive benefits package includes:

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Retirement Plan

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

11+ Paid Holidays, including Lunar New Year and Juneteenth

Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)

Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage

Voluntary Worksite Benefits and Pet Insurance

Commuter Benefits

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your household

Why Choose CASL:

Inclusivity: Join an organization that values mutual respect and acceptance, fostering a culture of inclusivity.

Empowerment: Support staff empowerment through skill development and growth opportunities.

Collaboration: Be part of a workplace that thrives on collaboration and teamwork.

Transformation: Envision and realize transformative changes in people, processes, and policies.

Resiliency: Work with a dynamic workforce and model resiliency to achieve collective strengths.

Join Us and Make a Difference:

Join us at CASL, where together, we create a brighter future for our community.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! Every application is personally reviewed by a real person—not AI. Our process may take some time, but rest assured, we will follow up with updates as soon as we can. We appreciate your patience and look forward to learning more about you.

At CASL, we believe that diverse perspectives fuel innovation and drive success. If you’re excited about the opportunity but unsure if you meet every requirement listed, we still encourage you to submit your application. Our company culture thrives on the unique talents and experiences that each individual brings to the table. We’re looking for the right fit, and that goes beyond a checklist of qualifications. Join us in shaping a dynamic and inclusive team where your skills and contributions truly matter.

CASL is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.