Youth Worker - Activity Lead

Youth & Opportunity United, Inc.; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth & Opportunity United, Inc. is seeking a dedicated youth worker to assist in managing programs that enhance skills and emotional well-being for youth aged elementary to middle school. This role includes leading enriching activities, maintaining positive youth relationships, and supporting group instruction.

The ideal candidate will have a background in education or related fields, with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to youth development. Join us to make a positive impact in our community!

Qualifications

• A minimum of 30 hours of college credit in a related field or commiserate experience.
• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 15 or more youth.
• A deep passion for working with youth and families.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of team members and youth.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Manager with daily tasks and provide overall support to youth.
• Lead daily enrichment groups focusing on Fine and Performing Arts, STEM/STEAM, and other educational activities.
• Manage a pod of 15 students through enrichment programs.
• Build positive relationships with youth to support their success.

Skills

Strong classroom management and positive student behavior support practices

Attention to detail

Time Management

Problem-Solving Ability

Decision-Making Skills

Strong Communication (verbal and written)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Education, Sociology, Social Work

Job description

Description

Primary Responsibilities

• Assists the Program Manager with daily tasks and provides overall support to youth that foster project-based skills, social-emotional enrichment, and healthy relationships.
• Leads daily enrichment groups that focus on Fine and Performing Arts, STEM/STEAM, Literacy Skill Development, Sports and Organized Recreation, Social-Emotional Learning, and character-building.
• Manages a pod of 15 students through social, emotional, and academic enrichment programs designed to support elementary or middle school students.
• Build positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being.
• Collaborate with planning, culminating activities/events for curricular projects in concert with the Program Manager
• Support the delivery of group instruction in a safe and structured environment.
• Supervise youth during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally-appropriate, positive manner.
• Help youth build healthy, positive relationships with each other, with adults, and with their families.
• Engage with parents and family members as needed to support the youth.
• Demonstrate professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team behavior, performance, and productivity.
• Communicate with the Program Manager at assigned school sites in a proactive, timely, and effective manner.
• Continually assess and communicate program activity needs or any issues that affect program delivery.
• Maintain timely and accurate records concerning youth participation and outcomes as needed.
• May attend and monitor youth during field trips and off-site learning experiences with program participants.
• Provide information for program evaluation and accountability purposes, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education

• A minimum of 30 hours of college credit in a related field or commiserate experience.

Preferred Education

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (i.e., Education, Sociology, Social Work) or commiserate experience.

Experience

• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 15 or more youth.
• A deep passion for working with youth and families.
• A strong sense of teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of team members and youth.
• Personal qualities of integrity, emotional maturity, and credibility; a demonstrated history of using good judgment.

Preferred Experience

• At least 1-year previous experience working with groups of elementary, middle, or high school-aged youth in an afterschool or camp setting
• Experience leading STEM, literacy, arts, and/or social-emotional workshops for elementary, middle, or high school-aged youth.

Knowledge

• High Emotional and/or Social intelligence

Preferred Skills

• Strong classroom management and positive student behavior support practices
• Attention to detail
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving Ability
• Decision-Making Skills
• Strong Communication (verbal and written)