Youth Worker - Activity Lead

Youth & Opportunity United; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Youth & Opportunity United in Evanston, Illinois, is looking for dedicated individuals to assist youth in developing essential skills through project-based enrichment programs. Responsibilities include leading activities in Fine Arts, STEM, and social-emotional learning, while managing student engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a background in education or related fields, with a passion for youth development, teamwork, and leadership. If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact on children's experiences, apply today.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 30 hours of college credit in a related field or commensurate experience.
• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 15 or more youth.
• A deep passion for working with youth and families.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Program Manager with daily tasks and overall support to youth.
• Lead daily enrichment groups focusing on various developmental skills.
• Manage a pod of 15 students in academic enrichment programs.

Skills

Strong classroom management

Attention to detail

Time Management

Problem-Solving Ability

Decision-Making Skills

Strong Communication (verbal and written)

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Job 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.
• Builds positive relationships with youth that support their success and well‑being.
• Collaborates with planning, culminating activities/events for curricular projects in concert with the Program Manager.
• Supports the delivery of group instruction in a safe and structured environment.
• Supervises youth during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally‑appropriate, positive manner.
• Helps youth build healthy, positive relationships with each other, with adults, and with their families.
• Engages with parents and family members as needed to support the youth.
• Demonstrates professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team behavior, performance, and productivity.
• Communicates with the Program Manager at assigned school sites in a proactive, timely, and effective manner.
• Continually assesses and communicates program activity needs or any issues that affect program delivery.
• Maintains 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.
• Provides information for program evaluation and accountability purposes, as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

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).