Youth Specialist

Position Title: Youth Specialist

Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time

Grade: 1

Hourly Rate: $21

Department: Youth and Family Potential

Program: DFSS After School Program

Reports To: STEAM & Youth Programs Instructor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Specialist coordinates and implements out-of-school-time (OST) youth development activities at school sites, YWCA program locations, and external locations. Working as part of the program team and under the general direction of the Site Coordinator, the Youth Specialist plans, facilitates, and implements daily lessons and activities for assigned after-school groups.

Programming is delivered within the framework of Teen REACH, YWCA's 21st Century Skills initiatives, and Positive Youth Development principles. The Youth Specialist is responsible for creating a safe, engaging, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes the social, emotional, academic, and developmental growth of participating youth.

COLLABORATES WITH

The Youth Specialist develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with school administrators, teachers, advisory committee members, parents and caregivers, Youth Education Services staff, Early Childhood Services staff, interns, volunteers, community-based organizations, and other city and state agencies and partners.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate school-age and/or teen groups and provide high-quality, engaging out-of-school-time programming.
• Develop and implement weekly activity and lesson plans in accordance with YWCA's program model, grant requirements, and established program outcomes.
• Create and maintain a safe, welcoming, age-appropriate, and inclusive environment for youth.
• Ensure designated program spaces, materials, supplies, and equipment are prepared before scheduled activities.
• Ensure required program component hours are met and activities align with agency goals and desired youth outcomes.
• Establish, monitor, and document progress toward individual and group youth goals.
• Support the recruitment, enrollment, and intake of assigned youth participants.
• Participate in canvassing, outreach, and other assigned recruitment activities.
• Assist in developing and implementing community engagement and relationship-building strategies.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date program records in accordance with agency, grant, and contractual requirements.
• Track and document youth participation and progress using YWCA's outcomes framework and required data systems, including ETO (Efforts to Outcomes), eCornerstone, Cityspan, and other designated systems.
• Assist with summer programming and special youth activities.
• Organize and maintain program materials, supplies, equipment, and snacks.
• Assist the Site Coordinator with program logistics at assigned Teen REACH and/or after-school program sites.
• Participate as a contributing member of the Youth Education Services team and assist with other projects and initiatives as needed.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Facilitate and deliver high-quality, engaging out-of-school-time programming that supports positive youth development.
• Maintain organized program materials, supplies, equipment, and snacks.
• Complete program documentation and recordkeeping accurately and on time in accordance with grant, contract, YWCA, and DFSS requirements.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and effective public relations by contributing to a positive organizational culture and work environment.
• Maintain respectful, professional, and positive interactions with youth, parents and caregivers, staff, colleagues, supervisors, school personnel, and community partners.
• Maintain high standards of program quality, safety, professionalism, and accountability.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ongoing professional development by identifying and participating in training and learning opportunities that support individual and program goals.

NON-ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in administrative, staff, and program meetings, as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

Perform other duties outside the primary responsibilities of the position as assigned, including special projects, short-term program needs, events, or other assignments that support the mission and operations of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of one year of experience working with youth in an informal educational, after-school, summer camp, or youth development setting.
• Experience working in out-of-school-time (OST) programs preferred.
• Experience facilitating or teaching activities in an educational or youth development setting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with school-age children and/or teens.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the needs and experiences of youth facing social, economic, educational, or other barriers.
• Ability and motivation to work collaboratively as part of a diverse, energetic, and mission-driven team.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic computer skills and ability to learn and use required program data and reporting systems.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality when working with youth and families.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced program environment.

EDUCATION

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Preferred:

• College coursework related to youth development, education, child development, recreation, or a related field.
• Associate degree or equivalent coursework in Youth Development or a related field.
• At least six semester hours of coursework in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, Camping, or another related field.

CERTIFICATIONS

No specific certifications are required at the time of hire unless required by a funding source, program partner, or assigned school site.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must successfully meet applicable background check, fingerprinting, physical examination, TB testing, health, and vaccination requirements established by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, funding partners, and/or local school districts.
• Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel to program locations throughout Metropolitan Chicago and the Cook or Lake County regions, as required.
• Must be able to maintain flexibility in work location and scheduling based on program needs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The Youth Specialist works in a variety of environments, including YWCA offices, schools, community-based program sites, and other locations where children and youth are present. The noise level is generally moderate but may vary depending on program activities.

The position may require walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching, and lifting or moving program materials and supplies. Office-related responsibilities may involve extended periods of sitting and computer use.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday, generally 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

The position may occasionally require evening and weekend hours. Work schedules may vary depending on program activities, school calendars, special events, and the operational needs of the agency.