Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) seek individuals to embark on a career working with youth. A position as a Part-Time Youth Worker Associate with Chicago Youth Centers is a perfect place to receive valuable experience working with children and teens, to help them excel in school and become great young adults.

Within centers/sites, and external locations, performs functions to coordinate and implement out-of-school time youth development activities; working with the program team under the general direction of a supervisor, plans and implements daily lessons and activities for assigned after-school groups in the context of CYC’s program framework.

We are conducting a search for a part-time Youth Worker Associate(s) for the following location:

• 21st Ave-Perspectives Highs School of Technology, 8522 S. Lafayette Ave., Chicago, IL, Schedule, 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM- M-F

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administrative Support

• Responsible for recruitment, enrollment, and intake of the assigned number of group members; engage in canvassing and other recruitment activities assigned; assist in developing and implementing community relations strategies.
• Responsible for ensuring that recordkeeping and reporting systems are maintained in an up-to-date and accurate manner, and consistent with agency standards; track and record group members’ progress consistent with CYC’s outcomes matrix and ETO database procedures.

Program Support

• Responsible for facilitation of one or more School-age and/or Teen Groups; develop and implement weekly lesson plans by CYC’s P21 curriculum model; ensure safe and appropriate group environment; ensure that designated space and materials are ready in advance of each day’s scheduled activities; ensure required program component hours are met and activities are planned consistent with agency outcomes; monitor the progress of individual member goals.
• Responsible for assisting with center and agency program evaluation activities as assigned, including periodic supervision and staff meetings, peer reviews, satisfaction surveys, and quality improvement teams; implement recommendations for improvements as required.
• Responsible for driving and/or transporting children and youth on agency business.

Family Engagement

• Responsible for assisting with the involvement of parents and families; ensuring consistent communication with parents of youth members regarding youths’ progress; assisting in developing parent and family activities as assigned and by agency standards.

Professional Development

• Responsible for developing and implementing a Professional Development Plan, maintaining a commitment to professional development in Youth Development and related fields.

COMPETENCIES: The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following competencies or “soft skills” that will be necessary for success in this role:

• Written and Verbal Communication Skills: demonstrates excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Detail Orientation: demonstrates superior attention to detail; time management and organizational skills.

Willing to embrace and demonstrate CYC’s Mantras:

• ATTITUDE MATTERS - Positivity begins with me. My attitude has the power to influence my environment and inspire those around me. I aim to be enthusiastic, optimistic, and kind—even when things get hard.
• CARE FOR REAL - I will take every opportunity to show that I truly care. I commit to serving children and families, my co-workers, and my community. I will think, care and act respectfully to uplift and support others.
• OWN IT - I will never say, “That’s not my job.” When I see something that needs to be done, I will assign myself and do it. I will make a commitment to carry out my job responsibilities and assignments with consistency, dependability, and respect.
• PUSH FORWARD - I will be determined and progressive in thought and action. I will press on when problems arise and find innovative ways to solve issues. I will continuously learn and be open to the ideas of others.

• Associate degree or equivalent in Youth Development or related field, with a minimum of six semester hours in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, Camping, or other related field.
• Associate degree Equivalency: 30+ semester hours of college credit plus 2 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above),

Or

• 6 – 30 semester hours of college credit plus 3 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above).
• Advancing Youth Development Certificate (may acquire at the first opportunity). One-year related work experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children in the field of youth development. Experience working with kindergarten- 2nd-grade students. Creativity and ability to teach science, music, arts & crafts. Strong communication skills (verbal and written). Computer expertise (MS Word, Excel, Access, etc.).