Type: Full-Time

Reports to: Director, Care Coordination

Office Location: 1801 W. Warner, Suite 202, Chicago IL; required in-office minimum of 3 days per week (hybrid work policy subject to change)

Background: 

Guided by the experiences of those living with mental health conditions and rooted in equity, NAMI Chicago educates to fight stigma and discrimination, fiercely advocates for our community, and shares hope, connection and expertise with people on their mental health journey. NAMI Chicago seeks to fill gaps in Chicago's mental health system, with an intentional emphasis on serving underrepresented populations and breaking down barriers to care. 

Who We Are Looking For:   

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated Youth Programs Manager to oversee our youth-focused mental health and wellness initiatives. The Youth Programs Manager will be responsible for managing programs that address the mental health needs of young people, including mental health skills building, youth-based support groups, and care coordination for youth with serious mental illness. The ideal candidate will have a background in youth programming and a passion for building the foundations of mental wellness for youth in Chicagoland. 

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

Partnership with Boys and Girls Club

• Coordinate NAMI Chicago’s Boys and Girls Club program activities, including NAMI programming in clubs, training for staff, and support for embedded wellness staff. 
• Provide direct supervision to wellness staff embedded in Boys and Girls Clubs, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to reach goals. 
• Identify new programming and growth opportunities in partnership with Boys and Girls Club. 
• Monitor and evaluate program reporting, ensuring staff complete required reporting and document client interactions. 
• Monitor and evaluate program outcomes to ensure effectiveness and impact. 
• Develop relationships with Boys and Girls Club administrative staff. 

Pediatric and Adolescent Transformative Healthcare (PATH) Collaborative

• Act as program liaison for the PATH Collaborative, representing NAMI Chicago in PATH meetings when needed and keeping leadership apprised of program progress. 
• Coordinate internal meetings between PATH funded staff and programs. 
• Work with the Community Engagement team to identify opportunities for partnerships with youth-facing organizations, event support, and training on youth mental health. 

Other Responsibilities

• Collaborate with other departments within the organization to integrate youth programs with other services and initiatives. 
• Collaborate with other departments on considerations when working with youth in distress or crisis. 
• Provide input on youth perspectives through NAMI Chicago. 
• Provide content guidance to other departments in youth-focused training, materials, and methods of communication. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Youth Development: Understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development stages of youth.
• Program Development: Ability to design and implement effective youth programs, including curriculum development and program evaluation.
• Community Resources: Knowledge of local resources and services available to support youth and their families.
• Cultural Competence: Understanding of and respect for cultural diversity, with the ability to tailor programs to meet the needs of diverse populations.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with youth, parents, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff and volunteers to achieve program goals.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Empathy: Ability to understand and empathize with the challenges and experiences of youth and their families.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or relevant field required. 
• At least 2 years of Social Work or Mental Health related work experience
• At least 5 years of experience working with youth 
• Computer Skills: Proficiency Microsoft Access, Excel, and Word. Proficiency in Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by NAMI Chicago  

Available Benefits: 

• Compensation range begins at $60,000/year 
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits 
• Company Sponsored Life and AD&D Insurance 
• Unmatched 401k Program 
• Company sponsored wellness activities