After School Program Specialist

SGA YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NFP•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The After School Program Specialist supports the successful implementation of SGA Youth & Family Services' Out-of-School Time (OST) programs by ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming across assigned school sites. Working collaboratively with school personnel, contracted enrichment providers, students, and families, the Specialist helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes academic success, social-emotional learning, positive youth development, and student engagement. The Specialist serves as SGA's on-site representative, providing day-to-day operational support, monitoring program fidelity, coordinating site logistics, and ensuring contracted vendors deliver services in accordance with program goals, agency standards, and funder expectations. The position also supports attendance tracking, documentation, compliance activities, and continuous quality improvement to ensure students receive meaningful after-school experiences that contribute to their overall growth and success.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
One to three years of experience working with elementary-aged youth preferred.
Experience in after-school, summer camp, recreation, education, or youth development programs preferred.
Experience supporting classroom management and group facilitation.
Experience working with diverse communities and families preferred.
Positive Youth Development
Student Engagement
Classroom Management
Trauma-Informed Practices
Communication and Relationship Building
Organization and Time Management
Team Collaboration
Problem Solving
Customer Service
Microsoft Office proficiency
Data Entry and Documentation
Adaptability and Flexibility
Must have a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance required for work-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in education, Child Development, Human Services, Recreation, Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Support daily implementation of after-school programming across assigned school sites.
Assist in coordinating daily schedules and transitions between enrichment activities.
Ensure programming is delivered according to agency and funder expectations.
Prepare activity spaces, materials, and supplies for daily programming.
Assist with special events, family engagement activities, showcases, and field trips.
Develop positive, supportive relationships with participating students.
Encourage active participation during academic, recreational, STEM, arts, and SEL activities.
Reinforce positive behavior using trauma-informed and restorative approaches.
Supervise students during program activities, transitions, and dismissal.
Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all participants.
Serve as the primary day-to-day support for contracted enrichment providers.
Ensure vendors have necessary materials and classroom space.
Observe programming and communicate concerns or recommendations to the Program Coordinator.
Assist in resolving operational issues that arise during programming.
Promote consistency and quality across multiple program sites.
Monitor attendance and participation.
Maintain accurate participant records and required documentation.
Assist with data entry into required reporting systems.
Ensure program files remain organized and compliant with agency and funder requirements.
Support continuous quality improvement efforts through observation and feedback.
Build positive working relationships with school administrators, teachers, and support staff.
Welcome and assist families during student pick-up and special events.
Communicate program information as directed by the Program Coordinator.
Represent SGA professionally within the school community.
Participate in staff meetings and professional development.
Assist with inventory and supply management.
Support the implementation of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiatives.
Perform additional duties as assigned.