Program Counselor

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory•Chicago, IL

23h•$18 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Program Counselor is responsible for assisting in all aspects of programming, including after-school activities, educational and recreational for youth and young adults. This position works with the Youth Program Coordinator to ensure the programs run smoothly and the facility is operating properly.

Requirements

Experience with working with youth in educational activities/and sports.
Excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
A demonstrated ability to manage people and projects.
Excellent verbal communication skills.
A communication and work style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army.
A flexible style with a willingness to learn.
Understand supervisory practices for youth.
Understand diverse populations and cultural issues.
Will only commit Salvation Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
Will keep the Youth Program Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
Will adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures in carrying out the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with the Southwest Chicago Community preferred.
Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).
Demonstrate a commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.

Responsibilities

Mentor youth while assisting to coordinate community open gym time with staff, assist in organizing educational activities. Assist with fitness opportunities for various age groups, and assist in overseeing in-house sports leagues/local tournaments, and other Corps programming under the direction of the Youth Program Coordinator.
Will be responsible for assisting with all curricula implementation in programming & other operations including recreational activities.
Listen to the needs of those using the facility and communicate these to the Youth Program Coordinator.
Works with Program Lead Counselors and Youth Mentors to help youth with homework and lead recreational activities.
Supervise all events to ensure rules are followed and safety is assured.
Maintain proper progress reports for youth, and statistics to present on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
Will assist in providing guidance to visitors and participants to all events and opportunities offered by the Corps and Community Center as scheduled.
Will work alongside the Corps staff to offer information regarding ministry opportunities to individuals who may not be familiar with The Salvation Army’s community opportunities. These opportunities will include: all youth activities, young adult and adult opportunities for women, men, and families; Life Skills Classes, Divisional & Territorial Camps.
Represent The Salvation Army as a team member during events and shifts to answer general inquiries, give information, and discuss volunteer opportunities.
Makes referrals to appropriate team members for volunteer recruitment and processing.
Will maintain a safe and secure Corps and Community Center environment at all times, following the guidance of The Salvation Army’s Safe-From-Harm standards.
Ensure that youth are only dismissed to their parents or authorized adults.
Assist with safely ushering youth from the school to the community center as directed by the Youth Program Coordinator.
The Corps and Community Center will be cleaned after events and programs to assure there is no food or debris on counters, tables, chairs, or floors, trash is emptied, dishes are washed, and any specific mess caused by the event is cleaned.
At the end of the evening, a check off list will be completed to assure the facility is left clean and all doors are locked, lights are turned off, areas are secured, and such. The list will be supplied in writing.
Special assignments such as set up for activities will be given when there are no programs or events that keep the facility safe and programs running smoothly as needed.
Submit to monthly, quarterly, and annual training as required for the position and weekly meetings as scheduled, to ensure all policies and procedures are followed.
Assist with monitoring/covering the front desk to ensure all program participants are being greeted and checked in-in a timely manner, and in accordance with keeping proper record of those in the building.
All other duties as assigned.