YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

GARY COMER YOUTH CENTER•Chicago, IL

9d•$16 - $21

About The Position

GCYC is looking for a dynamic, energetic youth development professional to serve in the essential role of Youth Development Specialist. Specialists will spend the majority of their time engaged in instruction, activities, and planning of programming for young people aged 11-18. With a focus on positive youth development, Specialists will be utilized across all 8 of GCYC’s programming areas: Media & Technology, Culinary Arts, Sports & Recreation, Urban Agriculture, College Preparation, Arts, Civic Engagement and Leadership, and Youth Employment. The ideal candidate will have a genuine interest in our youth and their well-being and be passionate about providing them the opportunity to enrich their lives. They should have excellent classroom management, be fun and engaging, enjoy the company of middle schoolers, flexible. An interest in art, sports, and DIY is also key. At present, we are seeking two staff members for a middle school-focused afterschool option called Club 678. It runs five days a week, with an extended day on Mon-Thu 2:00-6:00, Fridays 1:00-6:00 pm. The programming run at GCYC happens primarily in the after-school hours: afternoons and evenings, with some special events and weekends. Schedule availability for school holidays, breaks, and camps is a must.

Requirements

Ability to deliver age-appropriate programs and activities that lead to positive youth development outcomes, internal and external competencies and skills.
Ability to develop program plans and curricula that are intentional, research-backed, and measurable.
Self-directed and motivated, able to prioritize goals and tasks, and exercise efficient time management.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in the assigned area of responsibility.
Ability to supervise youth and influence peers to act.
2+ years of experience in after-school programming or youth coaching
2+ years of experience in youth engagement
Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others, including Instructors, parents, and community partners.

Responsibilities

Plan and implement programming year-round that includes skill development, idea exploration, and engagement.
Develops, implements, and evaluates quality-related programs and activities to achieve specific goals and measure outcomes.
Drafts and collects detailed records, program statistics and produces reports with respect to volunteers and participant assessments for related programs.
Writes reports and articles and produces program marketing materials routinely and as needed.
Maintains supply and equipment inventory.
Responsible for the recruitment and retention of program participants, with a target average daily attendance at or exceeding 80%
Organize and conduct neighborhood school outreach and community engagement.
Seeks out and maintains partnerships and opportunities to grow and develop their programming.
Guide and foster department collaborations for specialty programming and curriculum.
Creates lessons and opportunities for programs to hone and teach life skills
Manages the classroom through positive youth development practices
Responsible for maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment to further ensure proper youth supervision and managing conduct issues and incidents.
Attends required staff meetings and trainings.
Works with other staff to execute effective outreach, recruitment, and retention strategies.
Responsible for accurate data collection and data entry for grant and program compliance.
Supports the mission of GCYC.
Works collaboratively in a team setting, serving the needs of youth.
Is committed to the safety and development of all GCYC members.
Takes on other duties as needed.
Serves as a role model for youth and the community.
Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.