Youth Empowerment Specialist - VPI - Program: Re-Imagine Youth Development

Puerto Rican Cultural Center•Chicago, IL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Puerto Rican Cultural Center’s Re-Imagine Youth Development Program aims to provide young people between the ages of 11-21 years old by providing attentive care, mentorship, guidance, and programming that will positively impact their lives and improve their sense of direction and well- being. Youth Empowerment Specialists will be tasked with implementing Life Skills Programming, Civics Programming, as well as cultural artistic activities and sports and recreational programming. The Boxing Coach/Fitness role is responsible for training, mentoring, and motivating athletes of all levels in the sport of boxing. This role develops personalized training plans, teaches proper technique, and builds athletes’ physical and mental strength to help them reach their goals—whether recreational fitness, competitive boxing, or professional advancement.

Requirements

Experience working with the youth in a school, or after-school setting
Strong sense of commitment to violence prevention and youth development
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Work independently with strong sense of focus, task-oriented, nonjudgmental, open personal qualities, and clear sense of boundaries
Needs to pass the Biometrics Fingerprint Service
This position requires compliance with all of The PRCC’s written standards, including its Standards of Conduct, all policies and procedures, and Regulatory Compliance requirements. Compliance will be considered as part of the regular performance evaluation.

Nice To Haves

A passion in the arts, or sports and fitness is a plus
Bilingual preferred (Spanish and English)
Strong background in boxing (competitive or professional experience preferred).
Certified in boxing or fitness instruction (preferred but not always required)

Responsibilities

Provide hands-on programming to youths of the Humboldt Park Community and surrounding areas that will positively affect their lives and improve their sense of well-being.
Support the Program Coordinator in the organization of daily schedules and activities, and the implementation of programming.
Responsible for conducting initial intake assessments and enrollments for youths, as well as exit interviews to determine the success of the program.
Assist program and department staff with keeping tidy, clean, and safe workspaces.
Provide daily programming in one of the following areas: Life Skills, Civics, Arts and Culture, or Sports and Recreation.
Maintain proper communication with department staff and program leadership on questions or concerns regarding the program.
Be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Build and foster relationships with community youths, partner agencies and school staff.
Identify youth crises and conflicts and be able to calmly intervene and de-escalate if needed.