Youth Program Quality External Assessors

After School Matters • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

After School Matters is seeking several part-time independent Youth Program Quality External Assessors to conduct program observations in a variety of After School Matters programs during the Summer 2025 program session, and potentially for subsequent school year sessions. The External Assessor’s primary responsibility is to observe and assess programs using the Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA), an evidence-based assessment tool that focuses on four key areas of positive youth development: safe environment, supportive environment, peer interaction, and youth engagement. YPQ assessments are a part of a continuous improvement process After School Matters uses to ensure programs implement best practices needed to build high-quality programs. All independent External Assessors will receive supplemental training to properly utilize the tool for data collection and scoring that After School Matters employs. The External Assessor will also make note of other critical issues impacting program quality.

The After School Matters Summer 2026 program session runs from June 22, 2026, through August 7, 2026. External Assessors must be available on weekdays during that time period to conduct external observations of apprenticeship programs. If External Assessors do not have previous training in the YPQA or an up-to-date certification, they must also be available to complete the necessary training ahead of programs starting. Training is being scheduled and will occur in early- to mid-June. See below for more details.

Requirements

• Data entry skills and ability to work with data systems
• Detail-oriented, able to meet deadlines, and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly reliable self-starter
• Reliable transportation required
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Two or more years of experience with educational, enrichment, or after school programming for youth is required
• Experience in using Cityspan preferred

Responsibilities

• Complete the following supplemental trainings and orientation prior to beginning field work activities: Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) Basics Online training; External Assessor Reliability Training (remote two-day training); and External Assessor Orientation (remote 1.5 hour orientation).
• After successfully completing the above-referenced trainings and orientation, conduct external observations of apprenticeship programs as assigned; approximately 5 each week (15-20 total observations).
• Schedule and conduct Youth Program Quality Assessments (YPQA) based on a site visit observation list that is provided by After School Matters.
• Enter accurate observation data and observation scores into Cityspan by established deadlines.
• Complete observation feedback forms.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees