Youth Development Specialist at Union League Boys and Girls Club – Chicago, Illinois

Position Summary:

The youth development specialist will provide programs and services on a daily basis to youth enrolled in the club, understand and implement the Mission of Union League Boys & Girls Clubs. The program specialist will serve as the direct supervisor for youth members. In our club, there are areas that you as a potential staff person need to make sure we are developing. These areas are: Good Character and Citizenship, Academic Success, and Healthy Lifestyles.

Responsibilities:

• Executes programs designed by the coordinators
• Assures members are safe and engaged in activities
• Encourages emotional, social, and educational growth of individual members
• Direct supervision of club youth members
• Follow program design of the coordinators
• Assists coordinators in assuring all materials for the day are prepared
• Assures program areas are left cleaned and organized at the end of the day
• Other possible responsibilities pertaining to the club include, but are not limited to:
• Data entry
• Staff supervision
• Chaperone for field trips
• Moving materials from the club to school, or school to club

Knowledge:

• Demonstrate knowledge of principles related to youth development
• Ability to plan effectively
• Group leadership skills
• including and understanding of group dynamics and discipline
• Understanding of the population of youth served.

Education:

Employees need to be 18 or older and be enrolled in college or have some college courses.

Experience:

Have worked or volunteered with children.

Scope of Authority:

The Youth Development Specialist’s direct supervisor is the Youth Development and Programs Coordinator.

Skills Needed:

• Communicate, listen and understand the children. Provide them with correct and timely information and feedback when requested.
• Decision Making: Youth Development Specialist will inform the Youth Development and Programs Coordinator about the problem and will try to come to a solution. If a solution cannot be reached, the Assistant Club Director and/or the Director of Club Services will be contacted to resolve the problem.
• Leadership–Be a Role Model for Co-Workers, volunteers and especially members.
• Enhance and encourage the members to strive to meet their goals.
• Personal Initiative to work and to achieve higher levels of responsibility to better serve the youth in all programs.
• Planning and organizing by coming in and working on special days to accomplish the task and goals needed to implement the programs and activities for our youth such as: Youth of the Year Award, Youth of the Month Award, annual Gala, and other organization events.
• Promote a Safe, and healthy environment. Making sure that the members know the safety rules of the Club are understood and met.

Desired Qualifications:

• Desire and ability to work with children
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance
• Good character, integrity and adaptability
• Enthusiasm, good judgment, patience and self-control
• Positive example for youth and peers in appearance, attitude and behavior
• Must participate in required trainings by the Club, County, State, and/or funders

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Be enrolled in college or have some college credits
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test
• Must attend all staff meetings
• Responsible for all activities or program areas from beginning to end
• Be able to maintain high level of energy.
• Be adaptable and be flexible to change.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor