AmeriCorps Program Assistant in Elgin, Illinois at Boys & Girls Club of Elgin

AmeriCorps Program Assistant

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois

Position Type: Half-Time AmeriCorps Member
Service Requirement: 900 Hours
Living Allowance: $750.00 Biweekly (Before Taxes)
Education Award: $3,697.50 (Upon Successful Completion of Service)
Service Term: September 1, 2026 – August 31, 2027
Service Location: Designated Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois Locations
Required Availability: Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The AmeriCorps Program Assistant supports the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois by providing educational enrichment, mentorship, and positive youth development opportunities to children and teens throughout our communities.

AmeriCorps members play an essential role in creating safe, supportive, and engaging environments where young people can achieve academic success, develop leadership skills, and build positive relationships.

Through direct service, members gain valuable professional experience in youth development, education, community engagement, and nonprofit programming while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people.

• Assist in planning, organizing, and implementing engaging educational and enrichment programs for youth.
• Provide academic support through homework assistance, tutoring, and structured learning activities.
• Serve as a positive role model and mentor by encouraging respectful behavior, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth.
• Lead and supervise group activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.
• Support the implementation of Boys & Girls Clubs' programs and initiatives.
• Maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all Club members.
• Assist with supervising groups of approximately 15 or more youth during designated program activities, consistent with applicable supervision requirements.
• Encourage active participation and positive engagement among Club members.

• Maintain accurate attendance records and program participation information.
• Assist with organizing program materials, preparing activity spaces, and maintaining a clean and safe learning environment.
• Support the distribution of prepared snacks and assist with program-related activities.
• Document program participation and outcomes as required.
• Communicate program-related updates and concerns to assigned supervisors.
• Assist with administrative tasks directly related to approved AmeriCorps service activities.

• Participate in community service projects, special events, and family engagement activities.
• Support partnerships with local schools and community organizations to promote youth development and educational success.
• Collaborate with Club staff, volunteers, and fellow AmeriCorps members to deliver meaningful programming.
• Participate in designated AmeriCorps Days of Service and community initiatives.

• Complete a minimum of 900 service hours within the designated service term.
• Maintain a consistent service schedule averaging approximately 25 hours per week, as determined by program needs and the approved service calendar.
• Accurately record and submit service hours according to AmeriCorps program guidelines.
• Participate in required AmeriCorps orientations, training sessions, professional development opportunities, and Days of Service.
• Follow all AmeriCorps policies, procedures, and applicable federal program regulations.
• Complete all required background checks and organizational onboarding requirements before beginning applicable service activities.
• Perform only activities authorized under the approved AmeriCorps program.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Interest in youth development, education, community service, or nonprofit programming.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, staff, and community partners.
• Dependable, adaptable, and committed to serving the community.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and serve as a positive role model.
• Basic computer skills and willingness to learn organizational systems.
• Must meet AmeriCorps eligibility requirements, including applicable age, citizenship or national service eligibility, and background screening requirements.

AmeriCorps members receive a living allowance of $750.00 every two weeks during active service, according to the program's approved payment schedule.

The living allowance is intended to support members during their service term and is not an hourly wage. Payments are not calculated based on the number of hours served during an individual pay period.

Upon successful completion of the 900-hour service requirement and all applicable program requirements, eligible members may receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $3,697.50.

The education award may be used toward eligible educational expenses at qualifying institutions or to repay eligible student loans, subject to AmeriCorps regulations.

Required Availability: Monday–Friday, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

• Candidates must be available Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM to support after-school youth development programming.
• Service schedules may vary depending on assigned locations, program needs, and AmeriCorps service requirements.
• Members may be required to participate in non-school-day programs, special events, and community service activities.
• Members are expected to maintain a consistent service schedule that supports the successful completion of their 900-hour service commitment.

AmeriCorps members will serve at designated Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois locations based on organizational needs and approved program assignments.

Service opportunities may include:

• Before-school and after-school youth programming.
• Non-school-day educational and enrichment activities.
• Community engagement and family events.
• Special programs and approved AmeriCorps service initiatives.

Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all AmeriCorps members.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. AmeriCorps service opportunities are administered in accordance with applicable federal and state nondiscrimination requirements.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.