Youth Interventionist Specialist in Chicago, Illinois at Union League Boys and Girls Club

Position Summary

The Youth Interventionist Specialist is responsible for planning, delivering, and supervising everyday programs and targeted intervention strategies for club members. Following the core mission of the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, this role focuses heavily on three crucial pillars of development: Good Character and Citizenship, Academic Success, and Healthy Lifestyles.

Unlike general staff, the Interventionist Specialist specifically supports youth exhibiting behavioral, emotional, or social challenges. They work proactively to de-escalate conflicts, implement Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS), and act as a constructive role model to help youth navigate adversity.

1. Youth Behavior Support & Crisis Intervention

• De-escalation: Actively intervene in and de-escalate behavioral incidents, conflicts, or emotional crises among youth members using trauma-informed care practices.
• Behavior Modeling: Implement and monitor Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program elements throughout daily club activities.
• Restorative Practices: Lead peer mediation, conflict resolution circles, and mentoring initiatives for at-risk youth to foster accountability and emotional growth.
• Safety Promotion: Maintain strict safety protocols, ensuring all youth understand club rules, boundaries, and behavioral expectations.

2. Program Implementation & Supervision

• Direct Supervision: Provide high-energy, direct supervision of club youth members across program areas (gym, games room, classrooms, etc.).
• Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Execute structured activities and curriculum designed to boost emotional resilience, social skills, and self-control.
• Resource Preparation: Collaborate with Program Coordinators to ensure all instructional and therapeutic materials are prepared daily.
• Excursions: Serve as a chaperone for field trips and community outings, maintaining structured discipline outside club walls.

3. Case Management & Administration

• Tracking & Documentation: Maintain detailed case notes, behavioral incident logs, and attendance records. Input relevant data into internal management systems.
• Service Planning: Assist in creating and reviewing individualized growth plans for at-risk youth in consultation with leadership.
• Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as a connective resource between youth, families, schools, and community resources (social services, counseling, or legal systems if necessary).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Youth Development Expertise: Deep understanding of adolescent developmental milestones, group dynamics, and behavior management strategies.
• Communication & Patience: Superior listening and communication skills; ability to deliver calm, timely feedback to children facing complex stresses (poverty, trauma, behavioral disorders).
• Problem-Solving & Initiative: Sound judgment under high-pressure scenarios. Ability to troubleshoot a behavioral issue autonomously or loop in the Assistant Club Director when higher intervention is required.
• Role Modeling: Exemplary character, adaptability, integrity, and self-control, serving as a positive blueprint for both co-workers and club youth.

• Age: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required. Enrollment in or completion of college courses (ideally in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Public Administration, or Education) is highly preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience working or volunteering with adolescents, particularly in an urban or under-resourced community environment. Experience with PBIS, restorative justice, or guided discipline is a major plus.
• Clearance: Must pass a strict criminal background check and a drug screening.

• Must be able to maintain high energy levels while standing, walking, or leading activities for extended periods.
• Willingness to assist in maintaining clean, organized program spaces at the conclusion of the day.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including after-school times, weekends, or special club events (e.g., annual Gala, Youth of the Year awards).