Youth Worker

The Organization

Founded in 1971, Y.O.U. is an Evanston-based non-profit that partners with families, schools, and the community to provide academic, social, and emotional support to close the opportunity gap and prepare all youth for post-secondary and life success. Each year, Y.O.U. provides over 1,600 youth across 11 school sites with free, holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, mental health counseling, and experiential learning through partnerships.

Y.O.U. is committed to creating a diverse team environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Summary of Role

Y.O.U. is looking for an experienced and passionate Youth Worker to join our team! Youth Workers collaborate with site teams to directly mentor youth in the necessary development of academic support, social and emotional learning, and life skills through our after-school and summer learning programming.

• The Youth Worker will provide support to Y.O.U.’s Elementary or Middle After School Programs in Evanston or Skokie, IL.
• This is a part-time hourly position with a pay rate of $16.00 per hour. Schedules are based on the availability of the hired employee and set by the Program Leadership.
• School Year Hours - Youth Workers are scheduled to work Monday-Friday, between the hours of 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm from September to May.
• School Year School SIte Assignment - Youth Workers are normally assigned a permanent school site. Youth Workers are expected to be flexible should more than one school site be assigned on different days of the week.
• Summer Hours - Youth Workers can be scheduled between 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday between June 1 and August 15 up to 40 hours per week.
• Paid Training for Youth Workers is scheduled in early September for the school year program and within the first two weeks of June for the summer program between the hours of 8:30 am-4:30 pm. Lunch is included.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists with the facilitation of activities and may supervise a pod of 15 students through social, emotional, and academic enrichment programs designed to support elementary or middle school students.
• Assist with the delivery of daily lessons that focus on literacy skill development, STEM, social-emotional enrichment, and healthy relationships.
• Tutor or provide homework support for youth.
• Assist with leading daily enrichment groups that focus on art, STEAM, and/or sports and character-building.
• Build positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being.
• Support the delivery of group instruction in a safe and structured environment.
• Supervise youth during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and positive manner.
• Help youth build healthy positive relationships with each other, with adults, and with their families.
• Engage with parents and family members as needed to support the youth.
• Demonstrate professional behavior that supports team efforts and enhances team behavior, performance, and productivity.
• Maintain timely and accurate records concerning youth participation and outcomes as needed.
• Monitor youth during field trips.
• Other duties as assigned

Experience

• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 10 or more youth.

• A deep passion for working with youth and families.

• A strong sense of teamwork, leadership skills, and project management skills.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with a diverse group of team members and youth.

• Personal qualities of integrity, emotional maturity, and credibility; a demonstrated history of using good judgment.

• 18 years of age and older

Preferred Experience

• At least 1-year previous experience working with groups of elementary and/or middle school-aged youth in an afterschool or camp setting

• Experience leading STEM, literacy, and/or social-emotional workshops for elementary and/or middle school-aged youth.

Knowledge

• High Emotional and/or Social Intelligence

Preferred Skills

• Attention to detail

• Time Management

• Problem-Solving Ability

• Decision-Making Skills

• Strong Communication (verbal and written)