Youth Worker - Activity Lead

Description

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 300 youth across 9 school sites with free, holistic, out-of-school support, including afterschool and summer learning programs, mental health counseling, and experiential learning through partnerships.

Summary Of Role

Y.O.U. is seeking an experienced and passionate Youth Worker - Activity Lead to join our team! Youth Worker - Activity Leads collaborate with site teams to instruct and mentor youth in the development of academic knowledge and skills, social and emotional learning, and life skill development through our after-school and summer learning programming.

• The Youth Worker-Activity Lead will support Y.O.U.’s School Programs in Evanston, IL.
• This is a part-time hourly position with a $16.00 - $20.00 per hour pay based on qualifications.
• Schedules are based on the hired employee's availability and are set by Program Leadership.
• School Year Hours: Up to 3 hours per day on scheduled days, Mon-Fri between 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm with occasional Saturdays between 9 am and 12 Noon during the months of September through May.
• Summer Hours: Monday-Friday between 8 am - 4 pm beginning in late May or early June through August 7, 2026, and up to 40 hours per week. (subject to change)
• Paid Training - 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 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.
• There will be no relocation costs. Applicants should have a current, valid legal authorization to work in the United States.
• PTO is available.
• This role will be converted to the AmeriCorps Y.O.U.th Serve Position upon notice of grant funding. All hired youth workers will be required to Join AmeriCorps and submit an application.
  
  

Job Responsibilities

Lead, Supervise, and Manage a group of youth through social, emotional, and academic enrichment programs designed to support elementary and middle school students in a safe and structured environment.

• Assist the After School Program Manager with daily tasks and provide overall support to foster project-based skills, social-emotional enrichment, and healthy relationships.
• Lead daily enrichment programs focusing on Fine and Performing Arts, STEM/STEAM, Literacy, Humanities, and/or Sports and Organized Recreation.
• Build positive relationships with youth that support their success and well-being.
• Collaborate with After-school Program Managers and other staff regarding student needs and interests in the enrichment area and the overall needs of the youth we serve.
• Collaborate with planning culminating activities/events for curricular projects in concert with After School Program Managers (APMs.)
• Supervise youth during program hours in a safe, sensitive, developmentally appropriate, and positive manner.
• Help youth build healthy positive relationships with each other, 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.
• Communicate with the After School Program Manager (APM) at assigned school sites in a proactive, timely, and effective manner.
• Use the school/site facilities with care and consideration (cleaning classrooms or workspaces at the end of the day, following program protocols for space/classroom usage)
• Continually assess and communicate program activity needs or any issues that affect program delivery.
• May attend field trips and off-site learning experiences with program participants.
• Maintain timely and accurate records concerning youth participation and outcomes.
• Provide information for program evaluation and accountability purposes as needed.
• Participate in mandatory training and meetings.
• Oversee the delivery of group instruction in a safe and structured environment.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Requirements

Education

• A minimum of 30 hours of college credit in a related field (or commensurate experience.)
  
  

Experience

• Experience leading educational curriculum for groups of 15 or more youth.
• A deep passion for working with youth and families.
• A strong sense of teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving 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.
  
  

Preferred Experience

• At least 1 year of experience instructing groups of elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged youth in an afterschool or camp setting.
• Experience leading STEM, literacy, arts, and/or social-emotional workshops for elementary, middle, and/or high school-aged youth.
  
  

Preferred Skills

• Strong classroom management and positive student behavior support practices
• Attention to detail
• Time Management
• Problem-Solving Ability
• Decision-Making Skills
• Strong Communication (verbal and written)
  
  

Youth and Opportunity United is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability. Youth and Opportunity United welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who embrace and value diversity and inclusivity.