Lead Program Assistant
2 days ago
South Elgin
Job DescriptionDescription: Job Summary Lead Program Assistants are responsible for ensuring that day-to-day programming is run with fidelity at their designated site, ensuring the five key elements are maintained, and providing leadership & coaching to Youth Development Assistants for implementing programs. Lead Program Assistants are responsible for overseeing programs and activities that provide direct service to our members. Assistants ensure a well-rounded and enriching experience for all members through carefully executed programs and activities. Lead Program Assistants are responsible for ensuring an environment conducive to learning through positive guidance and discipline and implementing processes and systems that lead to a well-organized and run program area. Key Roles/Responsibilities: Program Leadership • Arrive before the site begins to prepare all program plans and materials needed for the day., • Display a written schedule of activities for the day ensuring that all required programs are being represented., • Review schedule with staff and members daily at the start of Club., • Take photos of members participating in Club activities at least once a week., • Help facilitate regrouping of members for programs and activities as the day continues., • Support with special and small group program opportunities at the site., • Ensure supplies are available and make requests to the Program Coordinator as supply needs arise., • Use and model program area management techniques to gain control and ensure members are engaged and ready to begin activities., • Gives clear and easy-to-follow instructions to members before each program and activity, ensuring members understand rules, expectations, and directions., • Provide positive feedback and encouragement for members during programs and activities., • Have a clear start and end time with programs and activities, and ensure these times are followed by all Youth Development Assistants to provide positive program area management., • Use bulletin board and program area space to highlight members' achievements., • Communicate professionally on walkie-talkies. Communication is clear, concise, and essential to the overall operations of the Club., • Ensure program attendance is taken for every program at Club., • Serve as a substitute for the Site Coordinator when absent., • Assist Site Coordinator with food preparation and serving., • Assist Site Coordinator with phones calls and front door responsibilities., • Safe, Positive Environment, • Ensure programs and age-appropriate settings create stability, consistency, and a sense of physical and emotional safety for members., • Provide structure and clearly define acceptable behaviors., • Proudly wear name badge and uniform., • Guarantee program areas are left clean, chairs pushed in, trash picked up off the floor, lights turned off, and items returned to the proper place. As a rule, areas are left cleaner than they were found., • Fun, • Generate fun for members and ensure members develop a strong sense of belonging through connections they establish with staff and peers., • Ensure the program area feels like home, fostering a family atmosphere and creating a sense of ownership for members., • Add an element of fun using jokes, riddles, team building, ice breakers, or other on-the-sport fun activities every day., • Supportive Relationship, • Ensure members develop meaningful relationships with peers and adults. Actively encourage such relationships. Dig deeper into knowing each member, learning about their family, strengths, weaknesses, interests, talents, etc., • Display warmth, a caring appreciation, acceptance, and guidance in interactions with members., • Opportunities & Expectations, • Ensure Club youth acquire physical, social, technological, artistic, and life skills as designated by the program schedule and plans., • Encourage members to develop a moral character reinforcing high expectations and helping members with school and post-secondary education., • Recognition, • Recognize and support young people's self-worth and accomplishments., • Encourage youth and provide positive reinforcements as they improve and experience success., • Ensure areas highlight young people's achievements. Requirements: Skills/Knowledge Required • Exceptional skills in organization, attention to detail, time management, and ability to manage multiple tasks, define and set priorities and problem-solve., • Exhibit professionalism and integrity through superior written and verbal communication skills., • Ability to take the initiative with projects to work independently and in a team., • High School diploma or higher, • Experience with working with kids or teens, • Prior non-profit work experience is a plus