Youth Development Assistant
6 months ago
Elgin
Job DescriptionDescription: Job Summary Youth Development Assistants (YDAs) play a vital role in creating a safe, positive, and engaging after-school environment for Club members. YDAs help deliver high-quality programs and activities that support the Boys & Girls Club mission while upholding the Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development: • A Safe, Positive Environment, • Fun, • Supportive Relationships, • Opportunities & Expectations Key Responsibilities • Arrive 20 minutes prior to program start to prepare materials and plans, • Lead and support activities across program areas (education, arts, sports, STEM, etc.), • Display and review daily schedules with staff and members, • Provide clear instructions, set expectations, and encourage participation, • Promote member engagement and regroup members as needed for activities, • Assist with small-group and special program opportunities, • Ensure program areas are clean, organized, and safe, • Monitor supplies and communicate needs to the Site Coordinator, • Take attendance for each program and organize records for entry into MyClubHub, • Take photos of member participation at least weekly, • Highlight member achievements in program areas and displays, • Communicate professionally via walkie-talkie and during interactions, • Support Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) and other evaluation processes, • Program implementation, • Safety awareness, • Behavior management, • Communication skills, • Adaptability, • Dependability, • Must be 18 years of age or older, • High school diploma or equivalent required, • Strong organizational skills and effective time management, • Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and problem-solve, • Strong communication skills (written and verbal), • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, • Experience working with children or teens preferred, • Ability to be flexible, patient, and supportive, • Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment, • Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois, • Availability to work Monday–Friday between 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM (specific shift times vary by program), • High school diploma or equivalent required, • Experience working with children or teens preferred, • Proficiency in planning, organizing, and coordinating activities, • Effective time management to balance multiple responsibilities, • Maintain patience and resilience in challenging situations, • Stay calm and model positivity under pressure, • Resolve conflicts effectively and de-escalate tense situations, • Ensure compliance with safety training and promote physical and emotional safety in all interactions, • Communicate transparently, set clear expectations, and foster trust-based relationships, • Engage with intentionality and trauma awareness; seek resources to support members, families, and staff, • Provide equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant services, • Empower youth, families, and staff through voice, choice, and ownership of the Club experience, • Safe, Positive Environment: Promote safety, consistency, and stability. Maintain clean and organized spaces., • Fun: Create daily fun through team-building, icebreakers, and spontaneous activities., • Supportive Relationships: Build meaningful connections with youth, families, and colleagues., • Opportunities & Expectations: Help youth build skills, develop character, and pursue educational success., • Recognition: Celebrate and display member achievements. Provide positive reinforcement as youth grow and succeed.