Chicagoability Youth Coordinator

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Chicagobility program aims to fund organizations with proven experience in project-based learning, workforce development, civic engagement, and youth training for Chicagoans aged 14 and 15. In partnership with the YMCA, this initiative will empower young people to explore career pathways across public and private sector industries while fostering self-discovery and self-awareness. The ultimate goal? To boost youth income and equip them with essential 21st-century skills for long-term success.

The Youth Coordinator ensures the implementation of positive youth development practices with all daily activities and interactions with children. The Youth Coordinator is responsible for ensuring program quality including assisting in implementing curriculum, providing leadership and guidance to staff and overseeing the ordering and distribution of snacks, materials and all supplies needed to operate the program. They will also provide direct service to execute the program.

This position is budgeted at $25.35/hr. x 25 hrs. per week for 8 weeks. We are hiring 3 Youth Coordinators- 2 will be based at the South Side Y and one at the Rauner Y. This is a seasonal, grant funded opportunity.

Scope of Responsibilities:

• Facilitate, direct, and supervise all programmatic activities with youth.
• Implement program curriculum while ensuring the program follows DHSS and YMCA standards.
• Provide guidance to staff while onsite in adhering to program quality standards.
• Facilitate collaboration with and between program staff and stakeholders.
• Supports parent/guardian/caregiver engagement
• Maintain all program files according to DFSS and YMCA Standards.
• Participate in program marketing and retention activities.
• Assist with data collection and entry into City Span and My Chi My Future platform.

Experience Needed for this position:

• Must be at least 21 years of age and/or 5 years older than the oldest child that participates in the program and meet program requirements for education and/or credentials.
• Previous experience in a childcare or education setting supporting high-quality programs.
• Must have capacity to make effective decisions and communicate well with team. parents and children
• Must have at least a High School Diploma or equivalent and one of the following:
• 30 semester hours from an accredited college or university with 12 semester hours related to school age childcare, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields. In addition, 750 hours of professional experience in a recreational program or licensed day care center serving school age children (K-5th) or a license exempt school age childcare program operated by a private or public school.
• 6 semester hours of credit from an accredited college or university related to school age childcare, child development, elementary education, physical education, recreation, camping or other related fields. In addition, 1560 hours of professional experience in recreational program or a licensed day care center serving school age children or a license exempt school age childcare (K-5th) program operated by a private or public school.

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required