Youth Development Specialist

Youth Development Specialist

Status: Part-Time/Seasonal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours/Week: Up to 20 hours

Division: Marillac St. Vincent Family Services

Department: Youth and Teens

Direct Supervisor: Youth Development Manager

Directly Supervises: None

The Mission

Marillac St. Vincent Family Services strengthens and amplifies the voices of marginalized communities – in the Vincentian spirit of service – through education and programs tailored to foster thriving families and sustainable communities in Chicago.

Core Values

Our employees commit themselves as individuals to live out the core values of integrity, excellence, creativity, advocacy, respect and empowerment in our daily work, as we serve the needs of others.

Integrity - Acting with transparency, humility and honesty

Excellence - Providing quality care with compassion

Creativity - Being continuously resourceful and inventive

Advocacy - Supporting the cause of those who lack resources for a reasonable quality of life

Respect - Recognizing our own value and upholding the dignity and value of all people

Empowerment - Providing skills and resources to achieve full human development

Team Behaviors

1. Versatility – Understanding and appreciating different and opposing perspectives on an issue; adapting one's approach as the requirements of the situation change; an eagerness for positive action; self-control; active listening.
2. A collaborative work model – Cooperatively working and sharing responsibility; contributing to the group effort; realizing a sense of commitment and ownership in the success of the organization's goals.
3. Mutual accountability – Holds others accountable with their roles; provides and receives feedback and takes constructive action.
4. Client/customer advocate – Identifies opportunities to improve quality of services; presents one's self professionally.
5. Protects confidentiality & privacy – Respects and protects information about all staff and clients.

General Summary

Provides coordination aimed at youth and teen programs that foster the educational, social, emotional, and physical development of young people. Responsible for planning, organizing, and leading recreational, educational, and skill-building activities for youth. In collaboration with Youth Development Specialist Coordinator, support creating engaging programs that promote positive youth development, teamwork, leadership, and personal growth and learning experience that prepares each for success and access to best-in-class programming. Work closely with staff, community partners, stakeholders and families to create impactful youth services, and align with the organization's mission to support youth development.

Duties & Responsibilities

Program Planning & Implementation

• Design and implement engaging activities, including arts, sports, STEM, life skills, and leadership development programs.
• Working in an individual capacity at their respective area of delivery and expertise.
• Ensure all activities are age-appropriate, inclusive, and culturally responsive.
• Modify and adapt activities to meet the needs of diverse youth participants.
• Partner with Youth Development staff in order to provide individualized support to all program participants.

• Work in collaboration with Youth Specialist Coordinator and team of Youth Advocates to recruit and build relationships youth participants.
• Lead and facilitate weekly group sessions during out of school time, utilizing organizations principles and approach to youth development including actively engagement and participate with youth in activities.
• Participate in monthly team meetings to support team collaboration and ensure consistent delivery to the program model.

Youth Engagement & Supervision

• Build positive relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model.
• Supervise and engage youth in daily activities, ensuring a safe and supportive environment.
• Encourage teamwork, confidence, and social-emotional learning through structured programs.

Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure all activities follow safety protocols and best practices.
• Identify and respond to potential conflicts or behavioral issues in a constructive manner.
• Report any safety concerns or incidents to supervisors following program policies.

Evaluation & Reporting

• Track attendance, participation, and outcomes of youth activities.
• Gather feedback from youth to assess program effectiveness and make improvements.
• Prepare reports on program impact for leadership and stakeholders.

• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and other essential documents and correspondence as required by funding sources and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services.
• Performs other duties/special projects as assigned.

Job Requirements

Experience/Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Youth Development, Education, Recreation, Social Work, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience :

• 1–2 years of experience in youth programs, recreation, SEL, mentoring, or after-school activities.
• Experience in program planning, group facilitation, and youth engagement is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of youth development principles and positive behavior management strategies.
• Ability to design and lead interactive, educational, and engaging activities.
• Exhibit strong leadership abilities.
• Ability to relate to diverse population.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to connect with youth and families.
• Ability to be flexible and work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly.
2. Possess the ability to fulfill and any all activities normally expected in a classroom setting, to include, but not limited to active participation in group activities.
3. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25-30 pounds.
4. At times, may require more than 40 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
5. This is not a sedentary position but requires constant movement in keeping the planned group activities.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Internal office space.
2. Classroom & gym setting
3. Computer lab
4. Offsite field trip sites, both indoor and outdoor settings.
5. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Screenings

• The applicant must submit to a criminal background check and adult abuse and neglect screening and maintain a cleared status throughout employment.
• The applicant must submit MMR, Tdap and pass a TB and immunization health screen upon hire and update TB/physicals as required by the licensing standards.

Additional Requirements

• Extended work hours beyond 40 hours/week when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events.
• Flexibility with schedule as requested.
• Overnight trips may be required periodically.

Human Resources Review

This job description does not constitute an employment contract or an offer of employment. Marillac St. Vincent Family Services reserves the right to change and/or modify this job description. Every effort has been expended to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the job descriptions; however, it is not possible to detail every single task of the job or predict some circumstances and changes. As a result, employees may be assigned to perform other related duties in support of the program and the mission of the agency. Marillac St. Vincent Family Services is an equal opportunity employer.