Teen Club Leader (Part Time)

Key Responsibilities:

• uild positive, trusting relationships with teens and foster a safe, inclusive, culturally responsive environment that promotes engagement, belonging, leadership, and personal growth.  

• Plan and facilitate engaging Teen Club programming three days per week, incorporating teen interests and a balanced mix of mentorship, academic support, workforce and career readiness, life skills, enrichment, recreation, and leadership opportunities.  

• Facilitate career and workforce readiness activities that strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, financial literacy, resume development, interviewing skills, and exploration of future education and career goals.  

• Maintain appropriate supervision of participating youth during program activities, transitions, meals, field trips, and special events, following CASL requirements for youth safety, mandated reporting, incident reporting, behavioral concerns, and emergency procedures.  

• Maintain accurate enrollment, attendance, participation, and program records in accordance with grant, evaluation, and program requirements, including applicable At-Risk Afterschool Meals documentation and meal distribution requirements.  

• Monitor youth participation and engagement, incorporating teen feedback and identifying opportunities to strengthen programming, retention, and the overall participant experience.  

• Maintain positive communication with parents and caregivers regarding program activities, schedules, expectations, and available resources, connecting youth and families to appropriate CASL and community resources when needed.  

• Collaborate with Education Services staff, CASL departments, and community partners to coordinate programming, workshops, events, field trips, outreach activities, and other opportunities that support youth development and program goals. 

Note: This job description outlines primary responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Duties may evolve in response to organizational needs, and flexibility will be required. 

 

What You Bring 

To thrive in this role, you should have:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.   

• Experience working with children, adolescents, or teens in a school, community-based, nonprofit, recreation, or youth-development setting.   

• Ability to obtain the Illinois Gateways School Age Credential within the required timeframe following hire. 

Skills and Knowledge:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with teens and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.  

• Ability to plan and facilitate engaging, youth-centered activities.  

• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries and create a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for youth.  

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to maintain accurate and timely program documentation.  

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues, families, and community partners. 

Bonus Points For:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in education, youth development, social services, recreation, or a related field.  

• Experience with teen programming, after-school programs, mentoring, workforce development, or college and career readiness.  

• Experience working with immigrant or multilingual families.  

• Bilingual proficiency in Mandarin or Cantonese.  

• Experience with grant-funded youth programs or meal programs.  

• CPR/First Aid and/or Mental Health First Aid certification. 

• Obtain Illinois Gateways School Age Credentials. 

Physical Demands:

• This position primarily works in a youth-serving community environment and may require standing, walking, participating in recreational activities, moving program materials, and assisting with events and activities. 

Environment and Scheduling:

• This is an onsite, youth-serving role, scheduled approximately 20 hours per week across three days.  

• Work is primarily performed during after-school programming hours within the Teen Program’s operating schedule of 1:00 pm–6:00 p.m. or 9:00 am-2:00 pm (school break times), based on program needs.  

• Flexibility to work alternate or additional hours may be required for Chicago Public Schools closures, full-day programming, field trips, summer outings, special events, trainings, and other program activities.