Lead Youth Worker

Company: CHICAGO YOUTH CENTERS
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description: Do you want a career that impacts the community? Do you have a desire to work somewhere that changes children’s lives? Join Chicago Youth Centers as we serve over 3,000 children and families each year! Title: Lead Youth Worker Company: Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) Website: chicagoyouthcenters.org Compensation: $21-22 per hour Classification: Full Time; Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of Community Schools Supervisor Responsibilities: No Location: Perspectives High School of Technology at 8522 S. Lafayette Ave (Chicago, IL) Schedule: 9:30a - 6:00p; Monday - Friday; schedule varies depending on program needs Purpose: The Lead Youth Worker performs functions to coordinate and implement out-of-school time youth development activities; working with the program team under the general direction of a supervisor, plans and implements daily lessons and activities for assigned after-school group in the context of CYC’s program framework. Responsibilities: Responsible for facilitation of one or more School-age and/or Teen Groups; develop and implement weekly lesson plans in accordance with CYC’s P21 curriculum model; ensure safe and appropriate group environment; ensure that designated space and materials are ready in advance of each day’s scheduled activities; ensure required program component hours are met and activities are planned consistent with agency outcomes; monitor progress of individual member goals. Responsible for assisting with the involvement of parents and families; ensure consistent communication with parents of youth members regarding youths’ progress; assist in developing parent and family activities as assigned and in accordance with agency standards. Responsible for recruitment, enrollment, and intake of assigned number of group members; engage in canvassing and other recruitment activities assigned; assist in developing and implementing community relations strategies. Responsible for ensuring that recordkeeping and reporting systems are maintained in an up to date and accurate manner, and consistent with agency standards; track and record group members’ progress consistent with CYC’s outcomes matrix and ETO data base procedures. Responsible for organizing and managing an Advisory Committee for the purpose of assessing school and community assets and needs and recommending programs; work with school administration to facilitate a positive, engaging school climate; participate in the development of relationships with external partners; develop collaborative and partnership agreements; attend assigned community group and partner meetings toward the goal of coordinating and improving services to students and families. Manage assigned program budget; purchase/order materials and supplies, field trip admission fee, and transportation expenses. May be required to assist/support other sites if necessary. Other duties as assigned. Requirements: Associate’s Degree or equivalent in Youth Development or related field, with a minimum of six semester hours in Child Development, Elementary Education, Physical Education, Recreation, Camping or other related field. Associate’s Degree Equivalency: 30 semester hours of college credit plus 2 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above), or 6 – 30 semester hours of college credit plus 3 years of experience in youth development or a related field (six hours of which must be in a field related to youth development as noted above). Advancing Youth Development Certificate (may acquire at first opportunity). One year related work experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children in the field of youth development. Experience working with Kindergarten- 2nd grade students. Creativity and ability to teach science, music, arts & crafts. Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, 403B, AFLAC (Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurances), Pet Insurance Chicago Youth Centers is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and drug free workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. Chicago Youth Centers will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. This job description is not intended to represent a complete list of all duties and responsibilities. There may be unplanned activities and other duties assigned.

Keywords: CHICAGO YOUTH CENTERS, Chicago , Lead Youth Worker, Education / Teaching , Chicago, Illinois