Program Specialist, Youth

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Program Specialist, Youth

Chicago, IL, United States (Hybrid)

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Job Description

DESCRIPTION

Working closely with the Manager of Youth Opportunities, the Youth Program Specialist will help to define and execute CHA’s youth strategy and ensure that a positive youth development framework is incorporated into Resident Services’ programs and practices. In addition, the Youth Program Specialist will improve connections for our youngest residents to Early Head Start, Head Start, pre‐K, childcare programs and elementary school through City partners, expand out‐of‐school time engagement for school‐age youth, and support our emerging adult residents to gain access to education and alternative career pathways. This position does not work directly with youth, but with CHA’s contracted organizations and partners who serve youth.

Summary Of Primary Accountabilities

• Design, manage and evaluate opportunities for approximately 2K youth and emerging adults, ages 13‐24, annually to be exposed to employment and career pathways through workshops, summer jobs and other immersive learning experiences.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders to promote early learning initiatives for children, ages 0‐8, and remain current with the trends in the field of early childhood education and professional learning.
• Connect school age youth, 6‐21, to a wide range of quality out‐of‐school time opportunities with emphasis on academic achievement and 21st century skill building.
• Connect emerging adults ages 18‐24 to other CHA programs (FSS, CTO, FamilyWorks, Mobility, WORC etc.).
• Develop relationships with youth residents to build trust and confidence, recruit them to participate in opportunities and activities and increase program engagement and retention.
• Communicate regularly, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external audiences to promote CHA opportunities and activities.
• Conduct site visits and lead monthly Youth Opportunities meetings and professional development trainings for CHA’s contracted FamilyWorks providers and other partners to facilitate a community of learning, practice, and action among youth‐facing staff.
• Develop new partnerships and leverage existing relationships, as well evidence‐based practices, to fill gaps in programming and identify areas of improvement.
• Assess partner alignment on a continual basis to determine need for ongoing engagement or termination of relationship.
• Collaborate with Education team, CHA’s Family Centered Coaching program and other divisions in
  
  

Resident Services Department to bring education and out‐of‐school time resources to families.

• Manage and maintain documentation, data, and paperwork, as required by CHA, as well as monthly calendars and progress reports for all activities.
• Submit weekly and monthly reports to share program highlights, share challenges and recommend solutions.
• Mentor and model positive behaviors that encourage growth and development for youth and emerging adults, through supportive and encouraging interactions.
• Support overall CHA’s Strategic Plan to foster resilient families and celebrate residents who make progress toward economic independence.
• Working with team members and program partners, engage 7k youth in out‐of‐school time programming, virtually or in‐person, annually.
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings and managing multiple projects and/or opportunities simultaneously.
• Assist in developing a new CHA Youth Council at the property level.
• Obtain, maintain, and share knowledge of effective youth development strategies and current thinking in the field.
• This position requires working outside of CHA’s established hours of 8:30 AM‐5:00 PM Monday---Friday including weekends.
• This position has the option of working remotely one day per week following successful probationary period.
• Performs all other duties and projects as assigned.
  
  

Education And Additional Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree is required with a minimum of two (2) years of prior work experience designing, implementing, and evaluating youth development programming in an out‐of‐school time setting, including working directly with youth or emerging adults from low‐income communities. OR in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree, this position requires a combination of four (4) years education and a minimum of three (3) years of prior work experience designing, implementing, and evaluating youth development programming in an out‐of‐school time setting, including working directly with youth or emerging adults from low‐income communities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to large audiences and effectively move groups from ideas to actions. Experience in public speaking, participant recruitment, providing technical assistance and professional development to employers and youth‐serving organizations, and/or building and managing relationships with families and community partners preferred. Team player with the ability to manage competing priorities simultaneously and work independently under minimal supervision. Ability to prioritize and exercise good judgment. Creative and effective problem solver when confronted with obstacles. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Teams and Zoom. Position requires a valid driver’s license.

Salary Range: $55,000 – 60,000

Grade: S6

FLSA: Exempt

Union: None

Job Info

• Job Identification 1192
• Posting Date 03/11/2025, 08:14 PM
• Apply Before 04/11/2025, 08:13 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations 60 E. Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL, 60605, US (Hybrid)
• Pay Ranges $55,000 - $60,000
  
  

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