Youth Development Specialist Coordinator

JOB TITLE: Youth Development Specialist Coordinator           

STATUS: Full-Time       

FLSA STATUS: Exempt            

CUSTOMARY HOURS: M-F, 8 hours/day 

HOURS/WEEK: 40 hours

DIVISION:  Program and Services 

DEPARTMENT:   Youth Development 

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.                                                                                

General Summary

• Coordination and support for Youth Development Specialists through ongoing supervision and coaching.   
• Co-creates engaging and age-appropriate activities that promote education, career readiness, life skills. 
• Design and implement engaging activity plans across various areas, including sports, recreation, arts and crafts, nutrition, STEM, and performing arts.
• Coordinate workshops, training sessions, and events designed to support the professional growth and effectiveness of Youth Development Specialists.
• Support the assessment and improvement of youth activities to ensure they effectively address the needs and interests of young people in the community.
• Support the establishment of positive relationships with youth participants to foster a safe and supportive environment.
• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and key stakeholders to enhance and inform program activities that support youth development.
• Develop and manage a monthly calendar, coordinating the scheduling of all program activities.
• Oversee the collection and reporting of participant attendance, engagement, and program outcomes to assess impact and ensure program effectiveness.
• Participate in the continuous quality improvement process to assess efficacy of programming and drive programmatic refinements.  
• Complete monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and other essential documents and correspondence as required by funding sources and Marillac St. Vincent Family Services. 
• Participate in grant funding applications to the appropriate agencies.
• Contribute to annual program self-assessment as requested.
• Provide ancillary support for projects by coordinating with and supporting colleagues as needed or requested. 
• Work jointly with relevant program staff to manage an annual program budget to plan and execute field trips and special events for students throughout school year and summer. 
• Provide direct support to young people through academic support, mentoring, guidance, and other individualized services as needed.

Standard Responsibilities

• Adheres to all policies and procedures as outlined in the Marillac St. Vincent Family Services Employee Handbook. 
• Ensure all youth programs comply with local, state, and federal regulations and organizational policies. 
• Participate in staff meetings as required by department. 
• Evening and weekend availability may be required for events and community engagement.
• Attends required professional development and trainings. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Youth Development, Education, Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university with experience working in a nonprofit/community-based social-services setting required. Equivalent experience may be considered. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in youth development with at least 1 year of direct youth mentoring and/or facilitation experience. 

Qualifications

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills to establish and maintain rapport and professional relationships with co-workers, team members, and families enrolled in services. Ability to relate to a diverse population. 
• Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills to effectively address varied audiences.
• Demonstrates ability to work effectively in a team-oriented, collaborative environment and builds positive relationships with participants, staff, various levels of management, community-based organizations, funders, and government agencies.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to coordinate programs and events simultaneously and connect with young people.  
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Manage crisis situations in a calm and effective manner.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a highly integrated team.
• Demonstrates initiative, consistent follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrates proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, videoconference software, social media platforms participant electronic data systems.

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 required to talk or hear. 
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. 

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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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 when necessary, including evenings, weekends and for special events. 
• Flexibility with schedule as requested. 
• Overnight trips may be required periodically.