What are the responsibilities and job description for the Teen Program Coordinator position at YMCA of Rock River Valley?
POSITION SUMMARY
The Teen Program Coordinator supports the development and delivery of out-of-school time programs that promote leadership, life skills, recreation, college and career readiness, service learning, and social-emotional development for teens and tweens. This role provides direct supervision to Teen Group Leaders, ensures program quality and safety, and builds positive relationships with youth, families, and community partners. With a focus on engagement, inclusion, and youth voice, the Coordinator helps create a welcoming environment where all participants feel supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive. Key services and programs may include; Boys and Young Men of Color Strategy, Achievers, Leaders Club, Emerging Leaders Challenge, Teen Centers, and Youth and Government programs. This position requires travel between program sites as needed.
HOME LOCATION
Good Shepherd YMCA
1829 N. Rockton Ave
Rockford, IL
WORK LOCATION
This position may serve schools in these districts: RPS 205, Harlem 122, Winnebago and Pecatonica schools. Placements will be determined at time of hire.
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.
OUR CULTURE
Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
The Y is made up of people of all ages, from all walks of life, working side-by-side to strengthen communities. Together, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender expression, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and faith they guide everything we do.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOUTH PROTECTION
The YMCA of Rock River Valley has a responsibility to provide safe and secure programs and services for our community. The YMCA is a leader in child abuse prevention to support the safety of children in our care.
- You'll support the commitment of the YMCA to child abuse prevention by:
- Report any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor.
- Follow all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children.
- Report any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor.
- Complete all child abuse prevention training as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Serves as a positive role model by building strong relationships with youth and consistently modeling the YMCA core values: Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility, and Faith.
- Plans and facilitates engaging programming, ensuring activities are educational, recreational, and aligned with program goals.
- Creates and maintains a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for all participants.
- Supports outreach, recruitment, and retention efforts to ensure strong youth participation and engagement.
- Provides direct supervision and ongoing support to Teen Group Leaders, including coaching, training, feedback, and day-to-day guidance to promote staff development and program quality.
- Coordinates staff schedules, daily program coverage, and activity planning in collaboration with other team members.
- Assists in planning and leading special events, trips, or teen-focused initiatives that enhance program experience.
- Ensures all youth protection guidelines and safety procedures are followed at all times.
- Communicates regularly with parents/guardians regarding program updates, youth progress, and any concerns.
- Collaborates with internal departments, volunteers, and community partners to enhance programming opportunities
- Manages discipline, complaints, and conflict resolution, employing positive youth discipline techniques.
- Provides safe transportation to and from program sites in accordance with YMCA Transportation Policy and Procedures.
- Treats all students, families, and fellow staff with respect and fosters a culture of respect within the program.
- Uses assigned systems and software to manage registration, accounts, attendance, assessments, and program data, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting of program metrics.
- Collects and evaluates youth feedback and program outcomes to support continuous improvement.
- Manages the ordering and distribution of supplies to ensure sites are adequately equipped. Maintains an inventory of materials and resources.
- Maintains a clean, organized, and respectful program space; ensures proper use, care, and inventory of equipment and supplies.
- Attends and actively participates in all team meetings and trainings.
- Promotes character development and diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout programming.
- Adheres to all state, local, and YMCA policies and procedures
- Communicates concerns, safety issues, and equipment damage to leadership in a timely and appropriate manner.
- Performs any other functions necessary for the smooth and efficient operation of the YMCA of Rock River Valley.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum age of 21 years.
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED required
- 1-2 years related experience in leadership, preferably in a youth-serving setting
- Experience in effectively leading a staff team.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and group management skills
- Possess a current Class D drivers license and obtain the J08 Restriction.
- Must maintain a history of a clean driving record. Motor vehicle records will be checked annually as a condition of employment.
- Motor vehicle records must meet and remain acceptable according to the MVR eligibility criteria.
- Prefer knowledge of, and previous experience with, diverse populations
- Proven track record of developing authentic and deepened relationships with others
- CPR, AED and First Aid Certifications required within 90 days.
- YMCA Leader Team Leader certification preferred
- Praesidium Academy trainings.
- Any additional certifications that are required by the state of Illinois.
SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION
1 Position
Full Time, Non-Exempt, between 30-35 hours per week
Regardless of primary assignment, this position may be required to travel between sites as needed.
Monday - Friday, shifts may vary between 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Occasional weekends may be required
$20.00 per hour
The Y is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We offer more than just a job, rather the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
ALL STAFF BENEFITS:
- Discounted Programs & Services, Including Child Care
- Pay Differential for Bilingual Employees
- Paid Time Off: Paid Leave for All Workers
- Employee Crisis Fund
- Employee Assistance Program
- Cell Phone Discounts with Participating Providers
- Tickets At Work Discount Program
- 401 (a) Retirement Plan: 8% YMCA Contributed Retirement
- 403 (b) Savings Plan: Tax-Deferred Account and Roth Account Options
- For retirement plan eligibility requirements, and additional information, visit www.yretirement.org.
FULL TIME STAFF BENEFITS:
- Free Family Membership
- 3 Paid Floating Holidays
- 10.5 Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation and Sick Time: Varies by Employment Type
- Short-Term Disability Program
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance: Partially Employer Paid. Employee Contribution Required
- Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance: YMCA Sponsored and Employee Contribution Programs Available
- Accident, Critical Illness & Hospital Insurance Plans: Employee Contribution Required
- Tuition Reimbursement: Must Meet Qualifications
PART TIME STAFF BENEFITS:
- Free individual Membership
- Discounted Rate to Upgrade to Another Membership Category
The Y: We're for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility
Salary : $20