Youth Program Facilitator

Youth Program Facilitator

The Youth Program Facilitator plays a key role in creating a safe, engaging, and enriching environment for youth in our after-school and summer programs. This position facilitates activities, supervises youth, and provides program support to ensure smooth daily operations while fostering social-emotional growth and quality programming for our community.

The Facilitator reports directly to the Operational Director of Youth Services and Executive Director and works collaboratively with co-facilitators, volunteers, and Youth and Family Center of McHenry County staff to deliver meaningful youth programs.

Background & Experience

• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred
• Interest in working with a social agency, specifically with youth and families preferred
• Career interest in the following areas: education, social science, sociology, psychology, and/or social work

Job Responsibilities & Expectations

• Program Facilitating*
• Model and teach program pillars—Feelings, Growth, Community, and Integrity—to youth participants, foster their social-emotional development and equip them with the necessary skills to fully achieve growth.
• Create, facilitate and lead activities across different youth programs as needed.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with youth to encourage personal growth and resilience.
• Supervise and engage with youth in a safe, structured, and inclusive environment.
• Set up and clean program spaces before and after programming.
• Support informal check-ins with youth and coordinate youth support when necessary.
• Assign and oversee academic and social-emotional activities based on program needs.
• Enforce program expectations and behavior protocols while fostering positive reinforcement.
• Keep open communication with the Operational Director of Youth Services and the rest of the Youth Program Team regarding Youth Program updates.
• Maintain communication with parents/guardians regarding program updates, schedules, and any concerns.
• Work closely with co-facilitators and volunteers to ensure program coverage and smooth operations.
• Observe and Identify at-risk high-priority youth for intervention or additional support services.
• Facilitate communication and manage consent forms for registrations, outings and special activities.
• Attend Youth Program Meetings and other Agency meetings.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to fill in across different youth programs based on staffing needs.

• Program Data Tracking & Program Support*
• Track and report attendance and engagement trends.
• Monitor youth participation and identify patterns of non-attendance.
• Track supply needs and communicate requests for orders.
• Assist with data collection and reporting to support program evaluation and grant requirements.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational skills. Organizational skills to manage program logistics and maintain accurate records.
• Initiate tasks and able to work independently as well as with the team
• Comfortable leading large group and having individual interactions with youth
• Experience working with youth in a group and/or individual setting (after-school programs, camps, mentoring, or similar).
• Ability to work collaboratively with schools, law enforcement, social services, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to build trust and establish rapport with youth and families.
• Strong facilitation, conflict resolution, and youth engagement skills.
• Awareness of mental health wellness and challenges.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and adapt to different program needs.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and independently, and to see them through to completion within time constraints
• Commitment and respect for diversity
• Ability to work flexible hours based on program scheduling needs.

Required hours: (Part-time – 20-25 Hours)

• After-school program Monday – Friday from 2:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
• Summer program (June through August): Mondays-Thursdays 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Other responsibilities are completed in the office during non-programming hours
• Additional hours may be required to oversee other programs, events, etc.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 4 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $19