Program Aide

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! The Program Aide (Part-Time) position is located at Bright Elementary, 10740 S. Calhoun Ave., Chicago, IL and reports to the Director of Community Schools with on‑site support from the Lead Youth Worker Supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Lead and facilitate Morning Club programming, providing structured and engaging activities for participating youth.
• Ensure all youth participating in Morning Club are properly signed in each morning, and that attendance information is accurate before youth transition to the school day.
• Lead and facilitate assigned youth groups and activities during after‑school programming.
• Implement age‑appropriate activities that may include arts and crafts, STEM, sports and recreation, social‑emotional learning, games, literacy, team‑building, and other enrichment opportunities.
• Prepare materials, supplies, and program spaces before activities begin and ensure materials and spaces are appropriately cleaned and organized following activities.
• Build positive and supportive relationships with youth while encouraging participation, teamwork, leadership, positive behavior, and respectful interactions.
• Maintain active supervision of youth at all times, including during Morning Club, afterschool activities, transitions, snack/meal periods, dismissal, and other program activities.
• Follow all CYC and school policies and procedures related to youth safety, supervision, emergency procedures, behavior management, and maintaining appropriate staff‑to‑youth boundaries.
• Establish clear expectations and use positive youth development and appropriate behavior‑management strategies to maintain a safe and productive program environment.
• Assist with safe and orderly transitions throughout the program day and follow established procedures for youth dismissal and release to authorized individuals.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Youth Worker, other CYC staff, school personnel, consultants, and community partners to ensure high‑quality programming.
• Maintain professional and positive interactions with parents, caregivers, school staff, and other members of the school community.
• Assist with field trips, special events, family engagement activities, program showcases, and other CYC activities as assigned.
• Participate in required staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other program‑related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or College experience (AA degree preferred).
• Bilingual speaking is required.
• 1 year of experience.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Computer expertise (MS Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with children in the field of youth development.
• Creativity and ability to teach science, music, arts & crafts.

Pay

$18 per hour

Schedule

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday (15 hours per week)