Program Specialist - YOUTH
CHA’s Youth Program Specialist will serve as the primary point of contact for Resident Services’ youth contractors and partners to expand out-of-school-time opportunities for youth and emerging adults focused on well-being, academic enrichment and workforce preparation and exploration. The Youth Program Specialist will develop goal-oriented opportunities to support academic achievement and increase earning power for youth and emerging adults. Their secondary focus will be to support CHA’s Family Centered Coaching program (FamilyWorks) and serving as a trusted advisor on year-round opportunities and activities to CHA families.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to the following:
- Design, manage and evaluate multiple CHA summer opportunities for approximately 2K youth and emerging adults, ages 13-24, annually.
- Collaborate with community stakeholders to promote early learning initiatives for the development of youth, ages 0-8, and remain current with the trends in the field of early childhood education and professional learning.
- Connect school age youth, 6-12, to a wide range of quality out-of-school time (OST) opportunities with emphasis on academic achievement and 21st century skill building.
- Develop relationships with youth residents to build trust and confidence, recruit hem 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.
- Lead monthly Youth Opportunities meetings and professional development trainings for CHA’s contracted FamilyWorks providers and other partners.
- Develop new and maintain existing relationships with partners to fill gaps in programming and/or identify areas of improvement.
- Collaborate with Education team, CHA’s Family Centered Coaching program and other divisions in Resident Services Department to bring 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.
- 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.
- Participate in weekly staff meetings and trainings.
- Manages multiple projects and/or opportunities simultaneously.
- Other duties as assigned.
A Bachelor’s degree in education, human and social services or related field is required; or a minimum of five years of professional experience working directly with children, youth and/or emerging adults, experiencing multiple barriers to economic and educational success, in out-of-school time settings or other community spaces. Minimum of three years of experience designing, implementing, and evaluating youth workforce development programs or OST enrichment opportunities that support youth academic achievement and social-emotional development. Experience in public speaking, providing technical assistance and professional development to employers and youth-serving organizations, and/or building and managing relationships with families and community partners. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to present to large audiences and communicate effectively to a range of stakeholders. Computer proficiency required, including Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Teams and Excel) and experience using virtual meeting tools. Must be able to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and meet competing deadlines. Requires work in and around CHA properties and within Chicago Community Areas; a valid Driver’s License is required. Position has a temporary hybrid work schedule and occasionally requires working outside established hours of 8 AM – 5 PM Monday-Friday.