Job Title: Youth Development Specialist (Elementary Leader)
Program Area: Breakthrough Youth Network
FLSA Code: Exempt, Full time
Reports to: Youth Education Director
Location: FamilyPlex, 3219 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
POSITION SUMMARY
The Youth Development Specialist will be a part of the Breakthrough Youth Network. This position will provide excellent, organized and appropriate instruction in the Nettie Bailey Student Achievement After School Program, Summer Day Camp Program, and enrichment related programs for youth ages 5 – 18.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
- Oversee curriculum and program implementation for out of school time program offerings for kindergarten - 4th grade classrooms
- Prep curriculum, activities, and room arrangements for kindergarten - 5th grade classrooms
- Coordinate primary grade staff meetings and ensure fidelity across the classrooms
- Collaborate with Youth Development Specialists to ensure quality opportunities and services across the program
- Assist with preschool program and offer transition support for children going from preschool to kindergarten
- Attend all team meetings as assigned by program Director and/or direct supervisor
- Assist with managing student behavior
- Work collaboratively with Director to plan and implement developmentally appropriate classroom strategies and curriculum
- Be available to be a substitute teacher with a class of students on an as needed basis
- Provide data entry into Salesforce, City Span or other sites as required
- Assist with student transportation and building clean up
- Work collaboratively with program assistants
- Establish and maintain an environment for students to work which is clean, safe, stimulating and appreciates each child’s development.
- Implement daily, weekly, and monthly lesson plans within the framework and resources provided for out of school time programs
- Assist with the coordination of out of program time special events, such as: annual family engagement activities, field trips, Awards Celebration, etc.
- Participate in “Family Partnership” efforts including events, workshops, family contacts, home visits, conferences, etc.
- Ensure that routines are carried out in a manner that is prompt and consistent with good youth development principles.
- Ensure the children’s safety through active supervision, effective arrangement of space, proper maintenance of equipment, and regular practice of fire drills and other emergency procedures.
- Participate in Breakthrough wide events such as staff meetings, events, and other cross department collaborations
- Participate in a 20 hours of professional development annually
- Assist with other duties as assigned by the director and/or supervisor
- Performs other duties assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree preferred in elementary education or in any field and coursework equivalent to a major relating to elementary education
- 2-3 Years related experience teaching school-age children
- Basic computer literacy and skills in Microsoft Outlook and Office products
- Strong administrative and interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Experience working in a multicultural environment
- Experience working with families living in underserved communities
Demonstrated Values
- Independently follows agency policy and procedures
- Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
- Identifies and resolves difficult issues
- Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
- Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of urban issues regarding youth and families.
- Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem solving ability.
- Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
- Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
- Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring correct hygiene, grooming and dress
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
- Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
- Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially as related to youth, families, poverty, and community development.
SUPERVISION
- Direction received from the Youth Education Director, Breakthrough Youth Network.
- Has no direct reports.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a classroom of a public, multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance.
Equipment Used
Employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to: telephone, computer, calculator, copier, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.
To Apply:
Go to Breakthrough.org/employment/
We regret that we cannot take phone calls regarding this position. Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us via the telephone number listed above. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.