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Social & Emotional Skills Specialist - AmeriCorps

Social & Emotional Skills Specialist - (AmeriCorps Member)

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs

Looking to serve as an AmeriCorps volunteer and make a meaningful difference in the lives of youth? There’s no better place to serve than Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs!

Join our team for a year-long commitment to enriching the lives of youth and teens throughout the community while gaining valuable experience, developing professional skills, and making a lasting impact.

Position Summary

The Social & Emotional Skills Specialist is responsible for planning, delivering, and overseeing fun, meaningful, and engaging Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) program experiences for primary and secondary members. This role focuses on creating a supportive Club environment where youth can build the skills they need to understand themselves, navigate relationships, manage emotions, make responsible decisions, and thrive in school, at home, and in their communities.

The Social & Emotional Skills Specialist will serve as a positive role model while building meaningful relationships with youth and providing opportunities for members to practice and strengthen essential social and emotional skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the SEL Team to facilitate Club SEL programs, activities, and services that prepare youth for success and create an environment that supports growth and achievement.
• Facilitate engaging SEL skill-building activities and experiences for primary and secondary members.
• Encourage and support youth participation in SEL programming while providing instruction, guidance, and constructive feedback to help members develop their skills.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to members as they develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making skills.
• Build positive, supportive relationships with youth and serve as a consistent and encouraging role model.
• Create an inclusive environment where youth feel safe, supported, respected, and comfortable participating.
• Document and report program data, including daily attendance and program participation.
• Maintain a healthy and safe environment and ensure facilities, equipment, and supplies are properly maintained.
• Participate in professional development and training related to Trauma-Informed Care, Positive Language, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, and other topics that support effective youth development.
• Deliver, compile, and evaluate member assessment surveys to help determine program effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Collaborate with Club staff and other program team members to support positive youth experiences and strengthen the overall Club environment.

AmeriCorps Service Opportunities

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Northwest Suburbs offers multiple AmeriCorps service-hour options to meet different schedules and levels of commitment.

• 1,700-Hour Full-Time Service Position: Includes benefits, a $20,400 gross stipend, and a $7,395 education award upon successful completion of the program.
• 1,200-Hour Service Position: Includes a $13,760.69 stipend and a $5,176.50 education award upon successful completion of the program.
• 900-Hour Service Position: Includes a $10,073.58 stipend and a $3,697.50 education award upon successful completion of the program.
• 675-Hour Service Position: Includes a $7,555.17 stipend and a $2,817.14 education award upon successful completion of the program.

Stipend and education award amounts are subject to AmeriCorps program requirements and applicable program guidelines.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of service.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident.
• Must satisfy the National Service Criminal History Check eligibility criteria pursuant to 45 CFR 2540.202.
• Passion for working with youth and supporting their growth and development.
• Interest in athletics, recreation, fitness, or youth development.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups of people.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Ability to create a positive, inclusive, and encouraging environment for youth participants.