Teen Youth Worker

The Teen Youth Worker plays a key role working directly with youth impacted by violence as a component of Teen Programming’s overall outreach and programming efforts. The target age for programming and services is youth ages 14-24.  The Teen Youth Worker will act as a mentor and provide case management for youth in the program. This also includes accountability for assessing the needs of youth and families and ensuring the proper referrals for advocacy, school enrollment, counseling, substance abuse services, employment, job training, etc. The Teen Youth Worker also manages all documentation and reporting related to the services provided to the referred youth to meet program requirements. This role also participates in community development activities as needed to support program activities.

Pay is $24.03 per hour with opportunities to grow within the organization 

Our staff is the Y's greatest asset. Our teams provide valuable skills, knowledge, and passion that is essential to the contribution and positive impact in our communities, which is why we offer Y employees numerous perks and benefits, including:   

Scope of Responsibilities 

• Identify and recruit youth with a trauma history to participate in Teen Programming; practice relentless outreach to ensure continued participation


• Establish positive and constructive relationships and serve as a positive role model to high-risk youth. This includes frequent contact with youth through home visits, relationship building activities and programming at Teen Programming sites


• Provide case management and mentoring services (i.e. observation, home visits, case notes, case reviewing, and dialogue with school, adults/ youth) for a large caseload guided by “youth-driven” services and goal plans


• Act as a general advocate for individual youth as it pertains the legal system and related subsidiaries


• Facilitate peace circles


• Facilitate curriculum-guided group sessions including supporting youth efforts to create and implement community-based projects


• Provide structured recreational activities utilizing facilities such as the YMCA membership centers and other neighborhood facilities


• Prepare and submit weekly and monthly reports according to supervisor and program/contract guidelines


• Enter program information into an appropriate data tracking system (CitySpan or other appropriate systems)


• Strengthen and increase knowledge and ability to utilize trauma informed practices and approaches to support youth in group and individual settings


• Provides transportation for youth to program activities using YMCA vehicles while adhering to YMCA policies and guidelines


• Collaborate with Hub staff to ensure policies are procedures are followed as well as maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for all participants


• Participate in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities


• Support the mission and vision of the YMCA and Teen Programming as assigned. 

Minimum and Preferred Requirements 

• Ability to handle a significant caseload providing appropriate programming, resources, services and interventions to meet the needs of participants


• Understands impact of trauma on youth and trauma-informed practices and programming


• Must be minimum five years older than youth served through the program


• Passion and commitment to the YMCA’s mission and vision for Teen Programming


• Strong community engagement skills with deep awareness of community dynamics and resources


• Proficient verbal and written communication skills with the ability to adapt communication to multiple audiences


• Self-motivated with the demonstrated ability to set meaningful goals and act


• Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills


• Continuous learner who leverages opportunities for learning and applies new knowledge and skills


• Ability to travel locally within the Chicago area to multiple locations for home visits and programming activities


• Valid driver’s license with clear driving record and the ability to meet necessary requirements to drive a YMCA vehicle


• Demonstrates evidence of YMCA Y Team competencies in previous experience or practice


• Meets physical qualifications required as outlined in job description.  The YMCA will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities


• Willingness and ability to complete all mandatory YMCA training and certifications, along with ongoing or additional training as assigned by the supervisor, within established timeframe

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA’s commitment to child abuse prevention by: 

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members, or guests to your supervisor


• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children


• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor


• Completing all child abuse prevention training as required