Youth Development Assistant

Job Summary

Youth Development Assistants (YDAs) play a vital role in creating a safe, positive, and engaging after-school environment for Club members. YDAs help deliver high-quality programs and activities that support the Boys & Girls Club mission while upholding the Five Key Elements of Positive Youth Development:

• A Safe, Positive Environment
• Fun
• Supportive Relationships
• Opportunities & Expectations
• Recognition

YDAs support program planning, member engagement, and site operations to ensure every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to succeed.

Key Responsibilities

• Arrive 20 minutes prior to program start to prepare materials and plans
• Lead and support activities across program areas (education, arts, sports, STEM, etc.)
• Display and review daily schedules with staff and members
• Provide clear instructions, set expectations, and encourage participation
• Promote member engagement and regroup members as needed for activities
• Assist with small-group and special program opportunities
• Ensure program areas are clean, organized, and safe
• Monitor supplies and communicate needs to the Site Coordinator
• Take attendance for each program and organize records for entry into MyClubHub
• Take photos of member participation at least weekly
• Highlight member achievements in program areas and displays
• Communicate professionally via walkie-talkie and during interactions
• Support Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA) and other evaluation processes
• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Competencies

• Program implementation
• Safety awareness
• Behavior management
• Communication skills
• Adaptability
• Dependability
• Emotional intelligence

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Strong organizational skills and effective time management
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and problem-solve
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Experience working with children or teens preferred
• Ability to be flexible, patient, and supportive
• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment
• Alignment with the mission, vision, and values of Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois
• Availability to work Monday–Friday between 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM (specific shift times vary by program)
• Bilingual abilities are a plus

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience working with children or teens preferred
• Prior non-profit experience a plus

Mental / Emotional Requirements

• Proficiency in planning, organizing, and coordinating activities
• Effective time management to balance multiple responsibilities
• Maintain patience and resilience in challenging situations
• Stay calm and model positivity under pressure
• Resolve conflicts effectively and de-escalate tense situations
• Adapt to unexpected changes or challenges during program hours

Trauma-Informed Standards of Practice

• Ensure compliance with safety training and promote physical and emotional safety in all interactions
• Communicate transparently, set clear expectations, and foster trust-based relationships
• Engage with intentionality and trauma awareness; seek resources to support members, families, and staff
• Provide equitable, inclusive, and culturally relevant services
• Empower youth, families, and staff through voice, choice, and ownership of the Club experience
• Build connections that promote growth, collaboration, and shared problem-solving

Five Key Elements in Practice

•  Safe, Positive Environment: Promote safety, consistency, and stability. Maintain clean and organized spaces.
• Fun: Create daily fun through team-building, icebreakers, and spontaneous activities.
• Supportive Relationships: Build meaningful connections with youth, families, and colleagues.
• Opportunities & Expectations: Help youth build skills, develop character, and pursue educational success.
• Recognition: Celebrate and display member achievements. Provide positive reinforcement as youth grow and succeed.

Notice of AI Use in Job Application Review

As part of our commitment in creating a fair, efficient, and consistent hiring process we may use artificial intelligence (AI) to help our recruiting teams organize, summarize, and analyze information provided by candidates, including resumes, application responses, and other materials submitted during the application process.AI may be used to identify patterns, highlight relevant skills, and experience, and assist in comparing a candidate’s qualifications with the requirement of a specific role. These tools are to improve efficiency and consistency while supporting more informed hiring decisions, which will ultimately be made by the hiring team.