Youth Development Assistant
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Boys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois
Elgin, IL, US
Summary
Youth Development Assistants create a safe and engaging after-school environment by leading educational, arts, and sports activities. They are responsible for member engagement, site operations, and maintaining a positive atmosphere aligned with the Boys & Girls Club mission.
Job Description
Description
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
Requirements
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.
About
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois, it is our mission to be the leader in youth development programs by developing partnerships to produce positive outcomes.
Mission
To enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Company Overview
1993: The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois officially opened its door to 100 youth, to provide alternative prevention programs for the area’s at-risk youth. The Club began its small operation out of a 2,000 square foot city owned and renovated residential house located at 355 Dundee Avenue.
The capacity of this facility quickly became inadequate as membership grew. After years of preparation and a feasibility study, the board of directors decided to move forward with a capital campaign to build a new facility.
In 2006, the organization embarked on a $3 million dollar capital campaign which was successfully completed in 2007. This campaign raised funds to support the construction of a brand new 15,000 square foot facility, establishment of an endowment fund and to support increased program costs.
Since opening the new Clubhouse, membership has more than doubled. Now serving about 1,000 youth a day, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois has also partnered with the school district to serve at-risk schools that have been unsuccessful in meeting state requirements.
The Club serves members at four area middle schools and two high schools with education programs that work to prepare young people for success in the classroom. Through its traditional programs at its 6 service sites, and outreach efforts the Club has a membership base of 3,000 youth.
Founded
1993
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Elgin, IL
About
At the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois, it is our mission to be the leader in youth development programs by developing partnerships to produce positive outcomes.
Mission
To enable young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Company Overview
1993: The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois officially opened its door to 100 youth, to provide alternative prevention programs for the area’s at-risk youth. The Club began its small operation out of a 2,000 square foot city owned and renovated residential house located at 355 Dundee Avenue.
The capacity of this facility quickly became inadequate as membership grew. After years of preparation and a feasibility study, the board of directors decided to move forward with a capital campaign to build a new facility.
In 2006, the organization embarked on a $3 million dollar capital campaign which was successfully completed in 2007. This campaign raised funds to support the construction of a brand new 15,000 square foot facility, establishment of an endowment fund and to support increased program costs.
Since opening the new Clubhouse, membership has more than doubled. Now serving about 1,000 youth a day, the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois has also partnered with the school district to serve at-risk schools that have been unsuccessful in meeting state requirements.
The Club serves members at four area middle schools and two high schools with education programs that work to prepare young people for success in the classroom. Through its traditional programs at its 6 service sites, and outreach efforts the Club has a membership base of 3,000 youth.
Founded
1993
Company size
51-200 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Elgin, IL
