Youth Program Associate, Urban Initiatives, Chicago, IL

Youth Program Associate

Posted on: May 16, 2013
Application deadline: June 30, 2013
Posted by: Urban Initiatives

OVERVIEW

For 10 years, Urban Initiatives has run a health and education soccer program for second through fourth grade boys and girls in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in underserved communities. Urban Initiatives is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit community development corporation that was established in 2003 through a grassroots effort by two CPS teachers, the school in which they worked, and the parents of their students in order to boost their physical fitness, health education, academic performance, and character development. Urban Initiatives believes in sports-based youth development and the importance of providing safe spaces for children to learn and grow. Urban Initiatives takes a whole child approach to development in order to provide children, who have the odds stacked against them, with the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Urban Initiatives is offering an AmeriCorps Member / Youth Program Associate for the 2013/2014 service term. Urban Initiatives is a Chicago based nonprofit organization that runs a health and education soccer program in 24 Chicago Public Schools and has grown tremendously over the years. The Program Associate will have the opportunity to work with the senior staff in a casual, collaborative working environment and will provide direct service through assistant coaching and parent outreach at four school sites in underserved Chicago communities. To learn more about Urban Initiatives check out www.urbaninitiatives.org.

Full-time Hours: In season, typically M-Th; 7:30 AM-3:30 PM and F; 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Out of season, typically M-F; 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Members are required to work a minimum of 1700 hours or approximately 40 hours per week during the 10-month service term.

Stipend: The program will offer to the member a living stipend of $14,000, training and professional development opportunities. Upon the completion of the service term and the required 1700 worked hours; the member will become eligible for a $5,550 education award.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Youth Program Associate dedicates his/her time to overseeing Work to Play Program quality. Additionally, the Youth Program Associate assists with implementation of the Take the Lead Program as well as Healthy Places activities at one partner school one day a week.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee Work to Play Program implementation at 5 school sites
• Be the liaison between the schools and the UI office
• Know all contents of the Work to Play Program Booklet including games, lessons, main points, health and character information, as well as administrative documents – also assist in ongoing program development by making suggestions for enhancements
• Support programming by serving as Assistant Coach while at program sessions at each school every week
• Oversee field trips, seasonal team parties and Service Learning Projects at each of your school sites
• Other direct service includes assisting with program-related events, paperwork dissemination/collection, snack delivery, program evaluation, and other support
• Take photos, videos, and record success stories to be posted on the UI blog or shared/written about in newsletters
• Implement UI's parent outreach plan at all schools and track parent participation through activities such as parent meetings, parent letters, handouts, phone calls, invitations, field trips, etc.
• Assist Program Manager with On-Site Program Director Evaluations
• Participate in required staff meetings, staff development sessions and trainings
• Identify and build relationships within the school communities of the schools served
• Identify and reach out to potential program partners
• Support one partner with more in-depth intervention through the Healthy Places Project
• Support the Take the Lead Program by assisting with leadership retreats and facilitating monthly school-based meetings
• Other responsibilities as needed

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree (preferred)
• Minimum of 18 year of age, US citizen or permanent resident status
• Desire and ability to work with a diverse group of people, particularly those living in low-income distressed neighborhoods
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Self-starter
• Computer skills
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (some night and weekends may be required)
• Access to a personal laptop computer (preferred)
• Spanish speaking (a plus)
• Regular access to a car (required)
• Criminal History Check (required)

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply by email. Your application should include your email address, a copy of your resume, as well as a cover letter describing any related experience and an explanation as to why you think you would make a great Program Associate. A personal interview will be required. Send applications to:

Tom LaClair
Urban Initiatives
650 West Lake Street, #340
Chicago, IL 60661
E-mail: thomas.laclair@urbaninitiatives.org