Job Description

Job Location Chicago , IL 60619 Salary Range $27.00 - $30.00 Hourly

Gary Comer Youth Center: Having opened its doors in June 2006, the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC) offers positive extracurricular alternatives in a welcoming and safe environment. The mission is to provide the support for all of our youth to graduate from high school, prepared to pursue college and careers. Located on Chicago’s South Side, the Gary Comer Youth Center draws its primary membership from the youth residing on the South Side of Chicago with a focus on Grand Crossing residents. GCYC is the oldest and largest institution sitting on the Comer Education Campus which includes our organizational partners Gary Comer College Prep High School, the South Shore Drill Team and Gary Comer Middle School. For more information, please visit: www.garycomeryouthcenter.org.

The T.R.A.C.K. program is the newest offering for middle school. TRACK stands for Transition Readiness and College Knowledge. This program was created as a means of bridging the gap in access and knowledge in the Chicago area high school landscape for parents and youth.

The TRACK Coordinator (part-time) is responsible for supporting and furthering the social, emotional, and academic growth of youth through the Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC). As a member of the Comer Academic Success Team, the TRACK Coordinator (part-time) will work to design and coordinate academic support programming at the Comer Education Campus.

Program Operations:

Executes program delivery for the GCYC community and collaboration between departments and program areas and with campus partners

Retains youth to programs in their program area to ensure 100% enrollment and 80% average daily attendance

Ensures program delivery is equitable for all members – considering all age groups, genders, races, abilities and sexual orientations feel welcomed, supported, represented, and have access to all programs and services

Contributes to the organization and implementation of special activities/events and out of school time camps (e.g. winter break, spring break)

Keeps abreast of current best practices, research, and trends in youth development and education to contribute to the development of staff and advancement of organizational practices

Responsible for managing and executing deliverables and compliance for grants assigned

Plans and implements programming in accordance with overall organizational goals, methods and objectives (e.g. Quality Program Outline, Daily Program Plan, etc.). Utilizing and creating evidence-based and researched curriculum, lesson plans, and educational materials

Manages classroom through positive youth development practices

Ensures the timely and accurate entry of data into internal data systems (e.g. Salesforce), as well as assigned external systems (e.g. Cityspan) for grant compliance.

Responsible for special projects assigned by direct supervisor, or the Executive Director.

Culture/Values:

Embrace/demonstrate the values of the Comer Education Campus:

Youth Power

Innovation

Wellbeing

Community Commitment

Equity and Inclusion

Joy

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

Coordinate, instruct and provide leadership for GCYC’s out of school time program, T.R.A.C.K. for middle school aged youth.

Provide direction and support for college interns and tutors assigned to T.R.A.C.K.

Work closely with Academic Success Team to align supports with TRIO and high school career exploration programs.

Provide academic coaching support to a small caseload of participants.

Supervise events and field trips designed to help develop cultural competence and college knowledge.

Tracks participant attendance in programming.

Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of all cultures or backgrounds.

Other duties as assigned.

Miscellaneous:

Responsible for maintaining a physically and emotionally safe environment to further ensure proper youth supervision and managing conflicts, conduct issues, and incidents.

Attends required staff meetings and trainings.

Works with other staff to execute effective outreach, and retention strategies.

Responsible for accurate data collection and data entry for grant and program compliance.

Works collaboratively in a team setting serving the needs of youth.

Is committed to the safety and development of all GCYC members.

Serves as a role model for youth and community.

Supports the mission of GCYC.

Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail. Must be able to initiate and finish projects. Ability to engage with families and youth are critical to the success of this role.

Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to multi-task, troubleshoot, and problem solve effectively.

Strong computer skills, especially with the creation of presentations and MS Office Suite.

Demonstration of cultural competency and dedication to working with youth, families, and community members in our care.

Education & Skill Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree.

Minimum of four (4) years of experience working with middle school and/or high school aged students.

Core Competencies:

Must possess genuine care and concern for youth – especially pre-teens and teens.

Program area management skills that are engaging, non-oppressive, and age appropriate. Demonstrates an understanding of guidance and discipline principles and conflict resolution strategies.