This role is no longer accepting applications.
Job Summary
The Youth Development Professional (YDP) is responsible for creating, planning, implementing, and supervising high-quality, grant-aligned programs that support the academic, social-emotional, and physical development of youth. YDPs may be assigned to a variety of program areas including the Art Room, Gym, STEM Room, Games Room, or Cafeteria, depending on organizational needs and individual strengths.
This role is essential in providing a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where youth can learn, grow, and build positive relationships. YDPs are responsible for delivering structured programming, supporting grant outcomes, and fostering youth voice, leadership, and skill development across all program areas at any of our Club locations.
Job Locations: Cedar Lake, Chesterton, East Chicago, Hammond, Gary, Portage, South Haven, Valparaiso
Position Type: Part Time
Job Shift: Afternoon 1pm to 7pm Monday through Friday, Occasional weekend shifts for rentals
Hourly Rate: $12.00-$15.00
Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services
Responsibilities
Programming & Instruction
- Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, and grant-aligned programming within assigned program areas (Arts, STEM, Sports & Recreation, Games Room, or Cafeteria/Nutrition).
- Facilitate a variety of activities such as:
- Creative arts (visual, digital, performing, literary, applied)
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, math, coding, and hands-on learning)
- Sports and recreation (gym activities, games, and physical wellness)
- Social recreation (structured games, tournaments, and team-building)
- Nutrition and food service support (snack programs, cafeteria supervision, and healthy habits)
- Adapt programming to meet the needs, interests, and skill levels of youth.
- Maintain structured daily schedules and routines to ensure smooth program flow.
Youth Development & Engagement
- Build positive, supportive relationships with youth and serve as a mentor and role model.
- Create a physically and emotionally safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
- Promote youth voice, leadership, teamwork, and positive behavior.
- Support youth in developing social-emotional skills, confidence, and goal-setting habits.
- Encourage participation, creativity, and exploration across all program areas.
Program Operations & Grant Compliance
- Ensure all programming aligns with organizational goals, grant requirements, and expected outcomes.
- Track attendance, participation, and required program data accurately.
- Maintain clean, organized, and safe program spaces.
- Monitor and manage supplies, equipment, and inventory within assigned areas.
- Follow all safety, supervision, and organizational policies and procedures.
Collaboration & Professionalism
- Work collaboratively with Club leadership, staff, and community partners.
- Support overall Club operations, including transitions, special events, and field trips.
- Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
- Communicate effectively with team members and leadership.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support Club success.
Work Environment & Flexibility
- YDPs may rotate or be assigned to different program areas such as the Art Room, Gym, STEM Room, Games Room, or Cafeteria.
- Positions are available across multiple Club locations in northwest Indiana
Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to support various program areas are essential.
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.