Cedar Lake - Summer Youth Development Professional

Job Title:

Summer Youth Development Professional (YDP)

Position Type:

Part Time Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday, 6:30 AM - 6:00

PM Hourly Rate:

$13.00

Job Category:

Nonprofit - Social Services Position Summary The Summer 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. This role is critical in delivering engaging summer programming designed to combat summer learning loss through a balance of academic enrichment, hands-on learning, outdoor exploration, and fun, structured activities. YDPs help ensure youth remain mentally engaged while also enjoying a safe, active, and enriching summer experience. YDPs may be assigned to a variety of program areas including the Art Room, Gym, STEM Room, Games Room, or Cafeteria, based on organizational needs and individual strengths. Major Duties and Responsibilities Programming & Instruction Plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate, and grant-aligned programming across assigned program areas (Arts, STEM, Sports & Recreation, Games Room, or Cafeteria/Nutrition). Deliver a balanced summer program that combines academic enrichment with fun, hands-on experiences to prevent summer learning loss. 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) Incorporate outdoor learning and recreational activities that promote physical activity, teamwork, and exploration. 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. Field Trips & Outdoor Enrichment Plan, support, and actively participate in field trips and off-site learning experiences that enhance youth exposure and real-world learning. Supervise youth during field trips, ensuring safety, engagement, and adherence to policies. Lead and participate in outdoor activities such as group games, team-building exercises, and recreational programming. Use outdoor and experiential learning opportunities to reinforce program goals and academic enrichment. 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, summer 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. This role includes both indoor and outdoor work environments, especially during summer programming. Flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to support various program areas are essential.

Knowledge/Skills Required:

High school diploma or equivalent required At least 18 years of age required Some college education preferred Previous experience working with youth, particularly elementary-aged youth preferred Working knowledge of youth development; Boys & Girls Club experience preferred Ability to motivate youth, manage behavior, and foster a positive learning environment Strong communication, organization, and time management skills Ability to work effectively with youth, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain) Ability to satisfactorily pass a criminal background check required Ability to pass a drug screen for all federally illegal substances required Must be authorized to work in the United States 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.