JOB DETAILS
Social Emotional Learning Youth Program Specialist
CompanyBoys and Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois
LocationElgin
Work ModeOn Site
PostedAugust 28, 2026
About The Company
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.
About the Role
Description
Role Overview: Why This Role Exists
The Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Program Specialist will fulfill the responsibilities and deliverables outlined in the Elgin Township School-Based Mental Health Grant. The Specialist will work closely with the Director of Emotional Well-Being, Mental Health Program Manager, Site-based Operations team members, U-46 school district partners, Family Services Association, and the Elgin Township Mental Health Board.
Key Responsibilities
Daily On-Site Duties
- 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
- Ensure program areas are clean, organized, and safe
- 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
Classroom & Behavior Support
- Conduct emotional check-ins for all youth
- Support emotional regulation and de-escalation of activated youth as needed
- Communicate evolving youth needs with Mental Health Program Manager
- Complete Behavior Support Plans as appropriate
Program Planning & Implementation
- Lead and support activities across program areas (education, arts, sports, STEM, etc.)
- Plan and facilitate weekly Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programming with all youth in alignment with curriculum standards
- Monitor?supplies and communicate needs to the Site Coordinator and Mental Health Program Manager?
Organizational & External Partnership
- Review needs of students with operations staff and Mental Health Program Manager
- Supervise and guide teen mentors to grow and evolve as leaders
- Maintain on-site point-of-contact responsibilities for Family Service Association
- Support Family Service Association weekly group sessions with classroom & behavior support
Who Thrives in This Role
- Exceptional skills in the areas of organization, attention to detail, time management, leadership, and ability to manage multiple tasks, define and set priorities and problem-solve.
- Exhibit professionalism and integrity through superior written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to take the initiative with projects to work independently and in a team.
- A personal mission, vision, and values that align with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois
- Ability to train, supervise and motivate staff.
Requirements
Qualifications
- High School diploma or higher.
- Experience working with kids or teens is preferred.
- Prior management experience is preferred.
- Prior grant experience is a plus.
- Program and curriculum planning experience is preferred.
- Must have a valid driver's license.
- Bilingual preferred
Key Skills
Social Emotional LearningYouth MentoringBehavior SupportProgram PlanningClassroom ManagementDe-escalationLeadershipTime ManagementCommunicationOrganizationProblem-solvingData EntryStaff SupervisionCurriculum Implementation
Categories
Social ServicesEducationManagement & Leadership
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The specialist will facilitate social emotional learning programs and provide classroom behavior support within school-based settings. They are responsible for daily on-site operations, including scheduling, attendance tracking, and coordinating with external partners.
📋Job Type
full time
📊Experience Level
0-2
💼Company Size
62
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
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