Youth Program Leader

Position Overview

As a Youth Program Leader at CASL, you will lead high-quality, developmentally appropriate youth programming that supports the academic, social‑emotional, and overall well‑being of children and youth. This role ensures programs are safe, engaging, compliant, and responsive to the needs of students and families while fostering positive relationships, community connection, and opportunities for growth.

• Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate classroom activities that meet the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, linguistic, and health needs of youth.
• Identify the social and recreational needs of students in the community and recommend appropriate initiatives and actions.
• Provide support to youth with developmental, social, and psychological needs; complete assessments (e.g., SAYO, Spence) that identify social‑emotional and stress levels; plan activities to address those needs or refer to Behavioral Health Unit when required.
• Partner with parents regarding students’ special needs, progress, strengths, and areas where additional support may be needed.
• Train, supervise, evaluate, and support interns, tutors, and volunteers; meet with them regularly to provide guidance.
• Enter all client efforts and case notes into internal and external databases.
• Comply with DCFS licensing standards for classrooms.
• Obtain data, analyze, and evaluate regularly to meet funding requirements; provide data as needed for funding.
• Provide workshops and enrichment activities; invite outside content‑area specialists for youth enrichment and community involvement.
• Maintain a space that is clean, safe, and compliant for youth learning; recommend purchases for program supplies and activities.
• Prepare reports and record‑keeping functions required by the agency; assist with report writing as needed.
• Maintain own professional development, including participating in the supervisory process and using other educational opportunities both within and outside the agency.

• At least two years of college education in Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field from an accredited institution.
• At least one year of practical experience in youth work or social services or working with children/youth in a classroom setting.

• Fluency in spoken and written English; bilingual in English and Chinese preferred.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office, online research, and accurate data entry into internal systems.
• Good communication skills with youth and parents.

• Experience working with children or youth in a school, nonprofit, or community setting.
• Experience supervising or supporting staff, interns, or volunteers.
• Familiarity with social‑emotional learning or trauma‑informed approaches.
• Experience working with diverse families and communities.
• Bilingual or bicultural experience.

• Primarily work in a classroom involving prolonged periods of sitting, walking, and standing.

• CASL standard business hours, Monday through Friday (9:00 am – 5:00 pm), with flexibility to work additional hours as necessary.
• Work is performed during program hours, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm or 10:30 am – 6:30 pm, depending on age‑group responsibilities.
• Must be flexible and available to work alternate hours when necessary, i.e., CPS closures.

This position offers a salary range of $38,000 – $48,000 annually, reflective of experience and qualifications.

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
• Retirement Plan
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 11+ Paid Holidays, including Lunar New Year and Juneteenth
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) & Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Life Insurance, AD&D, and Disability Coverage
• Voluntary Worksite Benefits and Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your household

CASL is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.