Youth Engagement Specialist

Youth Engagement Specialist ( MCMF Safe Spaces Program)

MISSION:

Gads Hill Center, a social service organization established in 1898, creates opportunities for children and their families to build a better life through education, access to resources and community engagement.

At Gads Hill Center, we envision a community in which all children benefit from healthy, financially stable households that support their early learning and growth. We invest in the potential of children and families through early childhood education, youth programs, and mental health support. Ultimately, Gads Hill Center builds a community where all families can help their children have access to quality education in order to succeed in school and life.

JOB SUMMARY

- Host Kickback Events: Collaborate within a cohort of 15 peer employees to brainstorm, plan, and host evening, weekend, and school-break events for neighborhood youth ages 13–24.

- Manage Event Budgets: Learn and apply budget tracking skills by managing expense spreadsheets, estimating costs for food and supplies, and tracking overall project spending.

- Lead Event Marketing: Design digital flyers, coordinate safe social media outreach campaigns, and use public speaking to promote events and invite peers into the space.

- Maintain Safe Spaces: Practice conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to ensure the hangout zone remains a respectful, positive, and substance-free environment.

- Build Work Readiness Skills: Actively participate in professional mentoring, team meetings, and skill-building workshops to prepare for future career opportunities.

- Hold Down the Fort: Take responsibility for setting up activity equipment before events and ensuring the community space is clean and organized at the end of each shift.

Requirements

- You are between 16–24 years old and live or go to school in the designated Community Area.

Competitive Salaries

- Generous Paid Time Off

- 403B Plan (Up to 5% match following 2 years of employment)

- Medical

- Dental

- Vision

- Employee Assistance Program

- Employer Paid Short Term/Long Term Disability

- Employer Paid Life Insurance

- Supplemental Coverage Options Available

POSITION DETAILS

Entry Salary Range: $17.05 per hour

Schedule: Summer (July 6 – August): 20 hours per week/ Fall/Winter (September – December 31): 10 hours per week

Status: Hourly

Location: North Lawndale

APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:

To apply, please visit our careers page at www.gadshillcenter.org/careers