Youth Program Coordinator

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

MIDWEST CORPS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Youth Program Coordinator

LOCATION/DEPT: Midwest Corps

REPORTS TO: Corps Officers

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RFT

PAY GRADE: 205

PAY RANGE: $21.81 - $26.17

OUTCOMES

Lead and enhance youth programming at the Midwest Corps to create a structured, safe, and inspiring environment for youth. This role focuses on building impactful relationships, fostering personal growth, and facilitating educational and recreational experiences.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Management and Development
   
   
   
   1. Design and implement Chris-centered youth programs that promote academic success, personal growth, artistic expression, and social engagement.
   2. Continuously evaluate program effectiveness, collecting participant feedback and conducting performance assessments to improve quality.
   3. Oversee structured activities, including a classroom rotation (homework room, art, dance, and music).
   4. Plan and lead special events, field trips, and community outreach activities to broaden youth experiences.
   5. Manage safe pick-up/drop-off protocols for students, coordinating transportation as necessary.
   6. Develop rapport with students to foster a supportive and positive learning environment.
   7. Work on Sundays is required in order to support worship services, programming, and Corps events.
   
   
   
   
2. Safety and Discipline
   
   
   
   1. Lead support staff and volunteers in adhering to safety protocols.
   2. Proactively maintain safety and discipline standards, ensuring compliance with Safe-From-Harm guidelines.
   3. Address behavioral issues with effective conflict resolution strategies and provide timely reports to Corps leadership.
   4. Communicate any significant student or staff issues to the Corps Officers.
   
   
   
   
3. Community Partnerships and Outreach
   
   
   
   1. Establish and strengthen partnerships with local schools, businesses, and organizations to enhance programming and community involvement.
   2. Serve as a liaison between the corps and community stakeholders, attending relevant meetings and events to represent The Salvation Army's mission.
   3. Engage families by organizing events and distributing program updates to foster community among parents, students, and staff.
   4. Collaborate with schools and families on educational matters that support students' development.
   
   
   
   
4. Financial Management and Reporting
   
   
   
   1. Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, to support program growth and long-term sustainability.
   2. Track financial metrics, maintain accurate program records, and prepare periodic progress reports.
   3. Provide weekly updates on program status and financial performance to Corps leadership.
   4. Develop fee-based services during off-peak times to generate additional revenue streams.
   5. Ensure accurate reporting for the Thomas Lyle Williams (TLW) grant and Divisional Headquarters (DHQ).
   
   
   
   
5. Spiritual Development
   
   
   
   1. Provide leadership in weekly student devotionals.
   2. Promote spiritual engagement in alignment with The Salvation Army's values and doctrine.
   
   
   
   
6. Summer Day Camp
   
   
   
   1. Coordinate Summer Day Camp programming, overseeing daily activities, field trips, and special events.
   2. Supervise Summer Day Camp staff, delegating responsibilities and ensuring smooth daily operations; this includes the development of staffing schedules.
   3. Manage parent payment processes and maintain accurate financial records for the camp.
   
   
   
   
7. Miscellaneous Duties
   
   
   
   1. Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the overall mission and goals of The Salvation Army.
   
   
   
   

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Under general supervision of the Corps Officers with some freedom to plan, schedule and carry out responsibilities within established policies and guidelines.

This position supervises Classroom Monitors, Instructors, and Summer Day Camp staff.

In contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Youth Development, or a related field (preferred).
• Certifications in youth programming or child development (preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years' experience working with youth in educational or community-based settings.
• Background in spiritual or religious education preferred.
• Experience in supervising staff and managing volunteers.
• CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days).
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record.

COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated success in program development, evaluation, and grant management.
• Knowledge of child protection policies.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
• Flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Strong verbal and written communication, with a talent for diplomacy and discretion.
• Demonstrated self-starter with attention to detail and procedures.
• Positive, adaptable, and able to maintain confidentiality.
• Team-oriented management style that fosters collaboration and respect.
• Proactive conflict management and culturally responsive youth engagement.
• Commitment to The Salvation Army mission and values.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officers informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do light to moderate physical work and must be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment, a PC, and recreational equipment.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and gym environment with a low noise level.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.