Program Support Assistant Jobs in Highland Park, IL

Description

Job Overview:

The After School Program Specialist supports the successful implementation of SGA Youth & Family Services' Out-of-School Time (OST) programs by ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming across assigned school sites. Working collaboratively with school personnel, contracted enrichment providers, students, and families, the Specialist helps create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment that promotes academic success, social-emotional learning, positive youth development, and student engagement.

The Specialist serves as SGA's on-site representative, providing day-to-day operational support, monitoring program fidelity, coordinating site logistics, and ensuring contracted vendors deliver services in accordance with program goals, agency standards, and funder expectations. The position also supports attendance tracking, documentation, compliance activities, and continuous quality improvement to ensure students receive meaningful after-school experiences that contribute to their overall growth and success.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation

• Support daily implementation of after-school programming across assigned school sites. 
• Assist in coordinating daily schedules and transitions between enrichment activities. 
• Ensure programming is delivered according to agency and funder expectations. 
• Prepare activity spaces, materials, and supplies for daily programming. 
• Assist with special events, family engagement activities, showcases, and field trips. 

Student Engagement

• Develop positive, supportive relationships with participating students. 
• Encourage active participation during academic, recreational, STEM, arts, and SEL activities. 
• Reinforce positive behavior using trauma-informed and restorative approaches. 
• Supervise students during program activities, transitions, and dismissal. 
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all participants. 

Vendor & Site Support

• Serve as the primary day-to-day support for contracted enrichment providers. 
• Ensure vendors have necessary materials and classroom space. 
• Observe programming and communicate concerns or recommendations to the Program Coordinator. 
• Assist in resolving operational issues that arise during programming. 
• Promote consistency and quality across multiple program sites. 

Program Quality & Compliance

• Monitor attendance and participation. 
• Maintain accurate participant records and required documentation. 
• Assist with data entry into required reporting systems.      
• Ensure program files remain organized and compliant with agency and funder requirements. 
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts through observation and feedback. 

School & Family Collaboration

• Build positive working relationships with school administrators, teachers, and support staff. 
• Welcome and assist families during student pick-up and special events. 
• Communicate program information as directed by the      Program Coordinator. 
• Represent SGA professionally within the school community. 

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in staff meetings and professional development. 
• Assist with inventory and supply management. 
• Support the implementation of Social Emotional Learning      (SEL) initiatives. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.

Associate's degree in education, Child Development, Human Services, Recreation, Psychology, Social Work, or related field preferred.

One to three years of experience working with elementary-aged youth preferred. 

Experience in after-school, summer camp, recreation, education, or youth development programs preferred. 

Experience supporting classroom management and group facilitation. 

   Experience working with diverse communities and families preferred.  

Key Competencies

Positive Youth Development 

Student Engagement 

Classroom Management 

Trauma-Informed Practices 

Communication and Relationship Building 

Organization and Time Management 

Team Collaboration 

Problem Solving 

Customer Service 

Microsoft Office proficiency 

Data Entry and Documentation 

Adaptability and Flexibility

Conditions of Employment

 Must have a valid driver's license and automobile insurance required for work-related travel.

Physical Requirments

Ability to remain active throughout program hours. 

Frequently move throughout classrooms, cafeterias, gyms, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces. 

Ability to supervise students indoors and outdoors. 

Lift and carry up to 25 pounds. 

Participate in recreational activities and field trips. 

Occasional evening family events may be required.

PART - TIME/SEASONAL BENEFITS ELIGIBLE -

BENEFITS

403(b) retirement savings plan; paid vacation, sick leave; an Employee Assistance Program; Benefits are provided in accordance with plan documents and organizational policies, and eligibility may vary based on employment status and scheduled hours.

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time; this description reflects management's assignment of essential functions, it does not proscribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  This job description is subject to change at any time.

An Equal Opportunity Employer