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Youth Development Program Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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How much do youth development program jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for youth development program in Chicago, IL is $17.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a youth development program?

A Youth Development Program is an organized initiative designed to support the personal, social, and educational growth of young people. These programs provide activities, mentorship, and resources that help youth build skills, confidence, and positive relationships. They often focus on areas such as leadership, career readiness, health, and community engagement. By participating in these programs, young people can develop important life skills and prepare for successful futures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a youth development program role?

To thrive in a Youth Development Program role, you need a background in education, social work, or a related field, along with experience working with young people. Familiarity with youth engagement tools, program management software, and certifications such as CPR/First Aid or youth development credentials are often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to motivate and mentor are vital soft skills for building trust and rapport with youth participants. These skills ensure effective program delivery, positive youth outcomes, and a safe, inclusive environment for all participants.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in youth development programs and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in youth development programs often encounter challenges such as engaging diverse groups of young people, managing behavioral issues, and addressing varying levels of family or community support. Building trust and rapport with participants is essential, as is adapting activities to meet the unique needs of each individual. Successful professionals leverage strong communication skills, collaborate closely with colleagues and community partners, and pursue ongoing training in youth engagement strategies to overcome these challenges and create a supportive environment for growth.

What is the difference between Youth Development Program vs Youth Counselor?

AspectYouth Development ProgramYouth Counselor
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in education, social work, or related field; certifications in youth work or counselingRequires similar credentials; often includes counseling certifications or training in youth engagement
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, non-profit organizations, summer campsSchools, community centers, juvenile facilities, non-profit agencies
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, government agencies, educational institutionsEducational institutions, social service agencies, juvenile justice systems
Primary FocusProgram development, youth engagement, skill-building activitiesProviding guidance, mentorship, and support to youth

While both roles focus on youth engagement, Youth Development Programs typically involve designing and managing activities to promote youth growth, whereas Youth Counselors focus on direct mentorship and support. Both roles require similar credentials and are found in community and educational settings, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Youth Development Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Youth Development Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Development Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,608 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Youth Development Specialist (hourly)

Metropolitan Family Services

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18 - $35/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

If asked to describe the culture at Metropolitan Family Services, we could do that in one word. COMMUNITY! Reflected in both our internal culture as well as through the services we provide, community is at the heart of all we do.

Metropolitan Family Services (MFS) empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857, Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities. Are you looking to have an impact on more than just a company’s bottom line? Then we’d love to hear from you!

We are currently looking to fill hourly Youth Development Specialist roles to join our Community Schools team!

Our Community Schools operate during non-school hours and expand positive choices and opportunities for youth while achieving academic success.

SALARY: The average hourly rate for this position will fall in the range of $18.00 and $35.00. Where candidates fall in this range will be based on skill and experience level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Responsible for designing and facilitating activities that meet the diverse needs of youth clients and community needs.
  • Utilizes a positive youth development and strength-based approach to empower youth, promote youth voice, and offer leadership opportunities.
  • Mentors' youth to foster resiliency, positive growth, life skills, and social emotional learning. Promotes personal, social, and educational growth.
  • Provides direct service to youth and adult clients (parents, guardians, community members) by creating and leading academic, recreational, and/or life skills activities.
  • Services may be offered during the school day or out-of-school time.
  • May contact parents/guardians to address specific needs of youth.
  • Works collaboratively with team members and supervisor.
  • Attends team meetings, trainings and agency wide events as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

  • Experience working with youth, facilitating youth development or related programs.
  • Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups.
  • Maintains an open minded and yes minded approach.
  • Ability to see youth as experts of their lives.
  • Understands a strength-based perspective.
  • Ability to communicate with parents as needed.
  • Proficient in Microsoft 365/Microsoft office or the ability to learn within the first 6 months.
  • Available to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and some weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or GED, required.
  • 3+ years youth-related experience, required.
  • Bachelor's degree, preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Satisfactorily pass all screenings and criminal background checks. 

TRANSPORTATION/TRAVLE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Driving for work preferred with a personally owned vehicle. Travel between sites required. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to sit and stand for sustained periods of time, frequently talk, hear, use hands and fingers to feel, handle and operate objects or controls, and occasionally stand, bend, stretch, stoop, kneel and crouch. The employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing and viewing a computer terminal.

Metropolitan Family Services puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package. Find out more by clicking here!

Some highlights include:

  • Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, and Vision Coverage.
  • Metropolitan Family Services contributions of $2,000 to individual, and $4,000 to family, HSA accounts, pro-rated to your benefits start date.
  • FREE General Medicine and Behavioral Health Teladoc services provided to all team members.
  • Ascensus 401K plan services with a 4% employer match, vested at 100% on day one of eligibility.

And so much more! Make sure you click here to see the full suite of benefits offered!

Some of the above benefits are available for part-time and temporary workers, but not all. Be sure to inquire upon your hire as to which benefits apply to you.

MORE ABOUT US:

Metropolitan is Illinois' first comprehensive human services agency and reaches more than 122,970 individuals and families in Chicago, Evanston/Skokie, the southwest suburbs, and DuPage County with services promoting education, economic stability, emotional wellness, and empowerment.