ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Youth Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Air Mobility Command

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT

IL · On-site +1

$18.70 - $22.31/hr

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (TARGET LEVEL): Coordinates and conducts activities for children and/or youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years. Creates an environment which welcomes ...

Air Mobility Command

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT

IL · On-site +1

$18.70 - $22.31/hr

CHILD AND YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT (TARGET LEVEL): Coordinates and conducts activities for children and/or youth ranging in age from 6 weeks to 18 years. Creates an environment which welcomes ...

The Salvation Army

Youth Programs Assistant

Quincy, IL

$17.36 - $21.71/hr

Organize program supplies, materials, and activity spaces. * Safely transport youth participants ... * Assist with participant enrollment, recordkeeping, and database management. * Administer ...

University of Utah

Program Assistant

Campus, IL

$36K - $46K/yr

Details Open Date 07/01/2026 Requisition Number PRN17183N Job Title Program Assistant Working Title ... This work occurs across five youth centers, from Provo to Ogden. STEMCAP partners with experts in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsYouth Program JobsYouth Program Assistant JobsYouth Program Assistant Jobs in Illinois

Youth Program Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$20.8K

$44.3K

$61K

How much do youth program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program assistant in Illinois is $44,305.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,300.00 and $46,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a youth program assistant do?

A Youth Program Assistant supports the planning, organization, and implementation of activities for children and teenagers in various settings, such as community centers, schools, or camps. Their responsibilities often include supervising participants, assisting with educational or recreational activities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved. They may also help with administrative tasks, such as record-keeping and communicating with parents or guardians. This role is essential for providing a positive environment that encourages youth development and engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a youth program assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Youth Program Assistant, you need a background in youth development, education, or social work, often supported by a relevant degree or experience working with children or teens. Familiarity with program management tools, safety protocols, and occasionally CPR/First Aid certification is valuable. Strong communication, patience, and organizational skills help you build rapport with youth and collaborate effectively with staff and families. These skills are crucial for creating engaging, safe, and supportive environments that foster youth growth and program success.

What are some common challenges faced by youth program assistants, and how can they be addressed?

Youth Program Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing diverse group dynamics, maintaining participant engagement, and handling unexpected behavioral issues. To address these, it is helpful to establish clear expectations, use inclusive activities, and develop strong communication skills. Collaborating closely with program leaders and seeking regular feedback can also help in effectively supporting youth needs and ensuring a positive program environment.

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

AspectYouth Program AssistantYouth Counselor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require relevant certificationsHigh school diploma; often requires additional counseling or youth development certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, schools, recreational facilitiesResidential programs, schools, community agencies
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsNonprofits, mental health agencies, juvenile programs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve working with youth, a Youth Program Assistant typically supports program operations and activities, whereas a Youth Counselor often provides direct counseling and guidance to youth in more specialized settings. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are the most commonly searched types of Youth Program jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Youth Program Assistant jobs in Illinois?

For Youth Program Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Youth Program Assistant jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Youth Program Assistant jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Youth Program Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Youth Program Assistant job openings:

Youth Program Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Youth Program Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,305 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Youth Program Assistant

Greater Peoria Family YMCA

Peoria, IL • On-site

$16 - $23.40/hr

Part-time

Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Overview
The role of the Youth Program Assistant is to to provide leadership at the program sites, as well as ensure an environment that enhances and promotes interpersonal relationships, confidence, self- esteem, values, mutual respect and understanding of various ethnic cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. Character development is the chief mission of the Greater Peoria YMCA and the Youth Program Assistant should exhibit a commitment to this goal in all YMCA operations.
This position is available at multiple school sites including: Norwood Primary, Dr. C.T. Vivian Primary, Hines Primary, Elmwood Elementary, Concordia Lutheran School.
Responsibilities
  • It is the responsibility of the Youth Program Assistant to perform all the duties always remembering that he/she is a representative of the Greater Peoria Family YMCA and its values.
  • Assist in creating a sufficient variety of experiences that will allow participants to exercise their own creativity and imagination.
  • Assist in creating activities that are fun as well as therapeutic, educational, and which upgrade participants skill and ability levels.
  • Assist in carrying out lesson plans their entirety.
  • Must keep a friendly attitude toward children and fellow staff.
  • Maintain control of group at all times.
  • To know and enforce all program rules and regulations, and to share these with your group on a daily basis.
  • Must leave facilities cleaner than they were when you arrived.
  • Teach and show respect for all equipment and return it to its proper location.
  • Carry out assignments deemed necessary for the overall quality of the Before and After School and School's Out Programs.
  • Assist in the implementation of all program activities.
  • To report any serious problems that develops with a child.
  • To report in written form all accidents, injuries and discipline procedures.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
  • Work School's Out days as assigned.
  • Attend staff meetings as scheduled.
  • Obtain and maintain current CPR for child and infant and First Aid Certificate.
  • All other duties as assigned to make programs run smoothly or to assist the YMCA in other programs/projects.

Qualifications
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and the ability to safely operate a mini bus.
  • The person holding this position must have a high school diploma or be in the process of acquiring one.
  • Must bring to this position the ability to relate to all child participants, parents, and school age staff.
  • Must possess strong language skills both written and oral. Must be adept at public speaking. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from staff, administration, children, parents, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write reports and records that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to staff, members, parents, administration, public groups, and Board of Directors.
  • Ability to interpret and convey daily billing procedures to staff and parents. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions and solve problems. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to reason with others, handle their hostility and develop solutions to problems.
  • Current CPR and First Aid within 90 days.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • Ability to walk, stand, and sit (including on the floor) for long periods of time.
  • Exposure to communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
  • Must be able to lift and/or assist children up to 50 pounds in weight.
  • Must be able to lift and carry food and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
  • Ability to stand or sit while maintaining alertness for several hours at a time.
  • Position may require bending, leaning, kneeling, and walking.
  • Ability to speak concisely and effectively communicate.
  • Visual and auditory ability to respond to critical situations and physical ability to act swiftly in an emergency.

Benefits
  • Free Membership
  • Discounted Programming
  • Free CPR/AED/First Aid Training
  • 8% Retirement for Vested Employees
  • Paid Leave For All
  • Opportunities for Training and Advancement
  • Work That Makes a Lasting Difference

Posted Salary Range
USD $16.00 - USD $23.40 /Hr.

Apply