1

Youth Program Assistant Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Program Asst

Itasca, IL ยท On-site

$26.82 - $28.31/hr

Program Assistant (Grant Funded) REPORTING RELATIONSHIP ... Manager, Youth Engagement (GF) BASIC FUNCTION: Provide administrative support for youth engagement ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Youth Program Assistant information

See Elgin, IL salary details

$21.3K

$45.2K

$62.3K

How much do youth program assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for youth program assistant in Elgin, IL is $45,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,100.00 and $47,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Elgin, IL? The most popular types of Youth Program jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Youth Program Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL? For Youth Program Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Youth Program Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Youth Program Assistant jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Youth Program Assistant jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Youth Program Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Youth Program Assistant job openings in Elgin, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,196 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

$26.82 - $28.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

TITLE:

Program Assistant (Grant Funded)


REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Manager, Youth Engagement (GF)


BASIC FUNCTION:


Provide administrative support for youth engagement activities for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health (Center), including engaging directly with youth (ages 14-18), coordinating meetings, organizing workgroup logistics, supporting recruitment and engagement of youth audiences for Center work, preparing correspondence, and processing invoices and expense forms.


DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Coordinate the planning of virtual and in-person Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) meetings and other youth events, including audio/visual needs; arranging meeting space; preparing and disseminating meeting agendas/materials; and processing travel forms and reimbursement requests. Attend meetings as requested to provide administrative support, including taking minutes/notes.
  2. Engage directly with youth advisors (ages 14-18) in a way that is age-appropriate, motivating, and encourages inclusion, belonging, safety, and confidentiality. Work with youth to plan and facilitate workgroup activities.
  3. Provide administrative support for logistics related to YAP recruitment, processing applications, onboarding, and offboarding.
  4. Process YAP check requests and invoices and assists with monitoring assigned budgets.
  5. Maintain and organize files in SharePoint and Microsoft Teams for internal and external document sharing and editing.
  6. Maintain up-to-date rosters for the YAP.
  7. Assist with preparing educational materials and other resources to expand the Center’s youth audience, and engage young people in Center activities, including content for annual youth forums.
  8. Coordinate requests for youth speakers and presentations that come to the Center, including identifying appropriate speakers, assisting with scheduling and travel/registration logistics, and working with youth to prepare and obtain necessary approvals of their presentation content.
  9. Maintain youth engagement contact list.
  10. Monitor youth email inbox. Respond to general requests and escalate advanced inquiries to the appropriate AAP staff.
  11. Draft and/or share correspondence and other materials with subject matter experts, youth organization leaders, teens, and other relevant community partners and constituents.
  12. Compile data for use by the Center team to generate reports, statistics, timelines, tables, graphs, correspondence, and presentations.
  13. Assist with preparing and compiling grant reports and applications as needed.
  14. Provide administrative support for other assigned grant activities as needed.
  15. Perform other duties as assigned.


EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in business, public health, health administration, social sciences, child development, or related discipline required, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and work experience required.


EXPERIENCE:


At least one year of related general administrative or customer service support experience is required, including some meeting or activity planning and tracking/processing expenses. Experience with maintaining online shared documents and/or working on child or adolescent health initiatives or youth leadership highly desirable.


ESSENTIAL SKILLS:


Excellent interpersonal, diplomacy, organizational, time management, communication, writing, and proofreading skills required. Must be able to take initiative, coordinate multiple projects simultaneously within tight deadlines, pay close attention to detail, work both independently and as part of a team, collaborate effectively with various internal and external constituents, and promote and maintain a positive and cooperative team-oriented work environment with a commitment to fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. Strong technical acumen essential with proficiency in MS Office and the ability to learn and apply new technologies including the use of AI; experience with web maintenance/document collaboration platforms (e.g., SharePoint) and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Teams) preferred. Some travel, overtime, and evening/weekend work required, along with the need for flexibility in arranging work schedule to accommodate youth or physicians’ availability.

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $26.82/hr - $28.31/hr. Compensation decisions take into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, business needs, and organizational policies. In addition to those factors, we believe in the importance of pay equity and consider internal equity of our current team members as a part of any final offer. Hiring at the maximum of the range would not be typical. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare and retirement savings plans. Click to see all benefits offered: https://downloads.aap.org/DOHRAS/BenefitsAtAAP.pdf. The AAP does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to make employment decisions.

Hybrid work environment of 40% of work time in the office per month.

To learn more about the organization, see a full job description, and/or apply for the position, please visit https://www.aap.org/employment.

The AAP offers an excellent work environment, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package. As a reaffirmation to our employee-focused culture, since 2005 the AAP has been named one of the 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, we are an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Individuals with Disabilities, and Veterans that values the strength diversity brings to our workplace.

Reasonable Accommodation: Individuals with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation regarding the job application process may call 630-626-6297. Please note, only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response.