Youth Program Associate Jobs in Matteson, IL (NOW HIRING)

By The Hand Club For Kids is a Christian, after-school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child – mind, body and soul. Located in Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, By The Hand helps children have abundant life. The culture of By The Hand is Christ-centered, people-focused and results oriented. While loving and nurturing, By The Hand has a strong results orientation, a very structured program and a growth mindset that believes with hard work we can all continue to learn and grow.

Joining By The Hand’s incredible mission as an abundant life builder means jumping right into the work of healing and hope on behalf of our extraordinary children. You’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to impact the trajectory of generations of stories; helping students soar to success in their academic performance, practice personal accountability and, even more importantly, grow in their understanding of God and their relationship with Jesus. 

By The Hand is a not-for-profit, religious organization. Individuals employed at By The Hand are working in ministerial roles and perform all or some of the following responsibilities: sharing the Gospel, teaching chapel, leading Bible studies, discipling students, and modeling behavior that is consistent with Christ’s teaching. 

Pay Rate: $39,520 per year

Overview of Position

Reporting to the Director of High School, the NXT Coach is responsible for developing and executing a shared vision for students to achieve dramatic gains spiritually and academically, with the goal of each student successfully completing high school and transitioning to college or a self-sustaining career.

Coaches establish positive, consistent, and supportive relationships with youth, empowering them to make well-informed life choices that maximize their potential and long-term success. This role operates within the NXT Hybrid Engagement Model, requiring both strong on-site program leadership and intentional off-site relational engagement.

Spiritual Requirements

• Has a personal and saving relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a lifestyle that demonstrates the Word of God, and is in regular fellowship with a Bible-believing church. 

• Agrees with the By The Hand Club Doctrinal Statement and adheres to Employee Biblical Standards of Living. 

• Models the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship. 

• Participates in weekly team prayer and devotion. 

• Has completed an evangelism course and is prepared to share the gospel when appropriate. 

• Works with leadership to uphold policies that further the organization’s religious purpose and freedoms. 

Core Role Responsibilities

• Perform in alignment with the vision, mission, and culture of By The Hand Club For Kids. 

• Model organizational values in daily behavior. 

• Ensure 100% adherence to the Child Protection Policy and operational guidelines. 

• Participate in professional development, quarterly check-ins, and annual reviews. 

• Build and maintain intentional relationships with students both on-site and off-site. 

• Develop student goals across mind, body, and spirit, and support achievement through mentoring and accountability. 

• Deliver a minimum of three (3) meaningful touchpoints per student per month, regardless of attendance level. 

• Engage students through one-on-one mentoring, school-based interactions, attendance at extracurricular activities, faith-based or values-driven conversations, crisis support and care. 

• Manage a caseload of approximately 35-50 students, ensuring consistent engagement and follow-up. 

• Track and document all student interactions and progress using systems such as Excel, Salesforce, or similar platforms. 

• Facilitate culturally relevant programming that connects real-life application to learning. 

• Create opportunities for leadership, empowerment, and student voice. 

• Sustain engagement by integrating NXT into students’ daily lives and contexts. 

• Conduct quarterly academic check-ins with students. 

• Implement quarterly progress reports tracking holistic student development. 

• Support college readiness (applications, financial aid, entrance exams). 

• Build and maintain relationships with parents/guardians. 

• Provide outreach (exposure opportunities) and in-reach (decision-making support). 

• Ensure safe transportation coordination for students when applicable. 

• Perform additional duties as assigned. 

Required Skills & Abilities

• Christ-centered servant leadership with a strong sense of calling. 

• Passion for urban youth transformation and belief that all students can succeed. 

• Strong problem-solving and results-oriented mindset. 

• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment. 

• Excellent time management and communication skills with staff, students, families, and community partners. 

• Maintain strong professional boundaries while building authentic relationships. Adhere to all safety protocols. 

• Strong relationship-building and mentoring abilities. 

• Must be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, Fridays, Saturdays, and occasional Sundays. 

• Willingness to meet students where they are – including schools, sporting events, community spaces, churches, and other approved environments. 

• Ability to balance on-site program leadership with off-site relational engagement throughout the week. 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams and sites. 

• Ability to adapt to a flexible, community-based model that extends beyond traditional program walls. 

• Must have reliable transportation and willing to travel within a defined service area. 

• Candidates who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred, especially in education or related field). 

• 3+ years of experience working with youth in an urban context. 

• Experience with Google Suite and data tracking systems. 

• Background in social work, counseling, youth ministry, restorative justice, or related fields preferred. 

Metrics for Success

• 100% of students: 

  • Have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ 

  • Are connected to a local church 

  • Can articulate and share their faith 

• Program Outcomes: 

  • 80%+ student retention 

  • 80%+ program attendance 

  • 80%+ passing grades (A–C) 

  • 90%+ college acceptance (if pursuing college) 

  • 90%+ employment in a self-sustaining job (if not pursuing college)

Work Environment  

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, photocopies and filing cabinets. This job is not a virtual job, but it requires in-person attendance as agreed upon by your immediate supervisor.

Physical Demands 

The employee is regularly required to speak and listen. The employee must have the ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, and move around the classroom and site, along with tasks like lifting, bending, and repetitive motions like keyboarding for prolonged time. This role may require you to move equipment from room to room and lift up to 50 pounds. The individual is also required to travel to other organization sites to meet with staff. Periodically has to travel to other organizational sites for meetings and training.

Disclaimer

The duties and responsibilities described are not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform. The employee may be required to perform additional functions as necessitated by business demands. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice. Employment with By The Hand Club For Kids is at will, and the employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

By The Hand Club For Kids is an equal opportunity employer. By The Hand does not unlawfully discriminate against any protected classes. As a ministry, By The Hand is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion in our screening and selection process. By The Hand is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates with a disability, absent undue hardship. An employee or applicant who believes he or she has a disability and may require an accommodation must contact the Human Resources Department at hr@bythehand.org or call 773-854-4176.