SYEP One Summer Chicago Youth Employment

Position title: SYEP Worker

Position reports to: SYEP Coordinator

Status: Part Time Hourly, Seasonal: 20 hrs/wk June 24 August 2, 2024

Salary: $15.80/hour

About the Comer Education Campus

The Comer Education Campus (CEC) has been recognized as one of the most unique youth-serving organizations in the nation. Our mission is to help young people prepare to be well rounded global citizens who are ready for college and careers. We primarily serve youth in middle and high schools, while providing employment opportunities and counseling supports to our alumni.

Located in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, the campus is anchored by the state-of-the-art Gary Comer Youth Center (GCYC), Gary Comer College Prep High School, and Gary Comer Middle School. Programming is offered in three primary categories: academics, enrichment, and college and career preparation. Together we serve nearly 2,000 young people annually.

Position Summary

GCYC’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) will employ 100 young people (16-24 years old) for 6 weeks in Summer 2024: June 24 August 2, 2024.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Program Operations:
  • Serve the GCYC and Greater Grand Crossing community through project-based work
  • Regularly complete My CHI. My Future (MCMF) playlists as required by the City and assigned by direct supervisor
  • Participate in paid, mandatory professional development, team building, and service opportunities
  • Maintain an accurate timecard by punching in and out at scheduled times
  • Communicate about work issues (attendance, tardiness, performance, instructions) in writing with direct supervisor
  • Responsible for special projects assigned by direct supervisor, the Center Director, or Executive Director.

• Culture/Values:
  • Embrace/demonstrate the values of the Comer Education Campus:
    • Youth Power
    • Innovation
    • Wellbeing
    • Community Commitment
    • Equity and Inclusion
    • Joy
  • Contribute to and maintain a productive and engaging work environment where employees feel safe, comfortable, engaged, and capable of being successful.
  • Believes in continual improvement and has high expectations of themselves and their colleagues
  • Intentionally and continuously strives to promote a culture that values and strengthens diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications:

• Must be a current Chicago resident with proof of residency (state ID etc.)
• Must be able to work legally in the US
• Interested in community service and engagement, excited about working alongside youth development professionals at the Gary Comer Youth Center

Core Competencies

• Strong project management and organizational skills. Must be able to initiate and finish projects.
• Able to communicate effectively with youth, co-workers, stakeholders and families in a respectful and culturally competent manner via written and oral communication.
• Must enjoy working with teams but can also work independently.
• Enjoys being the leader but is also confident enough to take directions from others.
• Must be able to take initiative and problem solve. Must be a creative thinker.
• Demonstrates strong accuracy in all areas of work and possess adaptive vitality.
• Must have basic computer literacy skills, including Microsoft Office, independent use of the internet, and ability to learn and properly utilize software systems.
• Abides by the employee handbook and established GCYC policies and procedures.

Physical Work Requirements & Environment:

The GCYC environment is consistently bustling with youth and community members. The Center’s work is fast paced and varied. Our work is done on site where our youth and families are. Therefore, it is required that team members meet the following requirements:

• Have the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

• Able to complete administrative work in a shared office space within a youth center.