Program Counselor

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

MIDWAY CITADEL CORPS & COMMUNITY CENTER

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE: Program Counselor

LOCATION: Midway Citadel Corps & Community Center

REPORTS TO: Youth Program Coordinator

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: RPT

OUTCOMES

The Program Counselor is responsible for assisting in all aspects of programming, including after-school activities, educational and recreational for youth and young adults. This position works with the Youth Program Coordinator to ensure the programs run smoothly and the facility is operating properly.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Administration

1. Mentor youth while assisting to coordinate community open gym time with staff, assist in organizing educational activities. Assist with fitness opportunities for various age groups, and assist in overseeing in-house sports leagues/local tournaments, and other Corps programming under the direction of the Youth Program Coordinator.
2. Will be responsible for assisting with all curricula implementation in programming & other operations including recreational activities.
3. Listen to the needs of those using the facility and communicate these to the Youth Program Coordinator.
4. Works with Program Lead Counselors and Youth Mentors to help youth with homework and lead recreational activities.
5. Supervise all events to ensure rules are followed and safety is assured.
6. Maintain proper progress reports for youth, and statistics to present on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.

Corps Linkage

1. Will assist in providing guidance to visitors and participants to all events and opportunities offered by the Corps and Community Center as scheduled.
2. Will work alongside the Corps staff to offer information regarding ministry opportunities to individuals who may not be familiar with The Salvation Army's community opportunities. These opportunities will include: all youth activities, young adult and adult opportunities for women, men, and families; Life Skills Classes, Divisional & Territorial Camps.

Volunteer Oversight

1. Represent The Salvation Army as a team member during events and shifts to answer general inquiries, give information, and discuss volunteer opportunities.
2. Makes referrals to appropriate team members for volunteer recruitment and processing.

Maintenance and Safety

1. Will maintain a safe and secure Corps and Community Center environment at all times, following the guidance of The Salvation Army's Safe-From-Harm standards.
2. Ensure that youth are only dismissed to their parents or authorized adults.
3. Assist with safely ushering youth from the school to the community center as directed by the Youth Program Coordinator.
4. The Corps and Community Center will be cleaned after events and programs to assure there is no food or debris on counters, tables, chairs, or floors, trash is emptied, dishes are washed, and any specific mess caused by the event is cleaned.
5. At the end of the evening, a check off list will be completed to assure the facility is left clean and all doors are locked, lights are turned off, areas are secured, and such. The list will be supplied in writing.
6. Special assignments such as set up for activities will be given when there are no programs or events that keep the facility safe and programs running smoothly as needed.
7. Submit to monthly, quarterly, and annual training as required for the position and weekly meetings as scheduled, to ensure all policies and procedures are followed.

Other Duties

1. Assist with monitoring/covering the front desk to ensure all program participants are being greeted and checked in-in a timely manner, and in accordance with keeping proper record of those in the building.
2. All other duties as assigned.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Youth Program Coordinator.

In all contacts related to this position's duties, this individual acts as a representative of The Salvation Army and its mission.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• This person must have experience with working with youth in educational activities/and sports.
• Familiarity with the Southwest Chicago Community preferred.
• Bilingual preferred (English/Spanish).

COMPETENCIES

• This individual will demonstrate a commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army and an appreciation of faith-based service organizations.
• Excellent attention to detail, procedures, processes, and policies.
• A demonstrated ability to manage people and projects.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• A communication and work style that exhibits the principles and values of The Salvation Army.
• A flexible style with a willingness to learn.
• Understand supervisory practices for youth.
• Understand diverse populations and cultural issues.

POSITION LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Salvation Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Youth Program Coordinator informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures in carrying out the duties of the position.

PHYSICL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position is required to do occasional heavy physical work. Must be able to lift or move up to 50 lbs.
• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, this individual is regularly required to use standard office equipment and a PC.
• Will participate in athletic activities.
• The work environment for this position includes an office and community center environment with a high noise level.
• Maintain positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients, and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.