City of Chicago - After School Matters

JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Division:
Reports to:
Supervises:
Instructor – People’s Gas Youth Ambassadors
Programs
Program Specialist
25 Apprentices
Classification: Non - Exempt
Department:
Programs
New or Revision Date: 4.14.15
After School Matters is a nonprofit organization that offers Chicago public high school teens high
quality, out-of-school-time opportunities to explore and develop their talents, while gaining critical
skills for work, college and beyond. Our hands-on, project-based arts, science, sports, technology and
communications programs are delivered at Chicago public high schools, community locations
throughout the city and downtown at Gallery 37 Center for the Arts.
SUMMARY OF POSITION:
People’s Gas Youth Ambassadors is a six-week After School Matters program that will take place at two
sites in Albany Park and South Shore communities. Instructors will work in a team of two to design and
deliver a six-week energy-management and civic-engagement program for 25 high school students.
The program will teach teens all aspects of natural gas, including how it is created, its geology, and how
gas is turned into fossil fuel. Teens will learn the role that engineering plays in transporting natural gas
to businesses and residences. This program is designed to have high school teens act as experts and
advocates of efficient energy use in their communities. Teens will learn about People’s Gas
infrastructure in Chicago and improvements being made to this system. As a major emphasis of the
program, the teens will engage in outreach to educate their community, family, friends, and the general
public about upgrading its natural gas delivery system to ensure the long-term safety and reliability.
Teens will lead and design the outreach activities with instructor support, thereby gaining critical
leadership, public speaking, youth voice, and community engagement skills. Teens will also meet
scientists, engineers, and industry leaders who work in energy facilities throughout Chicago.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
 Organize and plan community outreach opportunities with youth to raise awareness of energy
management and People’s Gas upgrades in Chicago, specifically in Albany Park and South
Shore communities;
 Co-design with other instructors an engaging and hands-on energy management curriculum
that emphasizes community engagement and is based on After School Matters program
guidelines;
 Intentionally support critical youth development skills, including leadership development,
community building, real-world and experiential learning, public speaking, and youth voice
and agency;
 Attend all planning and program dates, including:
o Instructor orientation and workshops: week of May 11, 2015
o Program dates: July 6, 2015- August 14, 2015
o Debrief session: week of August 24, 2015
 Participate in the process of recruiting, interviewing, and selecting participants;
 Co-lead daily activities for 25 Chicago public school youth;
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Collaborate and work daily with co-instructor to maintain a safe, engaging, and positive
environment for program participants;
Guide student outreach presentations towards a culminating event at the end of the program;
Supervise youth on program field trips and community outreach opportunities;
Manage and track program activities, such as outreach, attendance, evaluation surveys, and
pertinent student records in an online data tracking system (CitySpan); and
Report all problems or concerns as well as any program updates to After School Matters
Program Specialist in order to maintain consistent lines of communication throughout the
program session.
Qualifications
 Bachelors degree
 Content area expertise in energy, physics, engineering, or a related field
 Experience working with issues of energy management and conservation
 Experience planning and organizing outreach events
 Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to provide mentorship, leadership, and support to teens
 Comfortable teaching youth from communities traditionally underrepresented in the sciences
 Prior teaching experience, particularly with youth, is preferred
 Proficient in Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
 Ability to troubleshoot and solve issues within a timely manner
 Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines
 Respect for all levels of the organization and outside partners
 Energetic team player who works well in collaborative situations
 Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekend and evenings
Physical Demands
The physical demands below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 Lifting up to 50 lbs
 Must be able to stand for long periods of time
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
How to Apply:
Send Cover Letter and Resume to careers@afterschoolmatters.org
Application Deadline: April 30, 2015
After School Matters is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive
consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation,
gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or
source of income.
Job Code 25-3000
Last updated 4/17/2015