Job description

Youth Employment Summer Program (through Illinois Youth Investment Program)
Starting Wage: $14.00

Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) Description

The Rockford Park District is excited to participate in the Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) for the summer of 2023. To ensure that Illinois' at-risk youth population is not being left behind as the State begins to rebuild from the Covid-19 pandemic, the State is making an investment that will assist in ensuring that Illinois' at-risk youth, ages 16-24, have an opportunity to participate in the employment successes of the State. The Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) has been established to empower and support these young people along their path toward successful, long-term and career employment.

The primary objective for youth served in this program is to develop their "Essential Employability Skills" and to have the opportunity to earn a minimum of 180 hours of entry-level work experience during the summer, while exploring potential Career Pathways. (Youth hired into the program are employed “at will” and continued employment is subject to the conduct, performance and other policies of the Rockford Park District).

Entry-level positions may include:

• Program Assistants in Summer Camps at neighborhood parks, Community Centers, Nature Quest, Lockwood Animal Farm, Youth Sports activities, and Ice facilities
• Customer Service Associates at Golf Courses and Aquatic Facilities
• Outdoor Maintenance at neighborhood parks, Sports facilities, Golf courses, Atwood, Lockwood Animal Farm, and Aquatics Facilities
• Horticulture Maintenance at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
• Facility Assistants at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
• Food and Beverage associates at Aquatics facilities, Sports facilities, and Food Trucks

Hours vary depending on the position. Daytime, evening and weekend hours availability may be required.

Position openings are limited.

Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible to participate in this program, youth must complete the Rockford Park District application (see below) and the IYIP Application through the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) website (available in May 2023). Youth must be between the ages of 16-24. Both in-school youth and out-of-school youth can participate. Youth must have at least one risk factor that may make it hard for them to get or keep a job. Youth must be an Illinois resident. Youth will be required to complete an I-9 Form.

Examples of risk factors that will deem a youth qualified for the program include:

• I have had or I am currently involved with DCFS – Dept of Children & Family Services
• I have a brother/sister who is a teen parent
• I am a parent of one or more children
• I have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) at school
• I often have a hard time with my school work
• I have been held back one or more grades at school OR My teacher says I am in danger of being held back
• Over the past year, I have skipped school several times
• I am or have been expelled or suspended from high school
• I dropped out of high school / I did not graduate
• Over the past year, I have been in trouble for my behavior
• I have been called a bully by others
• I am under age 18 and regularly left unsupervised after school
• My home is dysfunctional due to mental health or substance use
• I have been and/or I have seen someone in my family suffer mental or physical abuse in our home.
• I have had a friend or a family member die from gun violence
• I live in a community where it is not safe because of crime and/or gun violence
• I have a parent(s) who have been or is currently in jail/prison
• I have a sibling who has been or is currently in jail/prison.
• I have been arrested one or more times in the past.
• I have been held one or more days in jail, prison, or a detention center
• I am in a gang.

By applying for this position, you are acknowledging that you meet the IDHS eligibility requirements.

Some positions require a valid driver's license. A driver's license is not required for all positions.

Application Process

After applying, regularly check your email for any communications from the Rockford Park District. If your application is selected, you will be contacted for an interview. If you are offered a position, you will receive an offer letter via email. Employment is contingent upon meeting all pre-employment requirements:

• Meeting the IYIP eligibility requirements set forth by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) (see above)
• Completing the IYIP Application through the IDHS website (available in May- you will be notified with a web link when the IYIP application is available
• Physical exam (for maintenance positions only) through Park District medical provider
• Successful completion of onboarding tasks and paperwork through the ApplicantStack web portal

To apply for the Illinois Youth Investment Program (IYIP) summer employment program, click Apply Now below.

Significant environmental factors are applicable to this position.
The Rockford Park District is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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