Admissions Specialist (Part-Time)

Aspire Chicago; Hillside (IL); On-site; USD 18,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off (PTO)

403(b) retirement savings plan with up

Professional development and training

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Aspire Chicago is seeking a part-time Admissions Specialist (20 hours per week) in Illinois to guide prospective participants through the admissions journey with compassion and organization. You will coordinate intake, onboarding, and documentation, while collaborating with internal teams and external partners to ensure timely access to Aspire's programs.

The role emphasizes building relationships, managing multiple priorities, and making a meaningful impact from day one.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in intake coordination or similar role.
• Experience in social services, healthcare, or related human services environment required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn electronic record systems.
• Valid Illinois driver's license with a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective participants, families, and referral sources throughout the admissions process.
• Coordinate the intake and onboarding process from referral through admission.
• Conduct initial screenings, gather required information, delegate tasks, and follow up to ensure timely progression through the admissions process.
• Build trusting relationships with prospective participants, families, and case management partners.
• Assess individual needs and collaborate with service leaders to make informed admission recommendations.
• Maintain accurate and organized records throughout the admissions process.
• Complete and submit preliminary funding documentation for prospective participants.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Documentation

Empathy

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Electronic records systems

Job description

Description

Welcome people. Build connections. Create confident beginnings.

About Aspire

Since 1960, Aspire has been creating boundless opportunities for people with disabilities. We believe in working together to pursue greater possibilities, foster meaningful connections, and build communities where everyone belongs. Every member of our team plays a role in advancing this mission!

The Role

The Admissions Specialist (Part-Time) is often the first connection individuals and families have with Aspire—and that first experience matters!

In this role, you'll guide prospective participants, families, and referral partners through the admissions journey with compassion, organization, and expertise. From initial inquiry through intake and onboarding, you'll coordinate each step of the process, ensuring a welcoming, responsive, and person-centered experience.

Working closely with internal teams, state agencies, healthcare providers, and families, you'll help determine service eligibility, coordinate documentation, facilitate communication, and support timely access to Aspire's programs.

If you're someone who enjoys building relationships, managing multiple priorities, and making a meaningful impact from day one, this role offers the opportunity to do all three!

**PLEASE NOTE: This is a part-time role with 20 hours per week.

What You’ll Do

Guide the Admissions & Intake Process

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective participants, families, and referral sources throughout the admissions process.
• Coordinate the intake and onboarding process from referral through admission.
• Conduct initial screenings, gather required information, delegate tasks, and follow up to ensure timely progression through the admissions process.
• Build trusting relationships with prospective participants, families, and case management partners.
• Assess individual needs and collaborate with service leaders to make informed admission recommendations.

Build Strong Partnerships

• Respond to a high volume of inquiries via phone, email, and in-person visits regarding Aspire's services.
• Collaborate with internal teams, families, healthcare providers, and state agencies to ensure a seamless admissions experience.
• Serve as a liaison with PAS, ISSA, ISC, DRS, and other external partners.
• Provide consistent communication, updates, and guidance throughout the intake and onboarding process.

Manage Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and organized records throughout the admissions process.
• Complete and submit preliminary funding documentation for prospective participants.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, state requirements, and documentation standards.
• Support accurate recording keeping within Aspire's electronic systems.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required, Associate degree preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years of experience in intake coordination or a similar role.
• Experience in social services, healthcare, or related human services environment required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn electronic record systems.
• Valid Illinois driver's license with a good driving record.

Bonus Points For

• Social Work experience.
• Familiarity with Illinois disability service systems, funding processes, or case management.
• Experience coordinating services across multiple agencies and stakeholders.
• Experience as an Illinois Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP).

Who You Are

• An exceptional communicator who builds trust with individuals, families, and community partners.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong documentation and follow-through skills.
• Emotionally intelligent, professional, and skilled at navigating sensitive conversations with empathy.
• Passionate about helping people access services that support meaningful, fulfilling lives.

Why Aspire?

• Help create meaningful connections and support people as they begin their Aspire journey.
• Join a collaborative, mission-driven organization committed to inclusion, growth, and opportunity.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with disabilities through work that has purpose every day.

Part-Time Benefits (for employees regularly scheduled to 29 hours or less per week)

• Paid time off (PTO) and paid sick leave for eligible part-time team members.
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer matching.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).