Community Connections Assistant

CCHI; Northern, Highland Park (KY, IL); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

CCHI Commons seeks a part-time Community Connections Assistant to work on-site in Highland Park, IL, supporting residents in accessing programs, coordinating registrations, and navigating transportation and community resources.

Reporting to the Community Connections Manager, you will help residents engage in recreation, education, volunteering, and employment-related activities, while maintaining inclusive, person-centered support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or coursework) in Human Services, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other neurodiverse populations preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with community organizations and building collaborative relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and online registration systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Compassionate, patient, flexible, and committed to promoting inclusion and independence.
• Familiarity with North Shore community resources is preferred.
• Reliable transportation.
• Passionate about CCHI’s Mission

Responsibilities

• Assist residents in identifying community programs and activities that align with their interests, goals, and support needs.
• Help residents complete registrations, applications, memberships, waivers, and other enrollment requirements.
• Coordinate with community organizations and program providers to ensure registrations are complete and residents are welcomed into programs.
• Follow up with providers to address questions, accommodations, transportation needs, or scheduling concerns.
• Support residents to encourage successful engagement and continued involvement.
• When appropriate, facilitate introductions to ease the transition into unfamiliar environments.
• Encourage independence by teaching residents how to navigate registrations, schedules, transportation options, and community resources whenever possible.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Independent with teamwork

Flexibility

Reliable transportation

North Shore familiarity

Mission alignment

Education

Bachelor’s degree or coursework in Human Services, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, Special Education, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Spreadsheets

Online registration systems

Job description

Reports to: CCHI Commons Resident Community Connections Manager(CRCC)
Position Type: Part-Time, On-Site & In-Community (Highland Park, IL)
Wage: $18.00-22.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Community Connections Assistant works alongside the Community Connections Manager to help residents of CCHI Commons access and participate in meaningful community programs, activities, services, and opportunities throughout the North Shore.

The primary responsibility of this position is to support residents through every step of the participation process—from identifying programs that match their interests and goals, to registering for activities, coordinating schedules, communicating with program providers, and ensuring residents have a successful and positive experience. This role serves as the bridge between residents and the community, helping remove barriers to participation while fostering independence, confidence, and social inclusion.

The Community Connections Assistant, working with the CRCC Manager, will help residents navigate the many opportunities available in the community, including recreation, social engagement, employment-related activities, educational opportunities, volunteer experiences, and individualized support services. The assistant will also maintain an up-to-date calendar of community resources and activities, ensuring residents have access to a wide variety of meaningful opportunities.

Community Partnerships & Program Opportunities

Programming & Recreation:

• Our Place of New Trier
• Center for Enriched Living
• Total Link to Community
• Keshet
• Arts of Life
• NSSRA, including Special Olympics and recreational programming

Individualized Services:

• Glenkirk
• My Happy Life/Total Link
• Center for Independent Futures

Transportation Resources:

• PACE
• Moraine Township Transportation Services
• City of Highland Park transportation resources
• Uber/PACE

Key Responsibilities

Resident Support & Community Participation

• Assist residents in identifying community programs and activities that align with their interests, goals, and support needs.
• Help residents complete registrations, applications, memberships, waivers, and other enrollment requirements.
• Coordinate with community organizations and program providers to ensure registrations are complete and residents are welcomed into programs.
• Follow up with providers to address questions, accommodations, transportation needs, or scheduling concerns.
• Support residents to encourage successful engagement and continued involvement.
• When appropriate, facilitate introductions to ease the transition into unfamiliar environments.
• Encourage independence by teaching residents how to navigate registrations, schedules, transportation options, and community resources whenever possible.

Community Resource Coordination

• Research and maintain a current database of community programs, volunteer opportunities, recreation, educational offerings, employment resources, and social events.
• Develop and maintain a community calendar highlighting upcoming opportunities available to residents.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local organizations, park districts, libraries, fitness centers, volunteer agencies, arts organizations, and other community partners.
• Identify new opportunities that expand residents’ options for community engagement.

Communication & Coordination

• Work closely with the Community Connections Manager to coordinate resident participation and monitor progress toward individual goals.
• Communicate regularly with residents, families (when appropriate), support providers, and community organizations regarding schedules, registrations, accommodations, and participation.
• Maintain accurate records of resident participation, registrations, contacts, and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or coursework) in Human Services, Social Work, Therapeutic Recreation, Psychology, Special Education, or a related field preferred.
• One to two years of experience working with adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities or other neurodiverse populations preferred.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Comfortable interacting with community organizations and building collaborative relationships.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and online registration systems.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Compassionate, patient, flexible, and committed to promoting inclusion and independence.
• Familiarity with North Shore community resources is preferred
• Reliable transportation
• Passionate about CCHI’s Mission

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work a flexible schedule in person based on resident programming needs, including evenings or weekends