Community Fellow

ccchicagocareers; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago is seeking a Community Fellow to serve as a welcoming point of contact at the community center.

The role involves coordinating meals and pantry services, supporting volunteers, and connecting clients to resources while ensuring safe, respectful daily operations that promote dignity and self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

• Desire to serve others with dignity and solidarity.
• Strong administrative, interpersonal and follow-through skills.

Responsibilities

• Be a welcoming, consistent presence at the community center for clients, volunteers and staff; maintain a warm, respectful environment.
• Coordinate logistics for weekly meals and pantry services; manage inventory and on-site volunteers.
• Connect clients to internal programs and external resources to support self-sufficiency; lead on-site meal service operations.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Engagement to recruit, orient and coordinate volunteers; ensure meaningful engagement.
• Engage in ongoing learning, training and feedback to improve performance.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Administrative skills

Follow-through

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview

Community Fellow s serves as a welcoming point of contact at the community center by coordinating meal and pantry services, supporting volunteers, connecting clients to resources, and ensuring safe, respectful, and efficient daily operations that promote dignity and self-sufficiency.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming and consistent presence at the community center, engaging with clients, volunteers, and staff to foster a sense of belonging and dignity. Act as a key point of contact during service hours and help maintain a warm, respectful environment. Requires evening hours.
• Coordinate logistics for weekly meals and/or food pantry services, manage inventory, coordinate on site volunteers, and ensure smooth execution of services.
• Promote client empowerment by connecting individuals to internal Catholic Charities programs and external community resources. Support clients in navigating services and building self-sufficiency through referrals and relationship-building. Lead on-site operations during meal service, including opening and closing procedures, oversight of volunteers, implementation of safety protocols, and adherence to Catholic Charities' hospitality and security standards.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team to support volunteer recruitment, orientation, and coordination. Ensure volunteers are meaningfully engaged and supported, and that their contributions enhance the overall service experience.
• Engage in ongoing learning, training, and skill development, seeking and applying feedback to continuously improve performance and contribute to team and organizational success.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
• Lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs

Other Requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related:

• Background check

Education and Experience Requirements:

Minimum

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Entry level
• Desire to serve others, prioritizing dignity and solidarity. Ability to navigate various sources of input and document a clear plan.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Strong administrative, interpersonal and follow-through skills.

Preferred

• Associate's Degree (AA) in a related field of study 1-3 years relevant experience
• Able to clearly communicate both verbally and through email. Able to work with and lead a team of dedicated volunteers.

Education and Experience Requirements:

Qualifications and Skills:

Preferred: Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and through email. Ability to work with and lead a team of dedicated volunteers.

Minimum: Desire to serve others, prioritizing dignity and solidarity. Ability to navigate various sources of input and document a clear plan. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (email). Strong administrative, interpersonal and follow-through skills.

Relevant Education:
Preferred: Associate's Degree
Minimum: High School/ GED

Relevant Experience:
Preferred: 1-2 years
Minimum: 1-2 years

Certification/Licensure:
Preferred: N/A
Minimum: N/A