Program Associate I - Senior Center Part Time

ccchicagocareers; United States; On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago seeks a Part-Time Program Associate I for the Senior Center to provide front desk support, assist with registrations, meals, and daily activities for older adults. You will coordinate class setup, data entry, and communications, ensuring a welcoming, organized environment and strong community engagement.

The role emphasizes customer service, teamwork with instructors and partners, and maintaining accurate program records while supporting outreach

Qualifications

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED with 1–3 years relevant experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with older adults.
• Excellent organizational skills and reliability in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, volunteers and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Welcome participants and provide front desk, customer service, and support.
• Coordinate setup and delivery of classes, meals, and daily Senior Center activities.
• Manage registrations, attendance, data entry, and records for program operations.
• Maintain calendars, communications, flyers, and information materials.
• Support lunch service, kitchen cleanliness, and supply management.
• Ensure a safe, welcoming, participant-centered environment and assist with special projects.
• Assist with outreach, marketing, and community engagement to raise participation.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Data entry

Microsoft Office

Customer service

Reception

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree

Tools

Participant registration systems

Attendance tracking

Data entry systems

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

The Program Associate I - Senior Center - Part Time provides exceptional participant support and administrative coordination by managing front desk operations, program delivery, participant communications, meal service, community engagement, and daily Senior Center activities to ensure a welcoming, organized, and high-quality experience for older adults.

Job Responsibilities

• Welcome participants and visitors and provide exceptional front desk, customer service, and participant support. Coordinate and support the setup and delivery of classes, workshops, special events, meals, and daily Senior Center activities. Manage participant registration, attendance tracking, data entry, and record maintenance to support accurate program administration. Maintain program calendars, participant communications, flyers, and informational materials to ensure participants receive timely and accurate information. Coordinate lunch meal service and support kitchen organization, cleanliness, and maintenance activities. Monitor program spaces to help ensure a safe, clean, welcoming, and participant-centered environment. Assist with supply management, room setup, inventory organization, and other administrative functions that support daily operations. Support special projects and additional operational responsibilities as assigned.
• Maintain accurate participant and program data to support reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts. Identify participant needs, operational challenges, and opportunities for improving service delivery and participant satisfaction. Contribute to a positive, organized, and efficient participant experience through attention to detail and responsive support.
• Respond to participant questions and connect older adults with available programs, community resources, and supportive services. Assist with outreach, marketing, and community engagement activities that increase participation and awareness of Senior Center programs and services. Support positive relationships with community partners, volunteers, instructors, and service providers participating in center activities.
• Collaborate with staff, volunteers, instructors, and community partners to ensure effective program delivery and participant engagement. Support instructors, volunteers, and program partners during classes, events, and activities to promote a positive participant experience. Partner with colleagues across departments to ensure coordinated services and consistent communication with participants.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities that enhance knowledge, skills, and effectiveness in serving older adults. Demonstrate flexibility, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous learning while supporting the mission and values of Catholic Charities.

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 10 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) in related field of study 1-3 years relevant experience
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with older adults
• Exhibit strong organizational skills, dependability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Possess basic proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and data entry systems
• Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and community partners, volunteers, and community partners

Preferred

• Associate's Degree (AA) in related field of study 1-3 years relevant experience
• Possess previous experience working with older adults in a senior center, community-based organization, nonprofit, healthcare, or human services setting.
• Professional proficiency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).
• Have experience supporting customer service, reception, participant engagement, or community outreach activities.
• Possess familiarity with participant registration systems, database management, attendance tracking, or program recordkeeping.
• Have experience assisting with event coordination, classes, workshops, group activities, or volunteer programs.
• Demonstrate knowledge of community resources and services available to older adults. Exhibit a commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and participant-centered environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Certifications and Licensure

• Minimum Obtain CPR and First Aid certification within the first 12 months of employment.
• Preferred CPR and First Aid certification.