Program Coordinator-NLCP

VOA Illinois; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) with employer match

Generous Paid-Time Off

On-Demand Pay: Payactiv

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Referral program

Job summary

VOA Illinois is seeking a Program Coordinator to support the NLCP initiative in Chicago. You will design and implement structured programming, supervise participants, and maintain a safe, trauma-informed environment that fosters youth engagement and development.

This on-site, part-time role offers 25 hours per week, with competitive benefits and opportunities for growth within a values-driven nonprofit dedicated to empowering communities.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Strong communication, collaboration and de-escalation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and documentation systems.

Responsibilities

• Create, implement, and adapt structured programming aligned with goals and participant needs.
• Provide direct supervision and care for participants during activities.
• Maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment for emotional growth and healing.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with participants and staff.
• Monitor participant progress and respond to individual needs under clinical supervision.
• Track and maintain accurate program documentation and data collection.
• Report participant progress and outcomes to supervisors.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to deliver effective program services.
• Participate in agency evaluations to improve practices.
• Demonstrate professionalism and uphold VOA Illinois values.
• Exhibit cultural competence with diverse clients.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

De-escalation

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work/Clinical Psychology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Documentation systems

Job description

Program Coordinator

Location

Chicago, IL 60623

Pay

$19.30 - $26.64 per hour ($40,144 - $55,411 annually)

Schedule

Part Time, Non-Exempt (25 hours/week)

Work Arrangement

On-site

About Us

Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois delivers strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive programs across the state. We are a certified Great Place to Work and proudly promote from within — over 50% of our workforce has advanced into new roles within the organization. We continue to innovate and evolve based on the needs of the communities we serve. Check out our careers page to find more opportunities at Careers - VOA Illinois.

Program Overview

The North Lawndale College Prep initiative supports youth, families, and educators through trauma-informed programming designed to address the impact of community violence and strengthen school culture. VOA Illinois partners with the school to provide structured educational and leadership programming that promotes positive youth development, conflict resolution, and community engagement in a safe and supportive environment.

We provide:

• Civics education and leadership development programming that empowers youth to become positive leaders in their school and community
• Life skills education focused on communication, decision-making, and personal growth
• Recreational, sports, and cultural activities that promote engagement, teamwork, and positive peer relationships
• Peace-building and conflict resolution programming grounded in nonviolence and restorative practices
• Trauma-informed support that creates a psychologically safe environment for students
• Programming that engages teachers and families to strengthen relationships and support student success

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive school environment that empowers youth, strengthens community connections, and equips students with the skills needed to succeed academically and personally.

Position Summary

The Program Coordinator – NLCP supports youth participating in VOA Illinois’ Neighborhood Leadership and Civic Program by facilitating structured programming and maintaining a safe, supportive environment. Using a trauma-informed approach, this role promotes youth engagement and supports participants’ social, emotional, and personal development.

What You’ll Do

• Create, implement, and adapt structured programming that aligns with program goals and participant needs
• Provide direct supervision and care for participants during program activities and services
• Maintain a physically and psychologically safe environment that supports emotional growth and healing
• Build positive, trusting relationships with participants and staff through consistent support and engagement
• Monitor participant progress and respond appropriately to individual needs under clinical supervision
• Track and maintain accurate, timely program documentation and required data collection
• Report participant progress and program outcomes to supervisors
• Collaborate with VOA Illinois staff and partners to support effective program delivery
• Participate in agency evaluations, studies, or initiatives to improve program practices
• Demonstrate professionalism and actively uphold the mission and values of VOA Illinois
• Exhibit cultural competence while serving clients of diverse backgrounds and commit to expanding knowledge and understanding of different communities and people groups

Work Environment & Schedule

• Part-time, in-office position averaging 25 hours per week
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Physical demands include sedentary work, computer use, and frequent communication with clients, colleagues, and partners involved in client support.

Qualifications

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Strong communication, collaboration, and de-escalation skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and documentation systems

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Clinical Psychology, or a related field from an accredited college or university
• One year of post-graduate clinical experience, or four years of combined pre- and post-graduate experience
• Experience working with children and adolescents supporting social and academic skill development

Compensation & Benefits

We offer a competitive benefits package including:

• 403(b) with employer match
• Generous Paid-Time Off
• On-Demand Pay: Early wage access through Payactiv
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral program

VOA Illinois provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.

Reasonable accommodations will be considered to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.