Program Specialist

The Night Ministry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Night Ministry, located in Chicago, IL, is seeking a support role at its emergency shelter, The Crib. This position is vital in providing a safe and supportive environment for young adults, focusing on daily care, navigating immediate needs, and maintaining dignity.

The role involves working various shifts and engaging with residents to promote their well-being and personal development. Ideal candidates must possess strong interpersonal skills and have experience supporting at-risk youth.

Qualifications

• Must present a positive role model through attitude, behavior, and appearance.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to interact comfortably with diverse populations.
• At least 1 year experience working with at-risk youth.

Responsibilities

• Complete initial intakes with new residents on the day of arrival.
• Supervise, direct, and ensure all policies are followed.
• Ensure residents’ safety and well-being during shifts.

Skills

Positive role model behavior

Good judgment in emergencies

Interpersonal skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Description

Position Summary

The Crib is The Night Ministry’s emergency overnight shelter serving young adults, and this role is central to creating a space that is safe, supportive, and grounded in dignity. The position is responsible for the day-to-day care and support of residents during overnight shelter operations, including maintaining a calm and secure environment, modelling positive and respectful behavior, and supporting residents as they navigate immediate needs and next steps. This role works closely with case management and program staff to reinforce individualized plans, promote thoughtful decision-making, and ensure residents feel supported throughout their stay.

General Purpose

Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14-24 and their children, if applicable.

Schedule and Available Shifts

We are currently recruiting for full-time, part-time, and on‑call positions to support overnight operations at The Crib. Schedule expectations vary by employment status. Full-time and part-time staff work regularly scheduled shifts, while on‑call staff are scheduled as needed to provide coverage for evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and other staffing needs.

Position Responsibilities

• Complete initial intakes with new residents on the day of arrival; complete all paperwork.
• Attend all weekly staff meetings and mandatory training.
• Accurate and timely data entry in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
• Record, in log, daily activities, progress and other significant issues for residents occurring on each shift: be available to update workers arriving to work following shift; review log at start of each shift carefully.
• Promptly greet visitors and callers; refer and assist as necessary, in a professional manner.
• Supervise, direct, and ensure that all Night Ministry policies and procedures, as well as "house rules," are applied and always maintained.
• Direct and assist residents with basic life skills development for themselves and their children, if applicable (personal hygiene, cleaning of rooms and entire facility, cooking, laundry, childcare, etc.).
• Arrange for residents' transportation to various appointments and activities; may drive company vehicle if prior approval is obtained.
• Always ensure residents’ safety and well‑being; report all unusual incidents, rule infractions, emergencies, and any visits by outside agencies (such as police, fire, DCFS) to on‑call supervisor promptly.
• Provide the best possible service for residents. Be aware of conditions and offer ways to improve upon operation of the facility and agency.
• Display qualities of consistency, fair‑play, firm but kind control (such as, supporting the resident while approving or disproving of their behavior), clear boundary‑setting, tolerance, flexibility, and professional demeanor.
• Coordinate work responsibilities with volunteers, informing case management or volunteer coordinator when any questions or issues arise.
• Inform case management and Program Supervisor of any issues with residents promptly, either written or verbally.
• Instruct residents in monthly fire drill (emergency) procedure.
• Make referrals to other shelters, institutions, or organizations as necessary.
• Special tasks and projects as assigned; may include field trips to various locations (such as museum visits, athletic activities) as assigned.
• Responsible to check employee mailbox regularly for any notices, updates, communications distributed in that manner.
• Regularly attend all staff meetings.
• Attending special training as required.

Qualifications

• Must present a positive role model through attitude, behavior, and appearance.
• Must react quickly and exhibit good judgment in emergency or stressful situations.
• Must take every opportunity to interact with residents and their children.
• Must work cooperatively with TNM staff and volunteers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; able to interact comfortably with diverse populations.
• Successful completion of TNM Foundations Training within six (6) months of hire.
• Completion of First Aid/CPR Certification (within two years).
• Completion of crisis intervention training (within two years).
• Completion and maintenance of Mandated Reporter certificate.

Direct Reports

No direct reports.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; climb stairs; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally drive an automobile; and lift and/or move 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job.

Requirements

Program Specialist must fully align with TNM's strategy and mission, showcasing leadership, coaching, and donor management skills.

Essential skills and experience

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• At least 1 years’ experience working with at risk youth, must be recent (Volunteer experience counts).
• Crisis intervention training a plus.
• Ability to pass DCFS licensing requirements.
• Current driver's license and proof of insurability.
• First aid/CPR training a plus.