Program Specialist - The Crib

The Night Ministry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization dedicated to supporting vulnerable community members seeks a Program Specialist for its emergency shelter. This role involves providing day-to-day care for young adults experiencing homelessness, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. You will engage with residents, assist them in developing essential life skills, and maintain accurate records while collaborating with a dedicated team. If you are passionate about making a difference and fostering connections, this is a fantastic opportunity to create lasting change in the lives of those in need. Join a mission-driven team and help empower individuals on their journey to stability and self-sufficiency.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical benefits

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; experience with at-risk youth preferred.
• Crisis intervention training and First aid/CPR training are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and maintain accurate records for shelter residents.
• Assist residents in developing life skills and ensure their safety.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Mentoring

Data entry

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Efforts to Outcomes (ETO)

Job description

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based organization dedicated to providing human connection, housing support, and health care to community members who are unhoused or experiencing poverty. For over 45 years, we have served as a lifeline to our most vulnerable neighbors, offering services without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We compassionately accept each individual as they are, working alongside them to meet their immediate physical, emotional, and social needs while affirming our shared humanity.

This position will be based at The Crib, The Night Ministry's emergency overnight shelter. The Crib provides safe and supportive shelter for young adults aged 18-24 who are experiencing homelessness. With a focus on harm reduction and trauma-informed care, The Crib offers a welcoming space where young people can access essential services, connect with resources, and begin their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency.

As a member of The Night Ministry team, you will engage in meaningful work, build dynamic professional relationships with staff, volunteers, and clients, and make a tangible impact on the lives of our shelter residents. Join our growing team and be a part of creating lasting change in our community.

Schedule and Available Shifts: Current Program Specialist openings include both Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities. Availability is specifically needed for shifts from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM.

Position Overview: As a Program Specialist, you will be responsible for the day-to-day care of the residents in one of our youth housing programs. Your role is essential in maintaining a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. You will work closely with other staff to complete intakes, perform data entry, mentor residents, and more.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct initial intakes and complete required paperwork for new residents.

• Attend all weekly staff meetings and mandatory training sessions.

• Ensure accurate and timely data entry in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).

• Record daily activities, resident progress, and significant issues; provide thorough updates to incoming staff.

• Greet visitors and callers promptly and professionally, offering assistance as needed.

• Supervise and enforce The Night Ministry's policies, procedures, and house rules.

• Assist residents in developing life skills and arrange transportation for appointments and activities.

• Ensure resident safety, promptly report incidents, and strive for continuous improvement in facility operations.

• Demonstrate professionalism, consistency, fairness, and clear boundaries while maintaining tolerance and flexibility.

• Coordinate with volunteers and communicate resident issues promptly to case management.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.

• At least 1 year of recent experience working with at-risk youth (volunteer experience counts).

• Crisis intervention training is a plus.

• Ability to pass DCFS licensing requirements.

• Current driver's license and proof of insurability required.

• First aid/CPR training is a plus.

• Alignment with The Night Ministry's mission and values, showcasing leadership, coaching, and teamwork skills.

Benefits:

• Full-time staff are eligible for comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and more, beginning 30 days after employment.

Physical Demands:

• The role requires occasional standing, walking, sitting, reaching, climbing, or balancing, and stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Frequent use of hands and fingers is required for handling objects, tools, or controls. Regular communication through talking or listening is necessary.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Night Ministry is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.

If you are passionate about making a difference in your community, apply today to join our team!

Clear DCFS background check and health clearance.