Safe Spaces Youth Cohort Member

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division in Chicago is seeking a Safe Spaces Youth Cohort Member for Harbor Light. This grant-funded position engages youth ages 16 to 24 from Humboldt Park in structured seasonal work and peer leadership roles.

Youth will participate in planned work schedules (summer and fall/winter) totaling about 22 weeks, with 8-20 hours per week, supervised by the Safe Spaces Coordinator and paid as part of the program.

Qualifications

• This position is designed for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in or attend school in the Humboldt Park area.

Responsibilities

• Participate actively in all scheduled program activities and assigned work shifts, demonstrating reliability and accountability.
• Lead or co-lead peer-based activities, workshops, or events that support program goals.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve program structure, activities, and participant engagement.
• Collaborate with fellow youth employees to plan and execute group initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and assigned tasks.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers regarding progress, challenges, and needs.
• Follow all program and organizational policies, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
• Represent the program in a professional manner when interacting with peers, staff, and community members.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Initiative

Teamwork

Dependability

Job description

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH AND CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

My Chic-My Future-Safe Spaces Grant

Grant Funded June 1-Dec 31, 2026

JOB TITLE: Safe Spaces Youth Cohort Member

LOCATION/DEPT: Harbor Light

REPORTS TO Safe Spaces Coordinator

PEOPLE MANAGER: No

FLSA CATEGORY: Non-Exempt

STATUS TYPE: FPT

PAY GRADE: 201

PAY RANGE: $17.05

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Program Overview

The program will run July 6 through December 31, 2026. Youth will participate in structured seasonal work schedules and will actively contribute to program design, leadership, and peer engagement.

WORK SCHEDULE

Summer (July through August): 8 weeks 15- 20 hours per week

Fall and Winter (September through December): 14 weeks at 10 hours per week

Total program duration is 22 weeks (hours may vary depending on assignments)

PROGRAM STRUCTURE AND YOUTH ROLE

Youth participants will play a central role in the organization’s structure, contributing to programmatic and strategic decisions. Youth will be empowered to engage in shared decision making while learning from the life experiences and expertise of adult staff. Participants will serve as paid peer leaders, leading activities independently or with minimal adult support. They will be part of a cohort of 15 youth employees working collaboratively throughout the program.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Participate actively in all scheduled program activities and assigned work shifts, demonstrating reliability and accountability.
• Lead or co-lead peer-based activities, workshops, or events that support program goals.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve program structure, activities, and participant engagement.
• Collaborate with fellow youth employees to plan and execute group initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and assigned tasks.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors and peers regarding progress, challenges, and needs.
• Follow all program and organizational policies, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
• Represent the program in a professional manner when interacting with peers, staff, and community members.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• This position is designed for youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in or attend school in the Humboldt Park area.

Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully with peers and staff.
• Basic organizational skills and ability to follow directions.
• Willingness to learn and take initiative.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Dependability and commitment to scheduled hours and program expectations.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports directly to the Safe Spaces Coordinator.

COMPETENCIES

• Must possess a strong personal conviction for the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Demonstrates willingness to learn new skills and apply feedback.
• Complete assignments in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work cooperatively with others within the cohort and with program staff.

JOB LIMITATIONS

This individual will adhere to all Salvation Army policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires light physical activity, including the ability to walk up to two flights of stairs and lift up to 25 pounds.

The individual must maintain a positive work environment by communicating respectfully and fostering constructive relationships with coworkers, supervisors, clients, and visitors. Professional behavior includes resolving conflicts appropriately, demonstrating courtesy, and treating all individuals with dignity and respect without discrimination.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

Performance will be evaluated based on effectiveness in achieving assigned outcomes, as well as the timeliness, accuracy, and completeness of all assigned responsibilities and goals.

THE SALVATION ARMY MISSION STATEMENT

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.