Safe Spaces Youth Cohort Member

salvarmycareers; Illinois; On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division at Harbor Light is seeking youth between 16 and 24 to participate in the Safe Spaces Youth Cohort. This paid, non-exempt role supports peer-led activities and program development, with a focus on leadership and community engagement.

The program runs July 6 through December 31, 2026, offering 8 weeks at 15–20 hours weekly in summer and 14 weeks at 10 hours weekly in fall/winter, totaling 22 weeks with variable hours.

Qualifications

• This position is designed for youth ages 16–24 residing in or near Humboldt Park.
• Basic communication and organization skills are needed.
• Willingness to learn and work with peers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Participate actively in scheduled program activities and shifts.
• Lead or co-lead peer-based activities and events.
• Contribute ideas to improve program structure and engagement.
• Collaborate with youth employees to plan group initiatives.
• Maintain records of attendance and tasks.
• Communicate progress and needs with supervisors.
• Follow program policies and maintain a respectful environment.
• Represent the program professionally with peers and community.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Reliability

Initiative

Attendance

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

WHO WE ARE

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.

DOING THE MOST GOOD

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? The Salvation Army is the fourth largest charity in the United States and is an international organization based on Biblical principles created to help people in need. We are mission-driven, diverse, collaborative, and focused on positive results for people. Join us in making a difference.

The Salvation Army offers a competitive benefit package for eligible employees which may include the following medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, a company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan and generous time off policies.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for this position, please contact the Human Resources department.

THE SALVATION ARMY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.