Program Specialist

Night Ministry•Chicago, IL

8d•$18 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

At The Night Ministry, our work centers on meeting people with compassion, dignity, and respect during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Across Chicago, our teams provide human connection, housing support, and health care to individuals and families experiencing housing instability and poverty. We believe lasting impact is built through consistency, trust, and showing up for our community every day. The people who work here are deeply committed to that mission. Our staff bring empathy, professionalism, resilience, and a shared sense of purpose to their work, whether they are serving clients directly in the community or supporting operations behind the scenes. Every department and every role contributes to the strength of our programs and the quality of care we provide. We value collaboration, accountability, curiosity, and a commitment to equity in both our work and our workplace culture. We are looking for people who are thoughtful, adaptable, and motivated by meaningful work that creates real impact in the lives of others. Working at The Night Ministry means being part of a mission-driven organization where your contributions matter, your work supports a larger purpose, and your colleagues care deeply about the community and one another. Position Summary: Responsible for the day-to-day care of program clients/residents and their children, if applicable. May include low threshold overnight shelter, interim program, or transitional living program. Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment, modeling positive behaviors, coaching around decision making, and working closely with case management to reinforce case plan. This position would fall under our Parenting with Purpose program. This program empowers pregnant and young mothers, ages 16-22, to build stable, thriving futures for themselves and their children. Through our family-centered approach, young mothers find a safe place to call home, along with the resources, skills, and support they need to succeed. We provide a clear path to independent housing and help each young parent develop the confidence and capabilities to create lasting stability for their family. General Purpose: Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14- 24 and their children, if applicable.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Crisis intervention training a plus.
First aid/CPR training a plus.

Responsibilities

Complete initial intakes with new residents on the day of arrival; complete all paperwork.
Attending 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.