Program Specialist - Interim Housing

Job Description

Job Description

Join The Night Ministry as a Program Specialist – Interim Housing
Provide stability, support, and safety for young adults working toward brighter futures.

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides human connection, housing, and health care to individuals struggling with housing stability or poverty. Our work is centered around two core service areas:  Outreach & Healthcare and  Youth Housing .

Through our Outreach & Health programs, we meet people where they are, on CTA platforms, in encampments, at libraries, and across city neighborhoods; offering consistent, compassionate care and vital health services.

Our Youth Housing programs provide shelter and supportive services to young adults, helping them build stability and work toward their goals in safe, affirming environments. With a history rooted in dignity, inclusion, and trust, The Night Ministry is committed to walking alongside those we serve with empathy and respect.

This position is part of our Interim Housing Program , a 120-day transitional shelter that provides youth with a safe, supportive place to stay while they work toward permanent housing. The program focuses on structure, accountability, and community-building-all within a trauma-informed, harm reduction framework.

As a Program Specialist , you'll provide direct support to residents, helping maintain a safe, respectful environment while building trust and supporting youth through their day-to-day challenges.

If you're passionate about creating meaningful change through relationship-building and practical support, we'd love to meet you.

We are currently recruiting for the following Program Specialist positions :

• Full-Time Overnight: Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Please indicate your shift preference(s) when applying.

As a frontline team member in one of our residential youth programs, you'll help ensure safety, consistency, and connection for young residents during your shift. You'll collaborate with case management and the program supervisor to reinforce goals and uphold community expectations, all while building trusting, respectful relationships.

• Welcoming new residents, completing intakes, and orienting them to the program.

• Providing structure and supervision while maintaining a trauma-informed, youth-centered approach.

• Monitoring the safety and cleanliness of the residence and helping residents with chores and life skills.

• Supporting conflict resolution, modeling healthy boundaries, and offering informal support.

• Ensuring accurate documentation in logbooks and Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database.

• Communicating promptly with case management and program supervisors regarding resident needs or incidents.

• Supporting fire/emergency drills and transportation coordination as needed.

• Participating in staff meetings, training, and team collaboration.

• Occasionally facilitating or accompanying residents on community outings.

You're someone who brings a steady, compassionate presence, and can respond calmly and confidently in a residential setting. You value the autonomy and strength of young people, and you're committed to creating a respectful, supportive environment for parenting youth.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college or related experience preferred.

• Experience working with youth or in residential settings is a strong plus.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Able to maintain clear boundaries and respond appropriately to crises.

• Comfortable working independently during assigned shifts.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.

• Be part of a mission-driven team supporting youth and families.

• Work with purpose while creating safe spaces and positive change.

• Grow professionally in an organization that values inclusion, compassion, and collaboration.

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences-including lived experience-and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must be able to talk or listen and may be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:
The employee will work in a residential program setting. Noise levels and activity may vary depending on resident needs and time of day.

The Night Ministry is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Clear DCFS background check and health clearance.