Program Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

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.

Schedule Expectations

This position follows a set weekly schedule and requires availability during evenings and weekends.

Regular Schedule:

• Sunday: 7:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Monday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
• Tuesday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
• Wednesday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.
• Friday: 3:00 p.m. – 11:15 p.m.

Regular Days Off:

• Thursday
• Saturday

Candidates should be comfortable working evening shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support program operations.

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 (120) 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.

General Purpose:

Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14- 24 and their children, if applicable.

Position 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.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications required for this position. It is not an exhaustive list, and duties may change as business needs evolve.

Essential skills and experience:

• 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.

Qualifications:

• 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

Direct Reports:

No direct reports.

Physical Demands, Work Environment, & Reasonable Accommodation:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. The Night Ministry is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job or to participate in the application or hiring process, please contact the People & Culture team.

• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; climb stairs; crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally drive an automobile; and lift and/or move 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Work environment: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may vary at the different locations required in this job. This role may require additional hours, sometimes weekends, during certain busy seasons. Employees may also encounter conditions inherent to working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use — including unpredictable situations, potential exposure to communicable illness, and other environmental hazards. The Night Ministry takes reasonable precautions and provides training and support, though some level of risk cannot be fully eliminated.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The Night Ministry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

At-Will Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an employment contract. Employment with The Night Ministry is at will and may be terminated by the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice.