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Homeless Program Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Program Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14- 24 and their ... Inform case management and Program Supervisor of any issues with residents promptly, either written ...

Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14- 24 and their ... Inform case management and Program Supervisor of any issues with residents promptly, either written ...

House Advocate - part time

Palatine, IL · On-site

$20 - $21.20/hr

WINGS Program is looking for a driven, empathetic multitasker for our House Advocate position! Established in 1985 as a nonprofit advocate for homeless women and children, we have expanded to become ...

Program Supervisor, Crib

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Program Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the effective and consistent operation of The ... Expanded knowledge of working with at-risk/ homeless youth populations. * Must meet all ...

The Program Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the effective and consistent operation of The ... Expanded knowledge of working with at-risk/ homeless youth populations. * Must meet all ...

Program Supervisor, Crib

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

The Program Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the effective and consistent operation of The ... Expanded knowledge of working with at-risk/ homeless youth populations. * Must meet all ...

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Showing results 1-20

Homeless Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.8K

$93.3K

$121K

How much do homeless program jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeless program in Chicago, IL is $93,286.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Homeless Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Homeless Program Coordinator, you need a background in social work, public administration, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with case management software, government reporting systems, and local housing resources is essential. Exceptional communication, empathy, and organizational skills help build trust and coordinate support effectively for vulnerable populations. These capabilities are crucial for managing complex cases, ensuring access to services, and achieving positive outcomes for individuals experiencing homelessness.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Homeless Program, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working in Homeless Programs often encounter challenges such as resource limitations, high caseloads, and supporting clients with complex needs like mental health or substance use issues. Building strong partnerships with local service providers and maintaining open communication within a multidisciplinary team can help address these challenges. Regular training in trauma-informed care and self-care strategies is also essential to prevent burnout and ensure the best outcomes for clients. Collaboration, adaptability, and ongoing professional development are key to thriving in this role.

What are homeless programs?

Homeless programs are organized efforts, often run by government agencies or non-profit organizations, that provide support and services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These programs may offer temporary shelter, food, healthcare, job training, case management, and assistance in finding permanent housing. The goal is to help people transition out of homelessness and achieve long-term stability. Services are typically tailored to meet the varied needs of different populations, such as veterans, families, or youth.

What is the difference between Homeless Program vs Homeless Outreach Worker?

AspectHomeless ProgramHomeless Outreach Worker
CredentialsVaries; often includes social work or counseling certificationsTypically requires social work, counseling, or related certifications
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, shelters, administrative officesFieldwork, street outreach, community settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, sheltersNonprofits, government agencies, outreach organizations

Homeless Program roles focus on managing services, coordinating resources, and developing programs for homeless populations. Homeless Outreach Workers actively engage with individuals on the streets or in community settings to provide immediate assistance and connect them to services. While both roles aim to support homeless individuals, the program roles are more administrative and planning-oriented, whereas outreach workers are directly involved in fieldwork and client interaction.

Infographic showing various Homeless Program job openings in Chicago, IL as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,286 per year, or $44.8 per hour.
Program Specialist

Program Specialist

The Night Ministry

Chicago, IL • On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Position Summary: The Crib is The Night Ministry's emergency overnight shelter serving young adults, and this role is central to creating a space that is safe, supportive, and grounded in dignity. The position is responsible for the day-to-day care and support of residents during overnight shelter operations, including maintaining a calm and secure environment, modeling positive and respectful behavior, and supporting residents as they navigate immediate needs and next steps. This role works closely with case management and program staff to reinforce individualized plans, promote thoughtful decision-making, and ensure residents feel supported throughout their stay.
General Purpose: Promote and maintain The Night Ministry's mission to serve homeless clients age 14- 24 and their children, if applicable.
Schedule and Available Shifts: This position is currently being hired on an on-call basis to support overnight operations at The Crib. On-call staff are scheduled as needed to cover shifts, including evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays.
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.

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 and Work Environment: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • 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.

Requirements
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.

Salary Description
$18.00 - $20.00 per hour