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Program Assistant I Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Lab Assistant I

Itasca, IL

$18.50/hr

Lab Assistant I The Lab Assistant I works in a high-volume, production-based clinical laboratory ... Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a ...

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Crossroads YMCA

Teacher Assistant I

Griffith, IN · On-site

$12.50/hr

The Teacher Assistant I supports the Teacher Lead by planning activities and caring for the ... This position is limited to the duration of the Preschool Program school session and subject to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProgram I JobsProgram Assistant I JobsProgram Assistant I Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Assistant I information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$22.1K

$47.1K

$64.9K

How much do program assistant i jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for program assistant i in Chicago, IL is $47,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,600.00 and $48,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the roles and responsibilities of a Program Assistant I?

A Program Assistant I typically provides administrative and operational support to a department or program within an organization. Their responsibilities may include scheduling meetings, maintaining records, processing paperwork, and assisting with event coordination. They often serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders and may help prepare reports or materials needed for program activities. Attention to detail and good organizational skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Assistant I?

To thrive as a Program Assistant I, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent—sometimes supplemented by relevant administrative experience. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and standard office equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and the ability to multitask make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for efficiently supporting program operations, ensuring information accuracy, and facilitating smooth workflow within the organization.

What are some common challenges a Program Assistant I might face when supporting multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Assistant I professionals often juggle tasks across several projects with different deadlines and priorities. One common challenge is managing time effectively to ensure all administrative duties, such as scheduling, correspondence, and data entry, are completed for each program. Additionally, adapting quickly to shifting project needs and communicating clearly with various team members are essential. Developing strong organizational skills and using digital tools can help overcome these challenges and ensure smooth program operations.

What is the difference between Program Assistant I vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Assistant IProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeHigh school diploma; often prefers some college or related certification
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, community centers, or educational institutionsSimilar environments, often with increased responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsNonprofits, government, and larger organizations with program oversight
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles with administrative support dutiesCompared for roles with more project management and coordination responsibilities

The main difference between a Program Assistant I and a Program Coordinator lies in the level of responsibility. Program Assistant I typically handles administrative and support tasks, while Program Coordinators oversee program implementation and coordination. Both roles are common in similar environments, but the Program Coordinator usually requires more experience or education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program I jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Program I jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Program Assistant I jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Program Assistant I job openings:

Program Assistant I jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Assistant I job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,100 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

Program Assistant - ACT Services

Kenneth Young Center

Arlington Heights, IL • On-site

$22.56 - $26.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Program Assistant - ACT Services
Kenneth Young Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit dedicated to providing comprehensive outpatient behavioral health services to individuals of all walks of life. Located in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, we offer a wide range of services including outpatient therapeutic care, recovery-oriented support, community prevention, LGBTQ+ outreach, older adult services, and crisis intervention. Our team welcomes and celebrates unique perspectives and represents the diversity and vitality of our local communities. Join our team to grow in your career while building stronger, healthier communities.
Ken­neth Young Cen­ter offers a robust ben­e­fit pack­age that is high­ly com­pet­i­tive to the mar­ket and offers all full-time employ­ees the following:
  • 403(b) plan with orga­ni­za­tion­al matching
  • Medical Insurance (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illi­nois - BCBS)
  • Den­tal (BCBS), and Vision Insur­ance (BCBS) with low employee premiums
  • Long Term and Short Term Dis­abil­i­ty (BCBS), no cost to employee
  • Flex­i­ble Spend­ing Account (with annu­al rollover)
  • Basic life insur­ance (50k) paid for by the organization and option for addi­tion­al vol­un­tary cov­er­age for self, spouse, or depen­dents (BCBS)
  • Incentive program with potential for quarterly bonuses
  • Opportunity for annual bonus and salary increase (discretionary based on annual KYC financial audit)
  • Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
To fur­ther pro­mote an active and healthy work/ life bal­ance, KYC also offers a gen­er­ous amount of paid time off and staff holidays.
  • 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (With increas­es based on seniority)
  • 8 Paid Orga­ni­za­­­tion-Wide Hol­i­days
  • 3 Per­son­al Float­ing Hol­i­days annually
Job Scope: The Program Assistant for Teams-based programs provides administrative and customer service coordination to the ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) team. ACT and provides comprehensive and flexible community-based mental health and recovery services to clients with serious mental illness living in the Northwest Suburbs. The Program Assistant is an integral staff member of the team, and contributes to smooth and effective team functioning, and aids in communication between team members and external entities. Must be proficient in the use of electronic medical records and data reporting. Contribute to the development and support of workflows and other internal procedures, as needed.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Act as primary administrative and coordination support to leaders of ACT.
  • Attend daily meetings, take minutes, update client records, and communicate relevant scheduling and program information to staff.
  • Enter progress notes into client chart EHR to bill for reimbursable consult and case management services, to meet fidelity and coordination needs.
  • Contribute to the creation, update, and edit of events in team scheduling calendar and individual Outlook calendars to support and coordinate team members and leaders.
  • Act as central communication triage as needed
  • Contribute to the update of weekly scheduling
  • Compile and maintain monthly census reports and active client lists; track case assignments and aid in the organization of referrals
  • Provide general administrative support, as available: review all incoming mail and process, sort and respond; provide backup support of office manager tasks when needed; make copies and create packets; provide data entry support to staff; assist with mailing / faxing
  • Assist in the maintenance of client electronic medical records; scan and upload documents to CIS (electronic medical records); and coordinate with KYC medical records technician to ensure charts are updated
  • Help leaders maintain and update program logs, program practices, and daily/weekly/monthly scheduling and organization boards
  • Coordinate with leaders and KYC authorization specialist as needed about client eligibility and benefit status, including MEDI checks, as available
  • Contribute to team efforts to monitor, track, and submit documentation for clients with Medicaid spenddowns and insurance renewals
  • Coordinate with administrative and program staff in Front Door and Colbert/Williams transition departments to provide context to staffings and grant data reporting
  • Support ACT Manager / Director in communicating schedules for visits, on-call, or team-follow ups, on assigned work days.
  • Support team in coordination with Genoa Pharmacy and other client pharmacies, as needed
  • Contribute to team efforts to monitor client psychiatric appointments and help leaders ensure all relevant information is up-to-date in medical record (hospital discharge, doctor visits, staff visits) prior to appointment
  • Participate in Team Services Fidelity development and quality oversight group, including coordination with Fidelity director to ensure programing is adhering to standards between external audits.
  • Support CST program admin tasks, as needed and directed by Manager/Deputy Director
  • Participate in interoffice mail distribution and communication following weekly schedule.
  • Provide other duties as requested by Team Leaders, Managers, and Directors
  • Participate in supervision, orientations, staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.
Work Schedule
  • Required to travel between multiple local KYC offices as part of weekly schedule
  • Position is based in-office at location with ACT team members. After onboarding and training (approx. 60-90 days), position may be eligible for up to 15 hours/week of remote/work-from-home hours for staff in good standing, based on program needs and as approved by Supervisor/Manager/Director
Education amp; Experience
  • Preferred Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) or High School diploma/GED with significant program coordination experience
  • Previous administrative experience in a direct service program
  • Preferred experience with direct service program support and/or quality review
  • Knowledge and utilization of electronic medical record systems
  • Experience creating and maintaining well-organized operational systems
  • Customer service experience; preferably working with adults with mental health difficulties
  • Computer and smartphone proficiency, including typing accuracy (min 40 mph), working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, team communication platforms (ex Microsoft Teams), Internet skills, and smartphone applications and messaging
  • Familiarity with typical electronic office equipment including networked printers and scanners, phone and secure/electronic fax machines, and file storage equipment.
Schedule
  • Non-Exempt, Full-Time, hourly, 37.5 hours per week
  • Schedule is typically between Monday and Friday, business hours
  • In-office with some remote/work from home after training based on program needs and leadership approval
Kenneth Young Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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