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Program Support Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

This position supports daily operations, facilitates programming, and ensures that residents experience dignity, consistency, and care. Program Assistants serve as the frontline presence in the ...

The Assistant Program Director will serve in a part-time capacity, under the Program Director. If ... The communication element of the program Support The Support Center is here to walk with you every ...

Clerical Support Assistant-SJH

Highland, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $24.50/hr

Joseph's Hospital in Highland is seeking a Clerical Support Assistant to join our team. The ideal ... Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term ...

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Program Support Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$25.7K

$43.9K

$55.2K

How much do program support assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support assistant in Illinois is $43,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,700.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is a Program Support Assistant?

A program support assistant works in a specialized unit of an organization or academic institution and performs a variety of administrative tasks. Your duties as a program support assistant vary depending on your employer but may involve budgeting, purchasing materials, managing files and records, and assisting visitors. You must also understand departmental guidelines, policies, and procedures. Typical qualifications for a program support assistant include at least a high school diploma or GED certificate and relevant work experience. You must also have excellent communication, multitasking, and organizational skills, along with computer proficiency.

What are Program Support Assistants?

Program Support Assistants are administrative professionals who provide clerical and organizational support to departments or programs within an organization. Their duties often include scheduling, data entry, maintaining records, handling correspondence, and assisting with project coordination. They play a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of daily activities by supporting managers and staff with various administrative tasks. Program Support Assistants may work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, and government.

What is the difference between Program Support Assistant vs Administrative Assistant?

AspectProgram Support AssistantAdministrative Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer post-secondary educationHigh school diploma; often similar educational requirements
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, educational institutionsCorporate offices, government agencies, various industries
Job ResponsibilitiesSupporting program operations, coordinating activities, assisting with reportsManaging schedules, handling correspondence, organizing files
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in public sector and non-profit organizationsWidespread across industries including private and public sectors

The Program Support Assistant and Administrative Assistant roles share similarities in educational requirements and work environments. However, Program Support Assistants focus more on supporting specific programs and coordinating activities within organizations, especially in government and non-profit sectors. Administrative Assistants typically handle general office tasks across various industries. Both roles are essential for organizational operations but differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges faced by Program Support Assistants in managing multiple tasks and priorities?

Program Support Assistants often juggle a wide range of responsibilities, from scheduling meetings and maintaining records to coordinating communication between departments. One common challenge is managing competing priorities and tight deadlines, especially when supporting multiple team members or projects simultaneously. Staying organized, proactively communicating about workload, and using digital tools for task management can help address these challenges. Additionally, flexibility and adaptability are important, as priorities may shift quickly based on organizational needs.

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

To thrive as a Program Support Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in office administration, typically supported by a high school diploma or relevant experience. Familiarity with office software like Microsoft Office Suite, data entry systems, and scheduling tools is commonly required. Excellent communication, multitasking abilities, and adaptability are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These competencies ensure efficient program operations, effective support for teams, and smooth coordination of administrative tasks.
What are popular job titles related to Program Support Assistant jobs in Illinois? For Program Support Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Program Support Assistant jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Program Support Assistant jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Program Support Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Program Support Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Support Assistant job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,927 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Family Housing Program Assistant

Family Housing Program Assistant

Breakthrough

Chicago, IL

$39K - $48K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Family Housing Program Assistant
Reports to: Family Housing Coordinator
FLSA Code: Full time, non-exempt
Hours: Up to 40-hours/week
Potential Shift: Rotating shifts to ensure 24-hour coverage, including evenings, weekends and holidays
Program Area: Adult Service Network (ASN)
Location: The Residences, 3340 W. Carol Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
We Are Breakthrough Adult Service Network
Breakthrough offers family housing for intact families that are non-lease holders. We are intentional about partnering with those that may be doubled up or residing in transitional housing programs. We believe that by partnering with our families through intense case-management and providing them with dignity and respect that each family will receive the tools necessary to achieve self-sufficiency.
Breakthrough’s Family Housing team prioritizes immediate housing stability through our newly developed, fully furnished housing program. Families benefit from on-site amenities, including laundry facilities, free parking, community rooms, and a dedicated children’s play area.
In addition to safe and stable housing, guests receive comprehensive support services such as community primary and mental health care, employment training, saving amp; budgeting, and assistance with housing search and placement.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Program Assistant plays a critical role in creating a safe, structured, and radically hospitable living environment for families residing at The Residences. This position supports daily operations, facilitates programming, and ensures that residents experience dignity, consistency, and care.
Program Assistants serve as the frontline presence in the building, helping to cultivate community, support program engagement, and maintain high standards across shared spaces.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS
Resident Engagement amp; Program Support
  • Assist with the daily supervision and facilitation of on-site programming
  • Foster a radically hospitable, welcoming, and trauma responsive environment for all residents
  • Build positive relationships with residents while maintaining appropriate boundaries
  • Support resident participation in programming and community-building activities
Building Operations amp; Activity Coordination
  • Schedule and supervise building activities sponsored for or by tenants
  • Support resident use of shared spaces, including:
    • Laundry room
    • Toddler play area
    • Party room
    • Work/study lounge
    • Storage areas
  • Maintain calendars and scheduling systems for communal spaces
  • Ensure adherence to building policies and community standards
Service Coordination Support
  • Collaborate with Case Managers and Housing Director to ensure seamless service delivery
  • Communicate resident needs, concerns, and observations in a timely manner
  • Support coordination of services and referrals as directed
Administrative amp; Data Management
  • Maintain accurate and organized program and administrative records
  • Enter participant and program data into Salesforce in a timely and accurate manner
  • Track program participation, attendance, and outcomes as required
  • Assist with reporting and documentation
Volunteer amp; Intern Support
  • Supervise and support program volunteers and interns during assigned shifts
  • Ensure volunteers are aligned with program expectations and values
  • Provide guidance and communicate any concerns to leadership
Building Maintenance amp; Supplies
  • Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and organization of interior and exterior spaces
  • Monitor inventory of supplies and follow established processes for replenishment
  • Maintain and organize communal areas to ensure they are safe, functional, and welcoming
  • Support light operational needs (set-up, reset of spaces, supply stocking)
Donations Management
  • Receive, process, and organize donated items
  • Ensure donations are distributed or stored according to program guidelines
  • Maintain orderly storage systems for donated goods
Perform other duties as assigned
Demonstrated Values
  • Independently follows agency policy and procedures
  • Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
  • Identifies and resolves difficult issues
  • Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
  • Promote wellness and customer care through all actions and behaviors
  • Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
  • Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
  • A passion for the mission of Breakthrough
QUALIFICATIONS
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Experience in human services, housing, youth development, or community-based work preferred
  • Experience working in a trauma responsive environment
  • Minimum of 1 related experience
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner
  • Sound administrative skills including, including strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office
  • Proven ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multiple tasks effectively
  • Strong organizational skills and proven attention to detail
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, self-directed environment
  • Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of standard case management protocols
  • Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions
  • Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment
  • Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Ability to embrace principles of nonviolence to create safer communities
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.
  • Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially as related to youth, families, poverty, and community development
SUPERVISION
  • Direction received from the Family Housing Coordinator
  • Does not supervise employees
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in an office located in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance.
Equipment Used
The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.

BENEFITS
  • Medical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan chosen, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
  • Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
  • Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
  • Life - Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
  • Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
  • 401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
  • Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.
  • Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
  • Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.
  • Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.
COMPENSATION
The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.
$19 - $20/hour

Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us via the telephone number listed above. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.