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Program Support Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Rasmussen University

Support Specialist

Romeoville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

In this capacity, the Support Specialist will leverage his/her experience in an operations/administrative capacity to support all programs on campus, with a focus on nursing programs. The Support ...

Rasmussen University

Support Specialist

Romeoville, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

In this capacity, the Support Specialist will leverage his/her experience in an operations/administrative capacity to support all programs on campus, with a focus on nursing programs. The Support ...

UHS

PHP PROGRAM SPECIALIST - Full Time

Chicago, IL · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

The Program Specialist provides direct patient care. Primary responsibilities include the provision ... UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to ...

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All JobsProgram Support Specialist JobsProgram Support Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL

Program Support Specialist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$27.8K

$70.1K

$125.2K

How much do program support specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for program support specialist in Chicago, IL is $70,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $88,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a program support specialist?

Program Support Specialists are professionals who provide administrative and operational support to programs within organizations. They assist with tasks such as scheduling, data entry, record-keeping, communication with stakeholders, and coordinating program activities. Their role is essential for ensuring that programs run smoothly and efficiently, often acting as a bridge between management, staff, and participants. Program Support Specialists may work in various sectors, including education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit organizations.

What does a program support specialist do?

A program support specialist assists the program director with administrative tasks. As a program support specialist, your job duties may include typing up documents, sending emails, answering phones, and organizing paperwork. You find program support specialists in many different industries. There are no formal education requirements to become a program support specialist, but employers may prefer candidates with experience in clerical positions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a program support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Support Specialist, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in administrative tasks, often supported by an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, and database systems is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to multitask help someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for efficiently supporting programs, ensuring smooth operations, and enabling teams to meet their objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by program support specialists and how can they be addressed?

Program Support Specialists often juggle multiple tasks and deadlines, such as coordinating schedules, managing documentation, and supporting communication across teams. A common challenge is balancing these responsibilities while ensuring accuracy and timely delivery. To address this, strong organizational skills, effective time management, and proactive communication are essential. Utilizing project management tools and regularly checking in with team members can also help streamline workflows and reduce the risk of overlooked tasks.

What is the difference between Program Support Specialist vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Support SpecialistProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically an associate's or bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP are commonUsually a bachelor's degree; certifications like CAP or PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, government agencies, nonprofit organizationsOffice environments, community programs, nonprofit and government sectors
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across government, nonprofit, and educational sectors for administrative support rolesCommonly found in similar sectors, focusing on program implementation and coordination
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare for administrative and support roles within programsPeople compare for roles involving program planning and management

The main difference is that Program Support Specialists focus on administrative and logistical support tasks, while Program Coordinators are more involved in planning, executing, and overseeing program activities. Both roles often require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Program Support Specialist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Program Support Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Program Support Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Program Support Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Program Support Specialist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Program Support Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Program Support Specialist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,063 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Program Support Specialist-Full-time

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago

Chicago, IL • On-site

$44K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Description
Position: Full-time Program Support Specialist
Reporting Relationship: Chief Program & Operating Officer
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Salary Range: $44K - $47K - Commensurate with work experience, degree credential(s) and Bilingual language skillset.
Benefits: BBBS offers a competitive benefits package which includes Health and Dental coverage, Vision, Critical Illness, Accidental coverage, Voluntary and Basic Life Insurance, Short and Long-term disability, Flexible Spending Account, and a matching 401K retirement plan.
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF METRO CHICAGO (BBBSChi):
BBBSChi'S Mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.
BBBSChi'S Vision is that all youth achieve their full potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is an affiliate of the nation's largest donor-and volunteer-supported mentoring network. We provide high quality mentoring services to thousands of children and their families across Cook, DuPage and Lake Counties in both Illinois and Indiana. Big Brothers Big Sisters carefully matches children ("Littles") with caring, screened and trained adult mentors ("Bigs"). Throughout the course of their mentoring relationship ("match"), we monitor and support the match, providing safety and quality measures, as well as outcome-based activity ideas and goals. Learn more at www.BBBSCHGO.org.
BBBSChi's Core Value is that we deeply believe Access, Belonging, and Opportunity is paramount and fundamental to BBBSChi's success. We all work to build and maintain a positive work environment for our staff, volunteers, and program participants. It is our belief that every staff member should embrace these principles in the decision-making process. Therefore, we fully expect the ideal candidate will carry out their function with these core values in mind and treat everyone respectfully and fairly.
Position Summary:
The Program Support Specialist will report to the Chief Program & Operating Officer and collaborate closely with program staff to enhance the quality, longevity, and impact of mentoring services. This individual will support program operations by assisting in various functions across the organization. The role involves working in four key areas: Customer Relations, Enrollment, Match Support and Partnership & Program Facilitation. The specialist will also assist with programmatic projects as assigned, helping to ensure a seamless experience for both volunteers and families. In addition, the Specialist will incorporate Agency approved AI-supported tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to enhance service delivery, improve workflow efficiency, and support high-quality, timely documentation while upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.
Note: This is a floating position, meaning the specialist will rotate between these functional areas depending on current program needs.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Responsibilities:
  • Inquiry and Application Process: Respond to inquiries from volunteers and families within 24 to 48 hours to ensure prompt customer service and support, with the intent to inform them about program options and enroll them in the Community or Site Based programs.
  • Volunteer and Youth File Management: Ensure accurate and thorough completion of volunteer and youth files, in accordance with BBBS procedures. This includes background checks, social media assessments, and reference checks.
  • Conduct Enrollment Interviews: Interview volunteers and youth interested in participating in community or site-based programs. Ensure all necessary information is captured to make informed match decisions.
  • Assessments and Documentation: Using interview notes, background checks, and clinician insights as appropriate, complete detailed written assessments or re-assessments for both volunteers and youth within 48 hours after the interview.
  • Match Relationship Creation: Based on the current pool of volunteers and children, create safe, appropriate, and sustainable one-to-one mentoring matches.
  • Match Presentations and Introduction Meetings: Complete match presentations for ready-to-be-matched volunteers and youth and facilitate Match Introduction Meetings.
  • Process Coordination: Collaborate with all program staff to ensure that volunteers and families experience a seamless process from initial inquiry to match completion.
  • Match Support: Support assigned matched volunteer and youth through live match support contact completion and accurately and timely document these in the Matchforce Salesforce system.
  • Partnership & Program Facilitation: Recruit for and facilitate assigned site based program sessions, utilizing established protocols and approved program activities.
  • Survey Administration and Reporting: Assist program staff in administering surveys (e.g., SORs, YOS, COS, RPIs, and Match Satisfaction) and compile reports to inform program development.
  • Data Management: Maintain accurate records in the Matchforce Salesforce system, ensuring that all data is up to date.
  • AI Technology: incorporate Agency approved AI-supported tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot) to enhance service delivery, improve workflow efficiency, and support high-quality, timely documentation while upholding confidentiality and ethical standards.
  • Progress Updates: Provide weekly schedules, progress updates, and reports to the direct supervisor.
  • Training and Event Support: Attend and, as needed, facilitate programmatic sessions, meetings, orientations, and special events.
  • Confidentiality and Safety: Ensure the confidentiality and safety of all program records and documentation.
  • Other Duties as Assigned
Work Environment:
This position operates in a professional office environment.
This role routinely uses standard office equipment i.e., computers, phones, photocopiers, etc.
There is an expectation to work in office a minimum of two days per week.
To apply Please forward your resume, cover letter and salary requirements to:
BBBS Careers Apply Here
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago
Attn: Human Resources
130 S. Jefferson St., Suite 200
Chicago, IL 60661
Pay Range
$44,000.00 Annually to $47,000.00 Annually

Apply