Program Specialist - Parenting with Purpose

Join The Night Ministry as a Program Specialist - Parenting with Purpose Program
Provide stability, support, and safety for young families working toward brighter futures.

About The Night Ministry

The Night Ministry is a Chicago-based nonprofit dedicated to providing housing, health care, and human connection to individuals experiencing homelessness or poverty. Our services are rooted in compassion, equity, and respect-and we meet people where they are.

Our Parenting with Purpose program offers transitional housing for young mothers and pregnant individuals (ages 18-24) and their children. Through supportive services, structure, and consistency, we help young families develop the skills, confidence, and stability they need to thrive. If you're passionate about youth work, housing, and creating safe spaces, this role offers a meaningful opportunity to make a direct impact.

What You'll Do

As a Program Specialist, you'll provide on-site coverage at our Parenting with Purpose residence, helping ensure a safe, supportive, and consistent environment for youth and their children. You'll work closely with residents and staff to foster stability, reinforce community guidelines, and support our young families on their path toward independence.

Your work will include:

• Monitoring program safety, security, and cleanliness, while modeling respectful, trauma-informed interaction with residents.

• Offering informal support and crisis response to residents when needed, and escalating urgent concerns to supervisory staff.

• Conducting regular building rounds and maintaining clear documentation of all shift activities, incidents, and resident interactions.

• Supporting adherence to program guidelines and expectations while maintaining a non-judgmental, harm-reduction approach.

• Participating in staff meetings, trainings, and reflective supervision.

• Ensuring a welcoming, affirming atmosphere for young parents and their children.

Schedule and Available Shifts
We are currently hiring for two full-time Program Specialist roles. Please review the available shift schedules below and specify your availability in your application:

• Sunday through Thursday, 11:00 PM - 7:15 AM (Overnight)

• Tuesday through Saturday, 3:00 PM - 11:15 PM

What We're Looking For

You're someone who brings a steady, compassionate presence, and can respond calmly and confidently in a residential setting. You value the autonomy and strength of young people, and you're committed to creating a respectful, supportive environment for parenting youth.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; some college or related experience preferred.

• Experience working with youth or in residential settings is a strong plus.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Able to maintain clear boundaries and respond appropriately to crises.

• Comfortable working independently during assigned shifts.

• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and harm reduction principles.

Why Work With Us

• Be part of a mission-driven team supporting youth and families.

• Work with purpose while creating safe spaces and positive change.

• Grow professionally in an organization that values inclusion, compassion, and collaboration.

Apply Today

Even if you don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse experiences-including lived experience-and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to handle or feel objects, reach, climb stairs, stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must be able to talk or listen and may be required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

Work Environment:
The employee will work in a residential program setting. Noise levels and activity may vary depending on resident needs and time of day.

The Night Ministry is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Clear DCFS background check and health clearance.