Position Title: Program Staff, Wellness Coordinator
Status: Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Shift Schedule:
- Tuesday through Thursday 10am to 6pm
- Friday 1pm to 9pm
- Saturday 10am to 6pm
Wage: $19/hr starting wage
About us: Sarah's Circle is a non-profit organization working to end homelessness for women in Chicago. Located in Uptown, Sarah's Circle has provided support for thousands of women since 1979.
This position works primarily in the Interim Housing Program which is a 50-bed facility that is open 24/7 and offers supportive services to help women transition to permanent housing. Additionally, this role delivers activities to clients across all Sarah’s Circle’s programs.
Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to women ages 18 and above. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar Program Staff roles at our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/.
Summary
Program Staff Wellness Coordinator is responsible for fostering a safe and trauma informed environment. This includes welcoming all clients, providing information about services, and maintaining a respectful culture. When working at the front desk, program staff oversees administrative duties and clients activities. Occasional assistance with meals and support of volunteers is required. Specific work hours are determined based on program need and related flexibility. At the direction of the Client Resource Manager, delivers activities, such as arts, crafts, games, music, social recreation, workshops, demonstrations and other engagement activities, taking into account the needs, interests and abilities of clients.
Responsibilities
Services
Facilitate Activities: Deliver onsite activities focused on health and wellness, creative engagement, life skills development and constructive social interaction
- Prepare materials ahead of time; prepare and clean-up work areas
- Collaborate with program management regarding monthly schedule planning
- Enforce rules and regulations; maintain discipline and ensure safety of participants
- Receive and organize art/activity materials received
- Regularly inventory and organize art and activity materials
- Track participation in programming
Welcome clients: Greet all individuals that enter the program; address immediate needs such as food, clothing, and medical attention; provide a facility tour and facilitate introductions with other staff
Provide information: Provide a program orientation; provide copies of client rights and responsibilities and the grievance procedure; assess for language barriers
Maintain a respectful culture: Respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe; interact with clients that are in distress without immediately giving consequences; use nonjudgmental language; listen and validate a wide range of emotions expressed by clients; handle de-escalation within program space
Support daily operations of the program space: Answer the phone; monitor program entrance; organize and distribute mail; provide hygiene items; assist with laundry; oversee client phones & computers; complete bed assignments
Volunteer collaboration: Welcome volunteers to the program; share information about services; provide guidance as needed; request that they sign in/out; at the direction of the Client Resource Manager, communicate with the Development Associate about volunteer activities
Prepare meals: Assistance with cooking and providing meals is required; meal preparation may be daily depending on shift
Administration
- Track and maintain program related data using Excel
- Assist Client Resource Manager in creating flyers and promotional materials for client events
- When facility repairs are needed, ensure complete reporting to the designated staff member
Other
Attend staff meetings and supervisory meetings as instructed by supervisor; meetings may include these and others:
- All Staff Meetings
- Program Meetings
Attend staff trainings as instructed by supervisor (minimum of 4 per year); training topics may include these and others:
- Harm Reduction
- Housing First
- Trauma-informed Care
- Motivational Interviewing
Attend and participate in significant Sarah’s Circle events including Winter Walk as requested
Perform other duties, as assigned by supervisor
The Interim Housing Program is open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. Program Staff may be required to work on weekends and holidays as instructed by supervisor.
Competencies
Dependability: able to work independently, submits accurate documentation, and seeks guidance when needed.
Teamwork: establishes collaborative relationships with staff and volunteers, provides leadership when appropriate
Receptive: accepts feedback, takes ownership of responsibilities, and identifies areas of growth
Interpersonal Skills: communicates clearly (written and verbally), seeks solutions, and demonstrates flexibility
Integrity: keeps sensitive information confidential and adheres to personnel policies
Initiative: brings questions to supervisor and seeks opportunities for further development
Qualifications
Education & Skills
- High school diploma (or equivalent) required; Higher education degree in psychology, social work, or related social service field a plus
- Basic computer skills required, including use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
- Experience with Canva or basic graphic design a plus
Job Experience
- At least one year of experience in social services, direct client care, and/or customer service required.
- Experience leading a group, classroom or otherwise; preferably in a health and wellness position and/or utilizing creativity and the development of activities, including arts and crafts
- Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, a history of trauma, and/or mental illness preferred
Health and Safety Requirements
- Required to obtain Food Handler certificate within 30 days of hire.
- Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms and legs and moving the whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling materials.
- Physical ability to lift approximately 35lbs, sit, bend, reach, perform cleaning duties, and stand for activity hours.
- Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law
Sarah’s Circle believes homelessness is complex and that our work requires the expertise of people with different life experiences, skills, and perspectives. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that brings together people with different identities & backgrounds and enables all of us to be successful in our work to end homelessness for women in our city. Your unique experience is valuable, so if it aligns with this role and you are excited about the work we do, please apply!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 37.5 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working with individuals experiencing homelessness and/or a history of trauma?
- Are you available to work 10am to 6pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and 1pm to 9pm on Friday?
- Do you identify as female?
(Please note: Sarah’s Circle provides homeless services to women ages 18 and above. Due to the nature of this position, only female applicants will be considered for this role. Applicants of all genders are welcome to apply to many positions within our organization, including similar Program Staff roles at our Daytime Support Center. View currently open positions at https://sarahs-circle.org/employment-opportunities/ .)
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: In person