Program Specialist (Chicago)
Summary: NLEI is seeking a hands-on Program Specialist skilled in community recruitment, participant engagement, intake and assessment, accurate recordkeeping, and participant support. The Program Specialist conducts outreach; recruits and screens applicants; administers and coordinates assessments; supports enrollment; maintains accurate participant records and data; tracks supportive services; and supports participants through program completion and transition to employment services. This role is well suited for someone who is motivated by direct service, can move effectively between people-facing and detail-intensive responsibilities, and values measurable results. Salary: $52,000–$55,000 annually Full-time • Onsite • Work at assigned locations throughout Chicago and its neighboring suburbs. Reports to: Director of Program Operations Responsibilities: · Recruit participants for NLEI workforce programs and services and carry out recruitment activities designed to meet program, contractual, and organizational enrollment goals. · Work collaboratively with volunteers, when assigned, to support recruitment, outreach, participant support, and other program activities. · Respond to prospective participant and community inquiries received by phone, email, social media, web, and other online platforms; provide accurate information, document follow-up, route inquiries appropriately, and ensure timely responses. · Conduct community outreach and recruitment activities, including community fairs, presentations, information sessions, referral outreach, follow-up campaigns, and other activities that create opportunities to learn about and enroll in NLEI programs. · Screen applicants for program and funding eligibility; gather and verify identity, residency, income, eligibility, and other required documents; identify missing information; and follow up until enrollment requirements are complete. · Administer participant assessments, including TABE and other authorized exams; prepare testing materials, score assessments, record results, and update participant records. · Facilitate required background checks, drug screens, and other program screenings; provide applicant instructions, track completion and results, maintain documentation, and escalate eligibility concerns in accordance with program requirements. · Schedule enrollment interviews for eligible applicants and communicate required next steps. · Create participant records and accurately input, update, reconcile, and maintain information in internal and external data platforms, funder systems, spreadsheets, e-records, and hard-copy files. · Following enrollment acceptance, create and maintain the participant Individual Service Strategy, as required by the applicable program or funder and under the supervision of the Director of Program Operations; document participant goals, barriers, services, referrals, and required updates. · Track applicant and participant status from inquiry through enrollment, attendance, participation, credential attainment, completion, and assigned follow-up; maintain current participant records and lists and provide accurate status information to the Director of Program Operations. · Identify participant needs; connect participants to available supportive resources for transportation, food, PPE/work clothing, mental-health, housing/shelter, childcare, community, emergency-assistance, and other approved resources; and accurately document referrals, assistance, follow-up, and outcomes. · Provide direct participant follow-up and completion support; identify barriers, reinforce next steps, and follow up on supportive-service referrals and participant progress. · Serve as the tracking owner for participant supportive services while working with the program team, which shares responsibility for participant support and success. Identify barriers and needs; connect participants to available resources; document referrals, assistance, follow-up, and outcomes; and provide support that promotes program completion. · Monitor attendance and participation in collaboration with the program team; contact participants regarding absences, missing documents, deadlines, and incomplete requirements; document follow-up and escalate unresolved risks or barriers. · Gather, enter, and maintain participant data, case notes, and supporting documentation required for program, funder, monitoring, compliance, and audit-readiness purposes, accurately and within established timelines. · Coordinate day-to-day information with participants, the program team, referral partners, and internal staff so participants move smoothly from recruitment and enrollment through training completion and transition to employment services. · Provide hands-on program support to the Director of Program Operations on assigned program activities consistent with this position. · Contribute to NLEI-wide recruitment, employment, and fundraising efforts. · Maintain confidentiality, accuracy, integrity, and security of participant and program information and complete other related hands-on program duties consistent with the role. Qualifications · Hands-on experience in customer service, administrative services, workforce development, recruitment, community outreach, admissions/intake, participant services, or a closely related field. · Ability to engage prospective participants and community partners and confidently speak to groups, conduct information sessions, deliver recruitment presentations, and hold applicant interviews. · Excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong follow-through across phone, online and in-person interactions. · Demonstrated ability to gather and verify documentation, enter and reconcile data, maintain organized records, use spreadsheets and data platforms, and meet reporting deadlines accurately. · Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, and the ability to learn NLEI funder and data platforms. · Ability to independently execute multiple assignments, prioritize competing deadlines, follow procedures, identify problems, and escalate issues appropriately. · Experience serving low-income, underserved, or barrier-affected adults is strongly preferred. · Demonstrated commitment to NLEI’s mission and to respectful, participant-centered service. · Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is required. · Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable personal vehicle for required local business travel. Education / Experience Associate degree, certificate from an accredited institution, or equivalent relevant experience preferred. Demonstrated skills and the ability to perform the work; relevant hands-on experience may substitute for a specific degree or credential. Work Location, Schedule & Travel This is a full-time, onsite position based in Chicago, with work also performed at assigned locations throughout Chicago and neighboring suburbs as required by program activities, funders, and regulatory requirements. Occasional evening and weekend outreach or community events are required. When these activities occur, work schedules will be adjusted accordingly. Approved business mileage is reimbursed in accordance with IRS guidelines and NLEI policy. Salary & Benefits Salary range: $52,000–$55,000 annually, with starting salary determined based on relevant experience and qualifications. Benefits for full-time employees include medical, dental and life insurance; a retirement plan; vacation, sick and personal time; and professional development opportunities. To Apply Send your resume to [email protected]. Please include “Program Specialist” in the subject line. About NLEI: Mission: The National Latino Education Institute advances our community’s economic independence through market and results driven education, training, employment, and advocacy. Incorporated in 1972, NLEI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community-based workforce organization that has served the Latino community and underserved populations for more than five decades through industry-based training, postsecondary credentials, supportive services, employment, and advocacy. NLEI is an equal opportunity employer.
