Program Support Specialist

Position Summary

The Program Coordinator plays a leadership role within Illinois Workers in Action’s (Immigrant Legal Support Program) by supporting the implementation, coordination, and quality assurance of community-based legal navigation services. The coordinator will oversee a small cohort of Community Navigators (CNs), ensuring accurate information dissemination, ethical service delivery, and alignment with program goals. This role bridges community outreach with structured legal referral systems, strengthening access to justice for immigrant communities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Supervision

• Oversee and mentor a cohort of Community Navigators, providing guidance, support, and accountability
• Assist in onboarding and training CNs, including Know Your Rights (KYR), referral processes, and accompaniment practices
• Support CNs in setting and achieving individualized service goals (e.g., outreach, referrals, case follow-up)

Program Implementation

• Coordinate and support community outreach efforts, including workshops, presentations, and events
• Accompany CNs to presentations and provide real-time coaching and feedback
• Ensure consistent use of outreach materials and messaging aligned with IWA’s programs (e.g., Rights for All, KYR, family preparedness)

Legal Navigation Oversight

• Reinforce compliance with Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) guidelines by ensuring CNs provide general information only
• Support accurate intake, pre-screening, and referrals to legal service providers through A2J systems
• Assist in organizing legal clinics and connecting community members to consultations

Data Tracking & Reporting

• Review CN documentation, including sign-in sheets, intake forms, and referral tracking
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry into systems (e.g., Salesforce, tracking spreadsheets)
• Support program reporting by tracking outputs such as individuals reached, referrals made, and presentations conducted

Quality Assurance

• Conduct regular check-ins with CNs to monitor progress and address challenges
• Ensure services are delivered with cultural competency, confidentiality, and professionalism
• Identify gaps in service delivery and recommend improvements to the Program Coordinator

Qualifications

• Strong commitment to immigrant rights, worker justice, and community empowerment
• Experience in community outreach, organizing, or social services preferred
• Demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and support a team
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Familiarity with immigrant communities in Chicago and suburban Illinois (Aurora, Bolingbrook, etc.) is a plus

Approach & Values

This position centers a holistic, family-centered approach, recognizing that incarceration impacts entire households and communities. The Program Coordinator plays a key role in advancing access to justice, stability, and long-term empowerment.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Illinois Workers in Action is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a team that reflects the diversity and strength of the communities we serve.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred