By The Hand Club For Kids·Chicago, Illinois
The College and Career Support Specialist coordinates initiatives to help students transition from high school to postsecondary paths, including managing the NXT Steps Mentoring program. This role provides administrative, logistical, and ministry support to students and alumni while fostering mentor-mentee relationships.
By The Hand Club For Kids is a Christian, after-school program that emphasizes academic excellence while nurturing the whole child – mind, body and soul. Located in Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods, By The Hand helps children have abundant life. The culture of By The Hand is Christ-centered, people-focused and results oriented. While loving and nurturing, By The Hand has a strong results-orientation, a very structured program and a growth mindset that believes with hard work we can all continue to learn and grow.
Joining By The Hand’s incredible mission as an abundant life builder means jumping right into the work of healing and hope on behalf of our extraordinary children. You’ll have the opportunity of a lifetime to impact the trajectory of generations of stories, helping students soar to success in their academic performance, practice personal accountability and, even more importantly, grow in their understanding of God and their relationship with Jesus.
By The Hand is a not-for-profit, religious organization. Individuals employed at By The Hand are working in ministerial roles and perform all or some of the following responsibilities: sharing the Gospel, teaching chapel, leading Bible studies, discipling students, and modeling behavior that is consistent with Christ’s teaching.
$50,000 - $55,000 per year
Overview of Position
By The Hand Club For Kids is seeking a dedicated and organized College and Career Support Specialist to join our team on a full-time basis.
Reporting to the Director of College & Career Support, the College and Career Support Specialist (CCSS) supports students in transition to and pursuit of postsecondary paths.
The CCSS supports the Director of College and Career Support by coordinating key initiatives that help students successfully transition from high school to college, career training, and meaningful employment.
This position provides administrative, logistical, relational, and ministry support for the College & Career department, with a primary focus on the NXT Steps Mentoring program, college student engagement, and alumni support.
Serving as the primary point of contact for mentors, the College & Career Support Specialist coordinates mentor communication, training, events, and program logistics while fostering meaningful mentor-mentee relationships.
The position also assists in providing ongoing support to current college students and alumni through regular communication, resource sharing, employability development, and Christ-centered encouragement.
He/she exhibits a Christ-like attitude and a sense of control, consistency, grace, and courtesy toward students.
This position requires some travel to college campuses.
Spiritual Requirements
Has a personal and saving relationship with Jesus Christ, evidenced by a lifestyle that demonstrates the Word of God, and is in regular fellowship with other members in a Bible-believing church.
Agrees with the By The Hand Club Doctrinal Statement and adheres to the Employee Biblical Standards of Living.
Shows by example, the importance of Scripture memorization, Bible study, prayer, witnessing, and Christian fellowship.
Participates in weekly team prayer and devotion.
Has completed an evangelism course and is trained and prepared to share the gospel with anyone who inquires.
Works with leadership to monitor and enforce policies and procedures to further the By The Hand's religious purpose and religious freedom.
Role Responsibilities
Performs in a way that is consistent with the vision, mission and culture of By The Hand and commits to excellence in every aspect of the overall operation.
Models cultural values of By The Hand Club For Kids in day-to-day behavior.
Follows all policies as outlined in the operational guide, including maintaining brand standards and ensuring 100% adherence to the Child Protection Policy.
Participates in employee growth plans including quarterly conversations and annual reviews.
Serve as the primary point of contact for mentors in the NXT Steps Mentoring program.
Facilitate effective communication between mentors and mentees, ensuring a supportive mentoring environment.
Assist with recruitment and training of mentors.
Plan and coordinate logistics for monthly events, including:
Sending out invitations and managing RSVPs.
Organizing transportation for students and mentors.
Arranging meals and dietary accommodations.
Collecting and processing permission slips from students and guardians.
Provide ongoing support and guidance to current college and career students.
Assist with academic and career planning, including resource navigation and goal-setting.
Coordinate care package support program.
Offer biblical counsel to students and solicit prayer requests.
Assist with career research and the development of employability skills to promote successful completion of college degree or employment training.
Conduct check-in visits with current college students once a semester.
Help maintain positive working relationships with partner organizations.
Collaborate with college representatives and assist in program implementation.
Maintain accurate records related to events, student participation, and mentor engagement.
Prepare reports on program effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Performs all other duties as required and assigned.
Required Skills/Abilities
This position requires a Christ-like servant leader who has a sense of calling and who models Biblical principles.
Passion and commitment for urban student transformation, confidence to lead in a challenging situation and belief that all children can learn.
Outstanding problem-solving skills with an orientation toward results, action, impact and influence.
Ability to work both as a team player and independently.
Proven ability to work under tight deadlines and multi-task well.
Passion and commitment for urban student transformation in the area of pre-college.
Able to locate resources and problem solve when needed.
Possess strong relationship building skills with young adults.
Communicates well in written and oral forms using positive interpersonal skills.
Deep understanding of the barriers to college success for low-income, first-generation students.
Flexible schedule with the ability to travel several days a month.
Demonstration of cultural competency and dedication to working with college students, families, and University staff.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in School Counseling or related degree.
Experience using Google Suite products and MS Office Suite.
Must have a valid driver's license, available transportation and their own auto insurance to travel to sites and colleges.
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopies, filing cabinets and fax machines. This job is not a virtual job, but it requires in-person attendance as agreed upon by your immediate supervisor.
The employee is regularly required to speak and listen. This role may require you to move equipment from room to room and lift up to 50 pounds. The individual is also required to travel to other organization sites to meet with staff.
The duties and responsibilities described are not an exhaustive list of all functions that the employee may be required to perform. The employee may be required to perform additional functions as necessitated by business demands. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Employment with By The Hand Club For Kids is at will, and the employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.
By The Hand Club For Kids is an equal opportunity employer.
By The Hand does not unlawfully discriminate against any protected classes.
As a ministry, By The Hand is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees or prospective employees on the basis of religion in our screening and selection process.
By The Hand is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates with a disability, absent undue hardship.
An employee or applicant who believes he or she has a disability and may require an accommodation must contact the Human Resources Department at hr@bythehand.org [hr@bythehand.org] or call 773-854-4176.
Candidates must hold a bachelor's degree in School Counseling or a related field and possess a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to travel to college campuses, and a valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
Market context
In Illinois, College and Career Support Specialist roles are often driven by schools and programs that need help guiding students through postsecondary planning and campus connections. These positions can be competitive because they combine counseling-related experience, strong organization, travel to college campuses, and a faith-based requirement, along with full-time benefits. Review the AI-summarized job requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your degree fit, driving access, and willingness to travel before applying.
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