STLS Coordinator

Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) Coordinator

Reporting to the STLS Manager, the STLS Coordinator advocates for the educational rights of homeless students, ensuring equitable access to all services, programs, and activities. The role requires strategic planning, training development, and partnership cultivation to strengthen the STLS program.

• Develop and maintain proficiency in laws and policies relevant to homeless education (McKinney‑Vento Act, ESSA, Illinois Plan, Salazar v. Edwards Consent Decree) and participate in ongoing professional development on trauma, mental health, and special education.
• Develop, update, and facilitate comprehensive training curricula—including onboarding for new staff—using webinars, video recordings, and in‑person sessions.
• Manage all training logistics: create annual schedules (BOY, MOY, EOY), secure facilities, handle registration, communicate opportunities, and maintain accurate training records.
• Monitor compliance with STLS training requirements, conduct surveys, analyze feedback, and refine training methods to address performance gaps.
• Build relationships with community‑based organizations and shelters, refine asset mapping, and coordinate logistics for warehouse donations.
• Serve as liaison for Juvenile Justice, SOAR, and local shelters; coordinate staff training and strategies to improve student engagement and attendance.
• Act as the primary contact for coordination of services and reports for youth in care, supporting DCFS placements in compliance with ESSA.
• Respond to inquiries from parents, schools, and the community via telephone, email, and Service Now tickets.
• Attend seminars and meetings to acquire new training techniques, evaluate program effectiveness, and implement updated strategies for continuous improvement.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, or a related field.

• Minimum four (4) years of relevant social service or urban education/adult learning experience.
• Experience working within a strength‑based and trauma‑informed context.
• Strong knowledge of strategies for serving vulnerable and disconnected youth, improving student achievement, authentic learning, retention, and resilience.

• Commitment to creating a strength‑based and trauma‑informed knowledge base for STLS and CPS staff.
• Excellent time‑management, public speaking, problem‑solving, verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of city‑wide social service infrastructure and national/local education and homeless landscape.
• Knowledgeable about learning management systems, instructional design, e‑learning platforms, and operating media equipment.
• Knowledge of traditional and modern training methods and techniques.
• Exceptional organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills; ability to work with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments, assess and analyze data, and make data‑informed decisions.
• Proven record of supporting adult learning and leadership development.
• Strong information‑design skills and ability to develop instructional materials across delivery methods.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, and capable of recognizing and communicating strategic opportunities.
• Resourceful, creative, hardworking, open to feedback, and possessing a sense of humor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Flexible schedule, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Support the philosophy and vision of Chicago Public Schools and the STLS programs; create positive relationships with staff, schools, and stakeholders.