College and Career Support Specialist

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.

Salary: $50,000 - $55,000 per year

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 & 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Performs all other duties as required and assigned.

• 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…