Community Fellow

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago partners with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need by improving lives and nourishing spirits; strengthening and empowering people, families, and communities; and committing to being present to our times through the eyes of faith.

Role Overview
Community Fellow serves as a welcoming point of contact at the community center by coordinating meal and pantry services, supporting volunteers, connecting clients to resources, and ensuring safe, respectful, and efficient daily operations that promote dignity and self-sufficiency.

 
This role will report to Christ Our Hope Parish (St. James campus): 140 North Ave, Highwood IL
 

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as a welcoming and consistent presence at the community center, engaging with clients, volunteers, and staff to foster a sense of belonging and dignity. Act as a key point of contact during service hours and help maintain a warm, respectful environment. Requires evening hours.
• Coordinate logistics for weekly meals and/or food pantry services, manage inventory, coordinate on site volunteers, and ensure smooth execution of services.
• Promote client empowerment by connecting individuals to internal Catholic Charities programs and external community resources. Support clients in navigating services and building self-sufficiency through referrals and relationship-building. Lead on-site operations during meal service, including opening and closing procedures, oversight of volunteers, implementation of safety protocols, and adherence to Catholic Charities' hospitality and security standards.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Engagement team to support volunteer recruitment, orientation, and coordination. Ensure volunteers are meaningfully engaged and supported, and that their contributions enhance the overall service experience.
• Engage in ongoing learning, training, and skill development, seeking and applying feedback to continuously improve performance and contribute to team and organizational success.

PLEASE NOTE: Essential functions include all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Kneel and move from sitting, bending, kneeling, or standing multiple times a day
• Climb up and down up to 3 flights of stairs at a time
• Lift, push, and pull up to 25 lbs

Other Requirements: Comply with program and/or requirements related to:

• Background check

Education and Experience Requirements:
Minimum

• H.S. Diploma or General Education Degree (GED) Entry level
• Desire to serve others, prioritizing dignity and solidarity. Ability to navigate various sources of input and document a clear plan.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Strong administrative, interpersonal and follow-through skills.

Preferred

• Associate's Degree (AA) in a related field of study 1-3 years relevant experience
• Able to clearly communicate both verbally and through email. Able to work with and lead a team of dedicated volunteers.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Requirements:

Qualifications and Skills:

Preferred: Ability to clearly communicate both verbally and through email. Ability to work with and lead a team of dedicated volunteers.

Minimum: Desire to serve others, prioritizing dignity and solidarity. Ability to navigate various sources of input and document a clear plan. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook (email). Strong administrative, interpersonal and follow-through skills.

Relevant Education:
Preferred: Associate's Degree
Minimum: High School/ GED

Relevant Experience:
Preferred: 1-2 years
Minimum: 1-2 years

Certification/Licensure:
Preferred: N/A
Minimum: N/A