Program Health Specialist

Organization: The Dovetail Project

Location: Chicago, IL

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $25–$28 per hour, plus benefits:

Organizational Overview: The Dovetail Project is a family-centered intervention organization serving fathers and families across Chicago. We provide culturally responsive education, workforce development, health and wellness programming, and individualized support to strengthen family stability, advance equity, and promote long-term economic and social well-being.

Position Summary: The Program Health Specialist is a cross-functional professional responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating community-based health and workforce development programming for fathers ages 17–24. This role integrates outreach, facilitation, health education, case management, data collection, and program administration to support participant outcomes and ensure program compliance and effectiveness. The position requires regular community engagement, coordination with external partners, and direct service delivery. The Program Health Specialist operates with a high degree of professionalism, discretion, accountability and contributes to continuous program improvement.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Implementation & Service Delivery

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver health education, workforce readiness, and life-skills programming using trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches.
• Facilitate classroom instruction, workshops, and group activities.
• Schedule and coordinate guest speakers, instructors, site visits, and educational tours.
• Administer academic and workforce assessments, including TABE and GED practice tests.

Outreach, Engagement & Case Management

• Conduct community outreach, recruitment, and participant engagement throughout Chicago.
• Provide individualized, trauma-informed case management, including needs assessments, referrals, and follow-up.
• Transport participants to and from program activities using agency vehicles, as required.

Data, Evaluation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely participant records, case notes, and program documentation.
• Collect, analyze, and report program data to assess effectiveness and support evaluation efforts.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, funder requirements, and applicable regulations, including human-subjects protections where applicable.

Administration & Operations

• Assist with grant development, reporting, budgeting, purchasing, and inventory tracking.
• Maintain databases, financial records, and operational reports.
• Support the development of annual goals, objectives, and performance metrics.

Collaboration & Representation

• Build and maintain effective working relationships with community partners, workforce agencies, health providers, and public officials.
• Coordinate recruitment and supervision of short-term instructors, volunteers, and wellness practitioners.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, civic events, and professional conferences as needed.

Additional Responsibilities

• Enforce organizational policies and procedures with tact, consistency, and professionalism.
• Perform related duties as assigned to support organizational goals.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Health (MPH), Social Work (MSW), or a closely related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in a community-based organization, public health program, family intervention program, or human services setting.
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, facilitation, case management, or program coordination.
• Knowledge of public health principles, health education, and social determinants of health.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with data systems, documentation, and digital tools.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable Motor Vehicle Record (no accidents within the past five years).
• Completion of C.I.T.I. Training (e.g., OHRB) or equivalent ethics/human-subjects training.
• Availability Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, with occasional early mornings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with young fathers, justice-impacted individuals, or underserved populations.
• Training in trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practice.
• Experience with program evaluation, grant management, or budget oversight.

Core Competencies

• Program planning and implementation
• Data analysis and evaluation
• Community engagement and partnership development
• Case management and participant advocacy
• Organizational compliance and documentation
• Cultural humility and equity-centered practice

Pay: $ $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person