Come work with us…

Alternatives has been a leader and innovator among Chicago’s youth-serving organizations since it was founded in 1971. Alternatives supports and empowers thousands of Chicago youth each year, working to build safer and more vibrant communities. Our staff work throughout Chicago to deliver these programs, both in schools and within the communities. Alternatives has two youth centers, one in Uptown and one in Washington Park.

Please see our open positions and ways to get involved below!

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Alternatives is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Alternatives does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Benefits

Alternatives is expanding in some exciting new areas. Check out our new openings below to explore opportunities to join Alternatives.

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How to Apply

If you are interested applying for any of our open positions, email your resume and cover letter in pdf format to careers@alternativesyouth.org. No phone calls, please.

Job Openings

Restorative Practices Coach (Chicago)

Alternatives Behavioral Health Supervisor – (Chicago)

Trauma Informed Care Trainer (Chicago)

Restorative Justice Trainer (Chicago)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Chicago)

On-Call Crisis Worker (Chicago)

Systems and Training Manager (Chicago)

Behavioral Health Therapist (Waukegan)

Behavioral Health Supervisor (Waukegan)

Trauma-Informed Program Specialist  (Waukegan)

Alternatives Youth Advocate (Waukegan) 

Prevention Specialist (Chicago)

Community Wellness Manager (Chicago)

Compliance Administrator (Chicago)

Request for Proposals: RJ Engagement-$46k

Alternatives is looking for a community organization or individual RJ practitioner to contract with us to implement a school community engagement project of your own design in our southside neighborhoods. View the RFP here.

Alternatives’ Response to COVID-19

At Alternatives we value the mental health and safety of our staff as much as we do our clients. This is why we have implemented a work-from-home policy for our non-essential staff since our shift to virtual services while maintaining staff on payroll and ensuring that they can continue to rely on a steady paycheck. We have scheduled bi-weekly staff meetings to ensure transparency in communication with our staff around COVID-related issues and we’ve provided methods for assessing staff needs and providing additional relief where possible. We have asked for staff feedback about how they’re feeling at this time and we have responded by providing the following:

  • Flexible schedules while working from home
  • 5 additional mental health days
  • Modified work plans that address the challenges of working in this environment
  • An employee relief fund for those that have had family members impacted by COVID.

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