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 youth development programs provide opportunities for youth to build skills through the arts, technology, participatory action research, employment training and placement, gender-specific activities, restorative justice programs, peer-focused communications campaigns and behavioral health services. 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!
Job Openings
How to Apply: If you are interested applying for this position, email your resume, cover letter, and two writing samples in pdf format to careers@alternativesyouth.org. No phone calls, please.
Alternative 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.
Alternatives’ Response to COVID-19
Our priority at Alternatives is to keep our staff and clients safe from potential risks posed by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Alternatives’ Washington Park location has closed and Alternatives’ Uptown location will close beginning Thursday, March 19th until further notice. The situation will be monitored as it progresses and is subject to change.
Our Staff
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 entire 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
- 2 additional mental health days
- 5 additional days of PTO through the end of August
- 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.