Department

Crown Neighborhood Schools Program: Staff

About the Department

As one of the first schools of social work in the United States, the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice has shaped the field for more than 100 years. As part of the University of Chicago, the Crown Family School shares the University's core values and distinctive intellectual culture. Crown Family School faculty, staff, and students focus on identifying solutions to complex social problems through research, training, and direct community engagement. Guided by an interdisciplinary tradition, Crown Family School scholars conduct innovative research to address interconnected social challenges such as educational inequality, health disparities, crime and violence, poverty, and child and family welfare—working at multiple scales, from individual to policy-level interventions. More than 10,000 Crown Family School graduates in the US and globally hold leadership positions in academia, at nonprofits, in business, and at governmental agencies. The Crown Family School is the home of three academic centers. These include the Susan and Richard Kiphart Center for Global Health and Social Development, the Kersten Institute for Urban Education, and the Center for Climate, Health, and Society (CHAS). More information may be found at https://crownschool.uchicago.edu/.

Since 1976, the Neighborhood Schools Program (NSP) has connected University of Chicago students with local schools, public service offices, and community organizations. Each year, University students serve as teaching assistants, tutors, mentors, technology coordinators, administrative interns, and general support staff, positively impacting the learning experiences of 2,500 to 5,000 children.

Over time, NSP has also become a key connector between University resources and local schools, collaborating with campus programs, coaching student organizations, and consulting with faculty to strengthen educational partnerships. The program embodies the University’s civic mission by fostering sustained, mutually beneficial relationships with schools and families, expanding the University’s capacity for meaningful engagement in PreK–12 education while providing rich, hands-on learning experiences for its students. More information may be found at https://nsp.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary

The NSP Van Driver transports University of Chicago students who tutor as part of the Neighborhood Schools Program to and from assigned work sites (mainly Chicago public schools) on the mid-south side of Chicago.

This position is part-time, in alignment with the academic year (late September - June). The selected candidate would have the option of a morning or afternoon shift, Monday - Friday. The position is compensated hourly.

Responsibilities

• Transporting students to and from assigned work sites.

• Managing and maintaining vehicles, to ensure vehicles are properly fueled, clean, and up to safety standards facilitating oil changes, repairs, etc.

• Safely obey all traffic regulations and assist passengers into the vehicle when needed and ensure that each passenger is seat belted.

• Coordinating schedules within multiple transportation scheduling systems.

• Providing oversight for part-time student van drivers, and well as coordinate with students who are seeking transportation.

• Under a moderate degree of supervision, provides transportation services to University executives and dignitaries.

• Operates, inspects, maintains, and repairs vehicles, including trucks, buses, and vans.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma from an accredited institution or a GED certificate.

Certifications:

• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Competencies

• Microsoft Suite familiarity (Outlook, Word, Excel).

• Ability to handle high volume of emailing and phone calls to coordinate schedules.

• Database management and student driver scheduling.

• Great interpersonal skills and a positive attitude towards those providing service to the community.

• Ability to drive vehicle (8-passenger van).

• Knowledge of Illinois traffic laws and safe driving techniques.

• Ability to understand and follow University Vehicle Loss Control Program guidelines.

• Ability to read maps and communicate directions.

• Familiarity with Chicago area.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (required)

• References (when asked)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Police & Security

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$20.00 - $25.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.