Work with our Caminos Program

The Program

The Caminos Program provides safe, secure placement options for children who have recently migrated to the United States seeking opportunities for reunification with family and the chance to pursue their education and immigration cases.

These children are young and vulnerable, and have made the hazardous journey facing exploitation, abuse and human trafficking and have been placed into our care.

Cunningham provides a therapeutic living environment in which youth experience routines of daily living. They reside in a family-like setting and receive educational and spiritual programming, counseling, recreation therapy, and supervised community outings. An average length of stay for Caminos youth is 90 days or until they are united with an approved, vetted host family.

Learn about being a Caminos Youth Care Professional

Working as a Youth Care Professional in our Caminos program provides a unique opportunity to positively impact the lives of recently migrated youth. You will have a profound effect on the lives of vulnerable children navigating major life transitions. Your consistent care, supervision, and support will help these young people build resilience and adjust to their new surroundings. Through daily programming and one-on-one interactions, you will foster a sense of security and belonging, empowering them to thrive emotionally, mentally, and socially. You will be instrumental in guiding their growth as they move toward family reunification, educational success, and achieving their legal immigration goals.

This role is perfect for those passionate about human services, social work, trauma-informed care, and mental health.  A typical day would include:

• Providing a supportive and nurturing environment for our youth
• Participating in activities with the youth making sure to meet the emotional and developmental needs of each one
• Working with and collaborating with others on the care team including therapists, educators and case managers
• Transporting youth to attend medical, legal, and other appointments as needed
• Maintaining detailed program records, reporting regularly to supervisors and participating in staff meetings and training

To succeed in this role, you should have at least one year of experience working with children and young people.  A high school diploma or equivalent and a valid IL Driver’s License are required.  It would be great if you spoke fluent Spanish, although, it’s not required.

Learn about being a Caminos Education Coordinator

The Caminos program provides a year-round school program, which serves children who have recently migrated to the U.S. The program provides these children with educational opportunities while they work toward family reunification and navigate their immigration cases.

Your leadership will directly shape the educational experiences and outcomes of migrant children seeking stability and growth through education. By developing robust systems and supporting a dedicated teaching team, you will create a nurturing, trauma-informed learning environment where students can thrive despite their challenging circumstances. Your role will ensure that students in the Caminos program receive a high-quality education, setting them on a path to success as they transition toward reunification and stability in their new lives.  This role involves curriculum development, instructional oversight, staff supervision, and direct teaching.

To succeed in this role, you should have at least one year of supervisory experience and three years of teaching experience.  Spanish fluency is preferred, though not required.  Bachelor’s degree and teaching certification are required—an administrative license is preferred.  A valid IL Driver’s License is also required.

Learn about being a Caminos Program Director

A unique opportunity allowing you to directly influence the lives of recently migrated children, providing them with the care, support, and therapeutic intervention they need are all part of the Caminos Program Director role.  The Director will oversee all program components, ensuring regulatory compliance, fiscal responsibility, and high standards of care.  Through the oversight of residential care, clinical services, and case management, you will create a nurturing environment where healing and growth are possible. Your work will directly impact the lives of vulnerable youth, fostering hope, resilience, and positive futures.

Important responsibilities for this role include:

• Ensuring the program adheres to all regulatory requirements, including Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) policies, and providing oversight of licensing, contracts, and budget requirements.
• Writing and implementing comprehensive program plans and procedures to guide operations and ensure efficiency.
• Acting as a liaison between various agency departments, external oversight entities, and community partners to maintain seamless communication and ensure compliance.
• Providing leadership and mentorship to interdisciplinary teams, ensuring that direct care staff, clinical professionals, and supervisors are effectively trained and supported.
• Upholding trauma-informed care standards, creating an environment where youth feel safe, supported, and empowered to heal and thrive.

To succeed in this role, you should have three years in management and five years in child welfare experience.  A Master’s degree in the human services area is required—Spanish fluency is preferred.  A clinical license (LCPC/LCSW/LCP) is preferred, and a valid IL Driver’s License is required.

Benefits:

• Health Coverage: Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Disability Income Insurance Benefits
• Paid Time Off: Paid leave and holiday pay.
• Financial Security: Retirement plan with up to 6% agency match; Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Program
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Qualified employer under the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Referral Bonus
• Professional Growth
• Relocation Assistance