Eating Recovery Center·Chicago, Illinois
The Program Coordinator provides direct patient care and supervision within a therapeutic milieu to ensure safety and support individualized treatment plans. Responsibilities include facilitating therapeutic groups, assisting with meal support, and maintaining accurate clinical documentation.
At ERC Pathlight, we’re on a mission to change lives—and we’re looking for people who feel called to do the same. As one of the nation’s leading treatment providers for eating disorders and mood, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions, we bring innovative, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate care to patients across the country. With multiple locations nationwide and extensive virtual programming, we meet patients exactly where they are and help them move toward lasting recovery. Founded in 2008 by renowned psychiatrists and psychologists, ERC Pathlight now supports more than 6,000 patients each year. And as the need for world-class mental health care continues to rise, our commitment is stronger than ever: to expand access, elevate the standard of care, and empower every patient to rebuild their life with dignity and hope. Why Join Us When you join ERC Pathlight, you become part of a team that shows up every day to make a real difference. You’ll work alongside passionate clinicians, dedicated support staff, and mission-driven leaders who believe in collaboration, growth, and doing the right thing—always. Here, your work matters. Your ideas matter. You matter. If you’re energized by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to help transform the future of mental health treatment, you belong here. Come build hope. Come save lives. Come grow with us. What you’ll be doing: The Program Coordinator (PC I, PC II, PC III) is responsible for providing direct care and supervision to patients within inpatient, residential, and partial hospitalization levels of care at ERC Pathlight. Program Coordinators maintain a safe, structured, and therapeutic milieu while supporting the implementation of individualized treatment plans. PCs provide patient supervision, maintain structure and boundaries, support therapeutic programming, assist with mealtime support, and complete required documentation. Level placement (I, II, III) is determined based on education, experience, and demonstrated competency. Essential duties and responsibilities: Milieu Management Maintain daily program structure by following the established schedule Complete observation rounds and safety checks as ordered by physician Support patients with de-escalation and implementation of coping skills per treatment plan Conduct room and luggage searches Supervise fresh air breaks and mindful movement exposures Provide ongoing bathroom monitoring Obtain and document patient vital signs, weights, and urine specific gravity (as applicable by location/program) Group Facilitation Participate in facilitation of therapeutic groups Complete required EHR documentation related to group facilitation Support group-based social activities and meal outings Meal Support Participate in all meals and snacks with patients Provide meal support using coaching and skills aligned with the treatment team Complete timely and accurate meal-related documentation Support dietitians in preparation for Nutrition and Cooking Groups Ensure adherence to individualized meal plans and allergy-safety protocols Support restaurant outings as needed Administrative & Operational Support Complete required documentation in compliance with organizational and regulatory standards, including patient observations, meals, and shift-related events Provide patient transportation for medical appointments (as applicable by location/program) Support additional transportation needs including outings, grocery procurement, or other facility needs Assist with food procurement as needed (may occur weekly) Distribute mail and packages daily Position Expectations (All Levels) All Program Coordinators must: Be willing and able to work at all ERC Pathlight local sites as assigned Be compliant with certification and regulatory requirements for each practice location Maintain a flexible schedule to meet organizational staffing needs Be available to work weekends and holidays as required Be available to work on-call shifts based on business needs and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local labor laws Must haves: Program Coordinator I (PC I) High School Diploma or GED (Required) Entry-level role: no prior direct patient care experience required unless required by state regulation (Required) Valid driver’s license with safe driving record: required only at locations operating company vehicles or requiring driving on behalf of the company (Required) Washington teammates must hold a state credential (may be pending at time of hire) (Required) ServSafe certification may be required depending on state and local licensing regulations (Required) Mental Health/Psych Tech or CNA certification (Preferred) Program Coordinator II (PC II) High School Diploma or GED (Required) Minimum of one (1) year of direct patient care experience (Required) Valid driver’s license with safe driving record: required only at locations operating company vehicles or requiring driving on behalf of the company (Required) Washington teammates must hold a state credential (may be pending at time of hire) (Required) ServSafe certification may be required depending on state and local licensing regulations (Required) Mental Health/Psych Tech or CAN certification (Preferred) Program Coordinator III (PC III) Bachelor’s degree in behavioral health or related field (Required) Minimum of six (6) months of experience in a behavioral health or related field (Required) Valid driver’s license with safe driving record: required only at locations operating company vehicles or requiring driving on behalf of the company (Required) Washington teammates must hold a state credential (may be pending at time of hire) (Required) ServSafe certification may be required depending on state and local licensing regulations (Required) Mental Health/Psych Tech or CAN certification (Preferred) #ERC The compensation range for this position is based upon candidate experience and market expectations. Illinois Pay Range $18.25—$29 USD
At ERC Pathlight, caring for people is our mission and that begins with caring for our own team. Your well-being matters, and our benefit program is designed to support every part of your life. We offer competitive compensation; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; generous Paid Time Off; Parental Leave benefits; Retirement benefits; and tuition reimbursement to help you continue growing in your career. We also recognize that mental health is part of every person’s experience. That’s why we strive to create a workplace where you feel supported, seen, and encouraged—personally, professionally, and at home. When you thrive, you can do your best work. And your best work changes lives.
Candidates must have at least a high school diploma or GED, with higher levels requiring specific experience or a bachelor's degree in a behavioral health field. Applicants must be available for flexible scheduling, including weekends and holidays, and possess a valid driver's license where applicable.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.