Connection Specialist

HOME SWEET HOME MINISTRIES INC•Bloomington, IL

1d•$44,000 - $48,000•Onsite

About The Position

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, unhoused, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Rapid Rehousing and our Bread for Life Co-Op. Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others. How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission The Connection Specialist, under the direction of the Director of Client Services, plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and supportive entry into Home Sweet Home Ministries’ shelter services by conducting client assessments, managing intake processes, and facilitating connections to internal and external resources. By building trusting relationships and providing trauma-informed support, the role helps clients stabilize and access needed services, while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with service standards. As a key liaison between clients and the organization, this position upholds HSHM’s commitment to compassionate, client-centered care and contributes to the overall effectiveness and integrity of shelter operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience with trauma informed principles in addressing client behavior.
Knowledge of, and ability to collaborate with, local social services to make appropriate service referrals.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with operational reporting systems.
Demonstrated outstanding organizational and motivational skills, and attention to operational detail.
Able to multi-task and effectively function in a high stress environment.
Ability to lead with empathy, cultural competency, and a Christ-centered focus.
Adept at balancing operational demands with client-centered service.
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.

Responsibilities

Conduct screenings for individuals and families seeking residential services.
Conducts community-based street outreach to identify, engage, and link individuals to supportive services.
Determine eligibility for admission to shelter based on occupancy, client background check, and client management system precondition notes.
Complete intake forms and enter client information into the database accurately.
Assist clients in filling out required paperwork and ensure all documentation is properly submitted.
Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with new clients to assess their needs, eligibility, and background information.
Provide clients with an overview of available services and resources offered by HSHM and other social service agencies within the community.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, offering compassionate and non-judgmental support, through periodic follow-up, readjustment (if necessary), motivation, and spiritual counsel.
Distribute and collect exit questionnaires at time of client departure.
Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all privacy regulations and ethical standards.
Participate in team meetings and in-service training to contribute to the development and improvement of intake processes.
Ensure that client records and documentation are maintained to meet service standards and contractual requirements.
Participation in on-call schedule to provide support to after-hours and weekend staff.
Flexibility of schedule to accommodate clients’ availability due to work/school/ appointment schedules.
Promote Trauma-Informed Care while supporting life transformation.
Encourage resident accountability by promoting participation in shared responsibilities within the shelter environment.
Provide crisis intervention as needed.
Collaborate with internal and external support services staff to ensure clients receive appropriate referrals and follow-up services.