Homeless Support Specialist

Chicago Park District•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Under supervision of the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, coordinates and supports Chicago Park District efforts to respond to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness on Park District property. Provides internal coordination, training, and operational support related to encampments and related field conditions; serves as a liaison to City agencies and external service providers; and maintains records, resources, and reports to support data-informed decision-making. Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, or a related field, supplemented by five (5) years of professional experience in homelessness outreach, social services coordination, crisis intervention, case management, or related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience is required.
Valid State of Illinois driver's license.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think quickly and make sound decisions in high-pressure situations.
Ability to work independently; ability to be self-driven to meet goals.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with Park District departments, City agencies, community organizations, and external partners.
Knowledge of mental health practices, including de-escalation strategies.
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards related to homelessness.
Demonstrated desire to work and collaborate with people experiencing homelessness.
Familiarity with community resources and services available for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional boundaries.
Ability to operate with empathy and compassion, with a non-judgmental attitude and the ability to provide emotional support to individuals experiencing homelessness.
Ability to work in an office environment and to spend a significant amount of time working outside in parks.
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and establish trust with employees and communities.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases and projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with standard office software and electronic documentation tools, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Nice To Haves

Licensure or certification in social work, counseling, or a related field
experience working with individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness
experience collaborating with municipal agencies and community-based providers
bilingual Spanish and English communication skills.

Responsibilities

Facilitates staff trainings on Park District policies, protocols, and operational practices related to encampments on Park District property.
Assists with scheduling and coordination for encampment cleanings and related field activity by supporting site coordination and internal communication.
Provides ongoing support to staff regarding encampments on Park District property, including acting as a staff point of contact to address daily happenings regarding individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in Chicago parks.
Collaborates with Park District departments to effectively and compassionately respond to incidents involving individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in parks.
Under supervision, manages dedicated Park District communications systems regarding incidents of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in parks.
Acts as a liaison to partner City agencies and stakeholder organizations for the Park District’s unsheltered homelessness outreach efforts, including the Chicago Police Department and the Department of Family and Support Services.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with representatives from City agencies, departments, and community organizations.
Participates in city-wide outreach coordination as necessary.
Supports alignment, as directed by leadership, with relevant City guidance, including the City’s Five-Year Blueprint on Homelessness, as applicable.
Conducts consistent outreach to individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in parks; including supporting the connection of individuals to local resources.
Establishes relationships with local resource providers and collaborates to improve service delivery.
Retains records regarding encampments on park property.
Monitors internal incident reports and external police reports to stay informed about events related to encampments occurring within park sites.
Monitors and responds to City 311 reports regarding individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in parks.
Provides regular reports to Park District leadership.
Remains informed of ongoing changes to public benefits programs that may support individuals experiencing homelessness.
Conducts research on best practices regarding encampments and presents findings to Park District leadership