HOUSING & CASH ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

State of Illinois•Bloomington, IL

About The Position

Serves as Housing and Cash Assistance Specialist for an assigned geographic region Provides input and guidance to private agencies in securing housing and cash assistance for families Explains program eligibility, policies, and procedures to clients seeking assistance from the Department Develops strategies to effectively fulfill objectives of the Office of Housing and Cash Assistance Serves as liaison with agencies, caseworkers, supervisory staff, office managers, and various other internal and external entities Conducts research, reviews, data, and develops reports

Requirements

Preferably requires a master’s degree in social work; OR a master’s degree in a related human service field, supplemented by one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in social work and one year of directly related professional casework/case management experience; OR requires a bachelor’s degree in a related human service field and two years of directly related professional casework/case management experience.
The college or university issuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree must be accredited, and the degree program in social work must be approved by the Council on Social Work Education. The directly related professional casework/case management experience must be related to family preservation, family reunification, adoption, youth development, counseling, and advocacy services or a related field.
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history
Requires the ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
Requires physical, visual and auditory ability to carry out assigned duties

Responsibilities

Serves as Housing and Cash Assistance Specialist for an assigned geographic region
Provides input and guidance to private agencies in securing housing and cash assistance for families
Explains program eligibility, policies, and procedures to clients seeking assistance from the Department
Develops strategies to effectively fulfill objectives of the Office of Housing and Cash Assistance
Serves as liaison with agencies, caseworkers, supervisory staff, office managers, and various other internal and external entities
Conducts research, reviews, data, and develops reports

Benefits

A Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program eligibility
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)