Housing Coordinator

VOA Illinois•Joliet, IL

8h•$19 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Volunteers of America is a national, faith-based nonprofit organization founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois is one of the oldest affiliates of the Volunteers of America family delivering strength-based trauma-informed, gender-responsive and culturally sensitive programs and services at the highest standards of excellence to our clients. We have never stopped reinventing our services and we continue to innovate based on our communities’ evolving needs. VOA Illinois, a certified “Great Place to Work,” fosters an organizational culture focused on faith, innovation and collaboration. Year after year VOA Illinois expands and promotes from within, holding a workforce with over 50% having experienced promotion. Check out our careers page to find more opportunities at Careers - VOA Illinois . This is a Full-time, in-office position and requires a 40-hour week on average. May include occasional weekend and/or evening hours as assigned. Physical demands include sedentary work, operating a computer and other office productivity machinery with frequent communication with clients and colleagues of VOA Illinois and others involved in the care and custody of clients. The individual hired must be able to move, traverse and travel in the community in a vehicle, assist clients in and out of a vehicle if necessary and transport clients in the community. Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) is a comprehensive program for Veterans who are struggling in crisis or at risk of serious instability in their lives. The program provides Veterans with the support, resources and hope they need to successfully win “the war at home” and achieve their full potential in all areas of their life, by working on a personalized service plan with our Veteran Services team. Our team offers a full continuum of supportive services and interventions that are individually tailored to meet the unique needs of each Veteran.

Requirements

This position requires a high-school diploma (or equivalent) and at least two years of related experience working with the low income and/or homeless population providing supportive housing services, or property management.
This position requires the familiarity with subsidized market value rental properties in the Chicagoland area.
Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance, access to safe and reliable vehicle during all work hours.
Experience in service management, including organizing, problem-solving and advocating.
Experience and demonstrated proficiency/success in leveraging and working with community resources.
Ability to effectively communicate in writing, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially spreadsheets, database and reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with supportive service providers, community partners, and stakeholders to prevent and end Veteran homelessness.
Provide comprehensive housing support services, including participant assessments, housing navigation, referrals to safe and compliant housing, and ensuring required inspections and quality standards are met.
Conduct housing inspections and serve as a subject matter expert on fair housing, affordable housing regulations, tenant/landlord rights, and program compliance requirements.
Proactively recruit, engage, and retain landlords through community outreach, in-person engagement, and relationship-building efforts to expand a portfolio of safe, affordable housing options for Veterans.
Respond promptly to participant, landlord, and partner inquiries to ensure timely housing placements and service coordination.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in required databases and systems (e.g. HUD-VASH, VA systems, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office) in accordance with program, regulatory, and funding requirements.
Collaborate with team members and the Program Manager to develop and implement innovative strategies that support Veterans in transitioning to and maintaining permanent housing.
Assist in meeting program performance goals and maintaining compliance with HUD, VA, and other applicable housing regulations and funding requirements.
Facilitate and participate in housing-related events, including landlord seminars, outreach initiatives, and housing resource fairs (e.g., in partnership with local VA Medical Centers).
Research housing and demographic trends to inform program development and strategic planning efforts.
Serve as a liaison to legal service providers regarding fair housing concerns, landlord disputes, eviction prevention, and housing stability matters.
Travel within assigned service areas and surrounding counties to conduct outreach, inspections, landlord engagement, and participant support services.
Deliver services using a trauma-informed, culturally competent approach while promoting professionalism, participant accountability, and long-term self-sufficiency.
Represent the agency and program in local, state, and national forums, coalitions, and community meetings.
Support organizational growth through collaboration, information sharing, and continuous improvement efforts.
Uphold the mission, vision, and values of VOA Illinois at all times.
As assigned by supervisor.