Housing Counselor I

Chinese American Service League•Chinatown - Chicago, IL

1d•$40,000 - $42,000•Onsite

About The Position

Join CASL as a Housing Counselor I and Make a Difference Are you passionate about helping individuals and families build housing stability and financial confidence? Join CASL as a Housing Counselor I, where you’ll work directly with community members to provide housing counseling, financial education, and hands-on support. In this client-facing role, you’ll help people navigate rental assistance, homeownership preparation, foreclosure prevention, and budgeting. Making a real, day-to-day impact in the communities we serve. Your Mission: The Housing Counselor I advances CASL’s mission by providing accessible, client-centered housing counseling and financial education that empowers individuals and families to make informed decisions, build financial stability, and secure safe, sustainable housing. Through direct service, outreach, and education, this role supports community members as they navigate housing systems with confidence and dignity. About CASL: Founded in 1978, CASL is the largest and most comprehensive community-based organization in the Midwest, with deep roots in serving Asian Americans and a commitment to welcoming all. With over 45 years of experience, CASL supports individuals and families across four essential areas: health, human services, education, and advocacy. From early learning and senior care to legal assistance, housing support, and citizenship services, CASL helps thousands of Chicago-area residents build healthy, stable, and empowered lives. To hear about: CASL's history, watch here CASL's future, watch here Make a Difference, and Get the Support You Deserve Salary Range: $40,000 - $42,000/year | Full Benefits Package Included We value your expertise and commitment, and we invest in both. From competitive pay and comprehensive benefits to a culture that puts people first, you’ll be supported while doing work that matters. This role is based in Chinatown, Chicago, with a standard Monday–Friday schedule. Scroll down for full details on salary, benefits, schedule and what it's like to be part of CASL.

Requirements

Associate degree with at least 4 years of working experience, or High School diploma or equivalent with at least 5 years of related working experience.
Strong interest in working with clients of all ages, demonstrating empathy and cultural sensitivity
Bilingual proficiency in spoken and written English and Cantonese required, Mandarin a plus
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment, with the ability to adjust to changing client needs and program requirements.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and find creative solutions to client challenges and service delivery obstacles.
Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel), data entry and web navigation
Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, with occasional lifting or moving of objects weighing up to 20 pounds.
Required to sit for extended periods of time and travel by car.
Work is performed during standard business hours, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, with flexibility to work additional hours in the evenings or weekends, as necessary.
Work is performed in various settings including the office, clients’ homes, and outdoor environments.

Nice To Haves

Basic end-user level understanding and experience with Salesforce is a plus.

Responsibilities

Client Counseling and Support: Conduct individual counseling sessions, providing guidance on pre-purchase, post-purchase, rental, foreclosure prevention, and financial education to support clients in achieving their housing and financial goals. Apply for subsidized housing, rental or mortgage assistance, small accessible repairs for seniors, and property tax exemptions on behalf of clients. Offer ongoing follow-up and advice to clients every 30 days or as needed, ensuring continuous support until goals are achieved. Close cases promptly after counseling sessions are complete, ensuring a smooth transition for clients.
Workshop and Outreach Management: Organize, implement, and lead housing and financial literacy workshops and seminars on topics including pre-purchase, post-purchase, rental, foreclosure prevention, and fair housing. Establish contacts with community partners to collaborate on workshops and expand the program’s reach. Design promotional materials and utilize social media and other channels to recruit clients and raise awareness of available services.
Administration and Reporting: Maintain accurate physical files and system records in platforms such as Counselor Max, ECM, and Salesforce. Handle inquiries related to housing over the phone, via email, and in person, providing timely and accurate information. Prepare monthly and quarterly reports for related programs as needed, supporting program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Professional Development: Participate in ongoing professional development, attending at least 8 hours of job-related training annually to stay current with housing and financial literacy best practices. Continue training to apply new knowledge and skills to tasks assigned by the Housing Coordinator, including online and out-of-state training opportunities within program requirements and budget.
Outreach and Community Engagement: Engage in outreach and marketing efforts to diverse neighborhoods to recruit clients and promote housing and financial assistance services. Assist clients with completing applications and interpreting or translating letters and documents as required.
Additional Responsibilities: Contribute to additional responsibilities as needed to support the Adult Service department’s initiatives and overall organizational goals, ensuring flexibility and alignment with CASL’s evolving needs.