Housing Resource Specialist

Heartland Human Care Services•Chicago, IL

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Resource Specialist provides technical assistance, information and referral, advocacy and resource development for Agency program participants and related service providers. The employee in this position at a residential program may be required to remain on agency premises during break and/or meal periods. Individual accountabilities and work volume will be established through the development of annual Success Objectives, within the framework outlined below. The Housing Resource Specialist leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of Heartland Human Care Services. Supports culture development and management efforts.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a social service field and (1) year of experience in advocacy services, case management or similar work in a direct service setting OR; a Bachelor’s degree in a social service field and (3) years of experience in advocacy services, case management or similar work in a direct service setting.
Experience in working with special populations including homeless and at-risk individuals; individuals with psychiatric disorders and/or individuals with chemical dependencies.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and access to regular, dependable and timely transportation and comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
A valid driver's license is required with a driving record that meets organizational eligibility standards.
Access to regular, dependable, and timely transportation
Ability and comfortability working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Excellent communication skills. Strong networker, convener, relationship builder and communicator with experience collaborating with diverse work teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information possessing skills to handle situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
A high degree of collaboration and emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and analytical ability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Human Care Services.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision.

Responsibilities

Locates and secures appropriate private market housing units available to homeless or at risk individuals.
Interviews clients to determine the appropriateness of potential referral both from the perspective of the individual need and the resource referral criteria.
Instructs clients in budgeting skills, employment interviewing, job search skills and other specific skills necessary to achieve successful referral.
Meets with employees, landlords and service providers to help resolve conflicts that might arise with referred clients and negotiate linkages to provide follow up services.
Assists in identification of supportive service “gaps” and needs at the program level.
Networks with other housing service providers to ensure that the housing needs of homeless or at risk individuals are adequately addressed.
Administers funds for client assistance per program policies and procedures that will help clients to access resources (i.e., resources such as buying household items and groceries.).
Participates in organizations and coalitions, which help promote greater resources for clients.
Develops and maintains professional relationship with social service and government agencies and with other organizations to enhance service delivery and the agency image. Interprets agency programs to other social service and government agencies, the public and civic groups.
Continues professional development by active, self-initiated participation in/with supervision, in house training, conferences, seminars and independent study.
Participates in program and operational planning.
Assists in the preparation of grant applications, which will increase resources or linkages to existing resources.
Participates actively in all supervisory, unit and agency meetings.
Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies and or other appropriate professional associations) private funding sources Agency plans/policies and unity guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in house and external staff training to ensure that he/she understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
Other duties may be assigned.