Housing Resource Specialist - Samaritan Program
Heartland Chicago
THE ORGANIZATION
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights helps people living in poverty or danger improve their lives and realize their human rights. From a refugee fleeing violence and torture to a public housing resident trying to escape the cycle of poverty, Heartland Alliance helps people in the toughest of circumstances—who often have no place else to go. For more than 100 years, Heartland Alliance has provided hope, opportunity, and solutions—through both services and advocacy. Our work spans across four key areas, creating paths from crisis to stability and on to success: Housing, Health Care, Economic Security, and Legal Protection.
THE POSITION
Housing Resource Specialist:
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.
• 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 also 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 which will help clients access resources
• 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 his/her 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
REQUIREMENTS
Education and/or Experience: Masters degree in a social service field and one year of experience in advocacy services, case management or similar work in a direct service setting or a Bachelors degree in a social service field and three 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 transportations and comfortable working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
SALARY
$34,737 (Minimum)
To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit:
http://www.heartlandalliance.org/whoweare/careers/search-careers.html