Title: Housing Specialist
Date Prepared: February 2015
Hours: Full-time
Background:
Date Prepared: February 2015
Hours: Full-time
Background:
The mission of the Garfield Park Community Council (GPCC) is to strengthen, promote and encourage opportunities
that support an engaged, equitable and vital Garfield Park neighborhood. Spun off by the Garfield Park
Conservatory Alliance in 2012, the GPCC is building on its work of the past nine years to revitalize and bring new
opportunities to Garfield Park. The GPCC’s housing activities aim to create and maintain affordable, quality housing
options for both longtime residents and attract new families to the neighborhood.
Between 2009 and 2011, over 20% of all Garfield Park occupied rental properties were impacted by foreclosure. In response, the GPCC created the Garfield Park Housing Center, which provides free housing counseling and referrals for local renters and landlords. In 2013, the GPCC partnered with the City of Chicago to implement the Micro- Market Recovery Program (MMRP), a new initiative to kick-start the residential housing market in communities affected by high rates of foreclosure. The GPCC leads MMRP efforts in East Garfield Park, targeting specific blocks for assistance. In 2015, the GPCC will integrate the MMRP and the Housing Center services with the GPCC’s broader community development efforts, which will include organizing and training resident advocates and developing leaders.
The GPCC seeks to hire a housing specialist to provide housing counseling and referrals for renters and landlords and to work with the City of Chicago and MMRP partners to support existing homeowners to maintain their properties and partner with developers and homebuyers to reoccupy vacant properties. The Housing Specialist will report to the GPCC’s Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
Candidate should have Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in related field. Experience in urban, community development and organizing required and demonstrated ability in housing/real estate preferred; excellent interpersonal skills; and strong oral and written communication skills. The person must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Real estate professional background a plus. The ideal candidate will be familiar with Chicago’s Resident Landlord Tenant Ordinance.
Submit resume, writing sample and at least two references by mail or e-mail to:
GPCC, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624. Attention Mike Tomas or gphousingorganizer@gmail.com
Between 2009 and 2011, over 20% of all Garfield Park occupied rental properties were impacted by foreclosure. In response, the GPCC created the Garfield Park Housing Center, which provides free housing counseling and referrals for local renters and landlords. In 2013, the GPCC partnered with the City of Chicago to implement the Micro- Market Recovery Program (MMRP), a new initiative to kick-start the residential housing market in communities affected by high rates of foreclosure. The GPCC leads MMRP efforts in East Garfield Park, targeting specific blocks for assistance. In 2015, the GPCC will integrate the MMRP and the Housing Center services with the GPCC’s broader community development efforts, which will include organizing and training resident advocates and developing leaders.
The GPCC seeks to hire a housing specialist to provide housing counseling and referrals for renters and landlords and to work with the City of Chicago and MMRP partners to support existing homeowners to maintain their properties and partner with developers and homebuyers to reoccupy vacant properties. The Housing Specialist will report to the GPCC’s Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
- Homebuyer engagement – presentations, workshops, consultations
- Existing homeowners support – housing court support, consultations, referrals
- Developer and investor engagement - forums, partnerships, consultations, data collection
- Realtor and Broker engagement – open house events, luncheons, tours, printed material, social media
- Public outreach efforts – attend local church events, block club meetings, host outreach events
- Tenant support – develop responses to issues presented by tenants and landlords
- Work with housing partners Community Investment Corporation (CIC), Neighborhood Housing Services,
- Mercy Portfolio Services, Metropolitan Tenants Organization, Lawyers Committee for Better Housing
- Compile and maintain a calendar of events, and several City supported databases
- Research and assist with securing additional grant funding consistent with housing program objectives
Candidate should have Bachelor’s Degree (minimum) in related field. Experience in urban, community development and organizing required and demonstrated ability in housing/real estate preferred; excellent interpersonal skills; and strong oral and written communication skills. The person must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Real estate professional background a plus. The ideal candidate will be familiar with Chicago’s Resident Landlord Tenant Ordinance.
Submit resume, writing sample and at least two references by mail or e-mail to:
GPCC, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60624. Attention Mike Tomas or gphousingorganizer@gmail.com
Garfield Park Community Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer