BASIC FUNCTION:
Access Living seeks full-time employees to serve as Access Living’s Housing Locator for Colbert Consent Decree. Each Housing Locator is responsible for implementing programs that achieve andadvocate for consumers to obtain integrated housing options when they have a goal to deinstitutionalize from congregate care facilities.
SPECIFIC DUTIES:
- To assist consumers in finding and moving into safe and habitable housing in neighborhoods that meet the desired amenities of the consumers
- Locate housing, conduct pre-inspections of units for accessibility and consumer’s safety, and complete required documentation for funding requirements
- Offer each consumer 3-5 safe andsecure units that meet or can meet (with modification) the accessibility requirementsProvide or arrange for transportation for consumers and accompany consumers during viewings of offered units and orient her/him to unit’s neighborhoodSubmit an applicationfor housing subsidies
- Support the consumer in getting an executed leaseShop for or with the consumer for household goods for the new unit and first month’s food supply
- Transport consumers and their personal belongings on the day of discharge
- To promote integration and independent living philosophy for people with disabilities
- To develop working and cordial relationships and conduct regular meetings with IDHS, Contractor agencies, Comprehensive Class Member Transition ProgramOrganizations, and other agencies
- Work collaboratively with external multi-disciplinary teams of care coordinators, nursing facility staff, home modification staff, fiscal agencies and other organizations on behalf of Colbert class members
- To learn the housing rights of people with disabilities
- Develop partnerships with private owners and providers of subsidized, supportive, and affordable housing
- To provide regularweekly updates and complete reports when necessary
- To properly complete and maintain clients files, including entering data into internal and external online databases in timely fashion
- To act as spokesperson for Access Living
- To complete other duties as assigned
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
REQUIRED:Driver’s license and reliable insured vehicle required.Ability to travel throughout program required areas. Analytical, problem solving, networking, and knowledge of skill-building techniques. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED: BA/BS degree. Experience working with landlords, locating housing, other housing related experience. Experience (personal orprofessional) working with people with disabilities.
EXPERIENCE:
Six months will be the length of time required to develop knowledge of accessible integrated housing providers within Cook County, and the system of housing subsidy program.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to lift up to 50lb.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Office area is a shared workspace divided by cubicles. Access Living operates under a hybrid office plan.
SUPERVISED BY:
Supervisor of Colbert and Williams Housing Location services
SALARY:
$54,000 – $55,000
How to Apply:
Cover letter is required. Email your cover letter and resume to Dariusz Barwacz at dbarwacz@accessliving.org
People with disabilities, members of other oppressed communities, and those with personal experience with disability are highly encouraged to apply.