Resource Specialist

Title: Housing Resource Specialist

Location: 4822 N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60640

Schedule: Hybrid, Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:00pm)

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.

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking education and career pathways.
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to the mission and vision of our organization.
• Achieve your goals in a supportive environment that prioritizes your well-being and personal flexibility.

• Medical insurance. BCBS PPO, HMO, and HDHP with HSA Plan
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) 3% Employer Contribution.
• Commuter benefits.
• Professional Development Assistance.
• Disability insurance.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Life/AD&D Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Special Vendor Discounted Offerings on Travel, Amusement Parks,etc.

• 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.

• 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…