Resource Specialist

The Housing Resource Specialist connects individuals and families with housing resources, supporting those in unstable housing situations or at risk of homelessness. The role works with both affordable and market‑rate housing partners and solutions.

• Provide case management specific to housing placement for participants seeking housing assistance.
• Conduct housing counseling and assessment screenings to identify appropriate housing intervention (market‑rate, affordable/subsidized, HACC waitlists, SRN, etc.).
• Advocate and liaise between participants and Housing Authority Cook County (HACC), Statewide Referral Network (SRN), and other affordable housing institutions.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords and affordable housing providers and maintain a housing database.
• Offer tenant rights and fair housing counseling; refer participants to legal resources as needed.
• Mediate between landlords and participants to resolve tenancy issues.
• Coach participants through the application process with landlords and assist with subsidy and affordable housing application and certification processes.
• Refer housing participants to other Connections services (mental health, prevention, etc.) to maintain housing stability and increase overall quality of life.
• Support participants in credit counseling and repair.
• Maintain participant files in HMIS, respond to referrals, prepare reports, and ensure all required documentation is completed in a timely manner.
• Effectively engage potential participants and explain the scope of services provided by Connections for the Homeless.
• Attend agency and prevention related meetings, conferences, trainings, and represent Connections for the Homeless on external committees as assigned.
• Represent agency values and vision.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Deep understanding of harm reduction and trauma‑informed care principles, and the impact of severe mental illness on individuals and their families.
• Strong administrative skills, ability to multi‑task, and attention to detail.
• Able to work independently and with diverse populations.
• Good speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of computer literacy and data entry skills.

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual Spanish or Arabic.
• Experience providing diversion, homeless prevention services, or case management.
• Experience working on a hybrid schedule.
• Experience with client databases (Homeless Management Information System / HMIS, etc.).
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.

• Must be able to pass a criminal background check and provide evidence of a recent tuberculosis test.

For nearly 40 years, Connections for the Homeless has served and catalyzed our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. Each year we provide eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to 4,000 people across north suburban Cook County. Beyond direct services, we operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness. The COVID‑19 pandemic accelerated our growth in depth and breadth of services, solidifying an organizational infrastructure that sustains our impact.

Join our dedicated team at Connections for the Homeless, where we blend a commitment to making a difference with a competitive rewards package. Our full‑time employees enjoy a range of benefits crafted through an equitable lens, supporting their well‑being and professional growth. We are ready to invest in you as you help make a difference in our community. We can’t wait for you to join us!