Homelessness Preventions Specialist

Theuniversityunion; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 48,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Connections for the Homeless, based in Evanston, IL, provides eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to thousands in Cook County. This full-time role supports Homeless Prevention and Diversion Services by processing requests and coordinating with partners.

The position requires strong administrative skills, independence, and excellent communication, with a commitment to our core values and funder requirements.

Qualifications

• Strong administrative skills, ability to multi-task, and good 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 (desirable).
• Bilingual Spanish or Arabic (desirable).
• Experience with diversion/homeless prevention services (desirable).
• Experience with hybrid schedule (desirable).
• Experience with client databases (HMIS, etc.) (desirable).

Responsibilities

• Process requests for Prevention and Diversion Services.
• Provide referrals when participants do not qualify or funding has been disbursed.
• Collaborate with community partners to inform people about programs and identify participants.
• Handle intakes, assessment calls, and callbacks.
• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualifications.
• Provide case management to ensure compliance with funder requirements.
• Maintain relationships with service providers and participate in meetings.
• Represent agency at community meetings as assigned.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Administrative skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication skills

Software proficiency

Data entry

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

HMIS

Job description

• Location 2121 Dewey Ave,Evanston, IL, 60201,United States
• Base Pay $24.40 / Hour
• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt
• Manage Others No

Summary of Position: Provide general case management services to clients seeking Homeless Prevention and Diversion Services

Specific Duties:

• Responsible for processing requests for Prevention and Diversion Services
• Provide referrals to outside providers when participants do not qualify for Connections-administered funds, or when all Connections’ funding has been disbursed
• Collaborate with community partners and other stakeholders to inform people about the programs and to identify potential participants
• Handle intakes, assessment calls, and callbacks
• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualifications
• Provide case management as required to ensure participants comply with funder requirements
• Maintain relationships with other service providers and participate in planning/service coordination meetings
• Represent agency at community service provider and other meetings as assigned
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

The following qualifications are requirements for the position:

• Strong administrative skills, ability to multi-task, and good 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

Qualifications that are desirable

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

Other requirements

• Must submit to a criminal background check and submit to or provide evidence of a recent test for tuberculosis

Summary

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 from across north suburban Cook County. Beyond providing direct services we also operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness. The COVID pandemic accelerated our growth in the depth and breadth of services we offer and the organizational infrastructure to sustain this highly impactful organization. Connections is a radically reshaped organization deeply committed to demonstrating our core values in all relationships with participants, colleagues, donors, partners, and volunteers.

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, consciously crafted through an equitable lens, to support their well-being and professional growth.

At Connections for the Homeless, we recognize that supporting our employees is essential in achieving our mission. We are ready to invest in you as you make a difference in our community. We can’t wait for you to join us!