Housing Resource Specialist

Street Samaritans; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A grassroots nonprofit organization, Street Samaritans, is seeking a Housing Resource Specialist to support individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Chicago. This full-time role involves conducting housing assessments and connecting clients to necessary resources. Ideal candidates will have a background in Social Work or related fields and a passion for helping vulnerable populations.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years’ experience working with unhoused or vulnerable populations.
• Strong written communication skills; attention to detail in data entry is essential.
• Comfort working independently and managing deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Coordinated Entry assessments with households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness.
• Engage households not connected to services and provide appropriate referrals.
• Assist with gathering documents for housing navigation supports.

Skills

Written communication

Attention to detail

Independence

Familiarity with HMIS

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work

Job description

Job Title: Housing Resource Specialist (HRS)

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Position Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Program Manager

Salary: $50,000/annually

About the Organization:

Street Samaritans is a grassroots nonprofit organization committed to advancing human dignity, equity, and justice by walking alongside people experiencing homelessness in Chicago. We provide a range of services, including street outreach, case management, housing support, and wraparound care, to meet people where they are and help them access the resources they need to achieve stability, healing, and self-determination.

Our work is rooted in human connection and guided by the belief that lasting change happens when we listen to those most impacted. In addition to direct services, we advocate for systemic solutions to address the root causes of homelessness and poverty. We partner with communities, organizations, and individuals to build a more compassionate and responsive system of care.

Job Summary:

Street Samaritans’ HOME Connect program (Housing Outreach & Mobile Entry) is a mobile access point that brings housing assessments, housing problem-solving conversations, and system navigation support directly to people experiencing homelessness across Chicago. As a Housing Resource Specialist, you’ll meet people experiencing or at risk of homelessness where they are—physically and situationally—to conduct Coordinated Entry assessments, offer housing problem-solving and diversion support, and connect individuals to shelter, services, and long-term housing opportunities they may not otherwise access. This role is ideal for someone who believes in the power of human connection and is passionate about housing as a human right.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct Coordinated Entry Standard Housing Assessments via HMIS with households experiencing or at-risk of homelessness, enter all data into HMIS, and conduct assessment updates as needed
• Engage households not connected to a service provider and offer referrals to shelter, resources for basic needs, and services as appropriate
• Contact previously assessed households who are likely to be prioritized for housing, based on reporting from All Chicago, to update contact information, assist with gathering documents, and assess need for Housing Navigation supports
• After a housing match occurs, communicate information about housing matches to those assessed and communicate with housing providers and housing navigators to help connect households to their housing and service partners
• Connect households to options for subsidized and affordable housing outside of the Continuum of Care, including Chicago Housing Authority and Housing Authority of Cook County
• For households who meet the HUD definition of At Risk of Homelessness or Categories 2, 3, and 4 of homelessness, provide Housing Problem Solving/Diversion services to assist households in resolving their housing crisis without entering emergency shelter or Continuum of Care housing. Housing Problem Solving/Diversion services should be offered in addition to the CE Assessment or update.
• Attend all trainings as required by All Chicago
• Attend Housing Resource Specialist Meetings with All Chicago and other partners (scheduled quarterly or monthly)
• Collect and share data with the CE Lead, All Chicago, about participation, outcomes, and barriers related to assessments and services
• Complete at least 60 Coordinated Entry assessments and/or assessment updates per month
• Maintain data quality and collection
• Provide housing problem solving and/or safety planning support to clients
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Schedule:

• Full-time, 40 hours/week
• Must be available to work two Saturdays or Sundays per month
• Primarily daytime hours, with occasional flexibility based on system needs
  
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field preferred
• 1–2 years’ experience working with unhoused or vulnerable populations
• Strong written communication and documentation skills; attention to detail in data entry is essential
• Comfort working independently and managing deadlines, and working in the field majority of the time.
• Familiarity with HMIS and CES is a plus (training provided)