Intake & Referral Coordinator

Connections for the Homeless; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Connections for the Homeless in Evanston, IL seeks an Intake & Referral Coordinator to serve as the primary contact for inquiries and services. This role completes diversion assessments, follows up on referrals, and supports case management as needed.

The position requires independent work with diverse populations, strong English/Spanish communication, and computer literacy. A HS diploma or GED is required, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Work independently with diverse populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Fluency in English and Spanish required.
• HS Diploma or GED.
• Valid driver’s license and travel ability.

Responsibilities

• Follow up on diversion referrals and document assessments.
• Provide Short-Term Stabilization Services as needed.
• Be primary contact by phone and walk-in inquiries.
• Make internal referrals and connect clients to services.
• Maintain referral database and provide external referrals.
• Explain program qualifications and assess eligibility.
• Return voicemails and route calls.
• Conduct follow-up/outcome calls.
• Represent the agency at community events.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

HS Diploma/GED

Associate’s or BA in social services

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Agency Overview

Connections for the Homeless is a non-profit organization that serves and catalyzes our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. We envision an end to homelessness where everyone in our community has safe and stable housing. Connections provides comprehensive, compassionate, well-resourced, and effective programs for those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in the northern suburbs.

Summary of Position

The Intake & Referral Coordinator will serve as the primary agency contact for people inquiring about and seeking services at Connections for the Homeless. They will complete diversion assessments for callers, referrals, and follow up on case management as needed.

Specific Duties

• Responsible for timely follow up to diversion referrals from HMIS and internal diversion referrals including completing necessary assessments and documentation for related diversion grants.
• Provide Short-Term Stabilization Services (STSS) as needed.
• Primary point of contact for information requests related to Connections services and programs by phone as well as face‑to‑face walk‑in inquiries.
• Complete internal referrals to connect individuals seeking services and call back individuals seeking information about Connections services and programs.
• Maintain referral database and provide external referrals as needed.
• Maintain knowledge about Connections programs, program qualification, and assess eligibility for services.
• Return voicemails and answer incoming calls to the agency and route calls to the appropriate department/agency contact.
• Conduct follow-up and outcome calls for Prevention and other programs
• Participate in department staff meetings, supervision, care coordination and other meetings as needed or directed.
• Represent the agency at community events, resource fairs, and service provider meetings to share information about Connections services and programs.
• Adhere to the Code of Conduct and Core Values of Connections for the Homeless.
• Perform other duties as needed.

The following qualifications are requirements for the position

• Able to work independently and with diverse populations
• Good speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel and in client database usage
• Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish is required due to frequent interaction with Spanish-speaking individuals seeking services.
• HS Diploma/GED
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to off‑site locations as required

The Following Qualifications Are Highly Desirable

• Associate’s or BA in social services field
• Experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or working with individuals with serious mental illness preferred.
• Experience with HMIS

Other Requirements

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