The Housing Specialist is responsible for supporting the Supportive Housing Team by assisting leadership, case managers, and specialists as they provide advocacy, education, and referral services to program participants and engage collaboratively with community providers to achieve client goals.

Responsibilities: (to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation):

1. Operate within the DuPagePads Core Values,  which supports providing care in accordance with the Trauma Informed      Policy and Practices of the Agency.
2. Outreach to   community, business owners, realtors, property owners, property managers,  housing developers and other service providers to identify new and  existing leasing opportunities and build strong relationships to better assist residents in accessing and sustaining stable housing.
3. As needed, assist with resident caseload coverage and act as second staff person when   additional help is needed for client visits.
4. Provide  administrative support for the department, including, but not limited to  scanning client file documents, researching housing and compliance topics,  updating the housing directory, recordkeeping, file retention, and      destruction, etc.
5. Assist  individuals and families as needed during their move into housing. Such      assistance may include viewing potential apartments, organizing      furnishings, coordinating movers, and providing transportation.
6. Assist with move-out procedures and turnover of leased units for new occupants which   may include arranging for item removal, cleaning, and repairs.
7. Maintain  collaborative relationships with co-workers to effectively support  clients.
8. Maintain  confidentiality of privileged information and adhere to client privacy  laws; demonstrates sensitivity of other ethnic groups and cultures.
9. Arrange transportation for program participants to activities/appointments if   needed.
10. Participate  in client staffing’s/supervision and team meetings/ agency meetings and required trainings.
11. Adhere to  department guidelines for attendance and punctuality.
12. Flexibility in scheduling
13. Other duties  as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Ability to  handle and work with resident and agency sensitive confidential  information/data
2. Excellent  engagement skills
3. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
4. Lived experience or experience working with people with disabilities, serious  mental illness, individuals of various ethnicities, socio-economic, LGBTQIA+, and social backgrounds; demonstrates cultural sensitivity.
5. Ability to  think conceptually and to be creative
6. Effective  written and oral communication skills.

7. Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite products (Access, Excel, Word) as required.

8. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

9. Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and to meet deadlines.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, human      services, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

2. Strong customer service focus.

3. Experience in issues related to homelessness preferred.

Other: 

1. Flexible hours required.

1. Be able to lift 50 pounds.
2. Provide own transportation and possess      a valid Illinois Driver’s License.