Successful candidates for all AmeriCorps positions will perform their service hours on-site at Housing Forward or a partner agency, and will not be considered employees of the respective agency.
Housing Forward is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against applicants for employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation.
The VISTA member will coordinate the provision of homeless service resources with the goal to engage local and regional stakeholders in the mission to end homelessness in suburban Cook County.
Housing Forward’s mission is to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. Founded in 1992, Housing Forward has been a safety net for those that are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We are committed to providing inventive crisis resolutions while working with likely and unconventional stakeholders to find innovative, structural solutions. In 2015, we broadened our focus and strengthened our partnerships in leading Entry Point, a coordinated effort that standardizes and expedites the process for those needing resources and services in suburban Cook County.
The VISTA member will be critical in coordinating the provision of these resources more efficiently and effectively. With the goal to engage local and regional stakeholders in the mission to end homelessness in suburban Cook County, the VISTA will act as a bridge with community stakeholders. The ideal candidate has passion to work with others to improve the wellbeing of people in our society, enthusiasm to develop new skills and dedication to achieve their goals. The ideal candidate will have comfort interacting with new people and the ability to work independently and with group projects.
This position is a part of the Housing Action VISTA Network, which is an AmeriCorps VISTA program managed by Housing Action Illinois since 2010. As such, this position will receive expert training, support, guidance, and networking opportunities, in addition to the traditional opportunities for AmeriCorps VISTA positions. Learn more about the program at Housing Action’s website.
Deadline to Apply: June, 15, 2019
Submit an application through the AmeriCorps Portal posting https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=87410&fromSearch=true and/or send cover letter, resume, and two references via email to: charris@housingforward.org
This position provides administrative support to the agency's executive team comprised of the Executive Director, Director of Operations & Client Services, Director of Finance & Administration, Director of Development & Communications and Director of Coordinated Entry. The ideal candidate must be agile, highly-organized with a professional and pleasant demeanor. The candidate will support the steady pace of the executive team while prioritizing completion of tasks. This candidate must have strong written and verbal communication, administrative and organizational skills.
The Job Developer is responsible for working with clients (homeless and at risk of-homelessness ) to increase their ability to secure and maintain gainful employment. The Job Developer is also responsible for identifying potential job placement opportunities for program participants and working to develop relationships with said placements. The Job Developer will interact with both participants and job sites in order to make appropriate placements.
The Shelter Diversion/Aftercare Specialist 1) provides intervention strategies for households who are at-risk of homelessness, as defined by HUD or other federal statutes; and 2) provides comprehensive housing retention case management, advocacy, and support to former clients of the housing programs by assisting them in maintaining stable housing and self-sufficiency to prevent housing loss.
The Emergency Assistance Program works with individuals and families to address to address the immediate crisis through a combination of financial support, if available, and referrals to community based stability support resources. Housing Forward is part of the Suburban Cook County Continuum of Care and as such, collaborates closely with other area homelessness service providers and will be a lead agency in Coordinated Entry. The Emergency Assistance Program Associate will assist with client case management, program services, report coordination and various administrative functions for Emergency Assistance Program. The Program Associate will play an integral role in assessing client need, initiating case management referrals and maintaining our community resource database.
The shelter outreach and engagement specialist is responsible for 1) intake, assessment, and referral services to clients in the Emergency Shelter; 2) facilitation of clients’ move beyond shelter services by linking clients to Housing Forward’s continuum of care; and 3) providing crisis intervention, advocacy and education to and on behalf of clients. The outreach and engagement specialist strives to build a trusting relationship with shelter guests in an effort to encourage access to services and housing and reduce the length of stay in the Emergency Shelter.
The Case Aide assists clients experiencing homelessness with basic needs and enrolling in benefits in the day-time Support Center and assists with case management under the direction of Case Managers. The Case Aide also helps ensure the smooth operation of the Support Center and create a welcoming, safe space for clients.
