Purpose: To assist in providing financial assistance to Chicago residents in need. The State Homeless Prevention Program provides financial assistance for security deposits, rent, mortgages, and utilities. The goals of the program are to stabilize individuals and families in their current home, decrease the amount of time families and individuals spend in shelters and help families and individuals secure and maintain affordable housing. The program provides rental help to eligible households and works with landlords and tenants to resolve outstanding rental debt. Major areas of focus for the role include reviewing tenant rent applications for eligibility, providing customer service, carrying out administrative duties, and supporting outreach efforts for clients.

Essential Duties:

• Reviews tenant rental applications in a timely manner on a rolling basis for program eligibility

and documentation compliance. Processes an average of 24 applications per month.

• Connects with tenants to assist with the application process by using phone/text, email, and/or

mailed communication.

• Communicates quickly and effectively with tenants and landlords regarding program guidelines

and application status.

• Gathers all necessary documentation and information to evaluate client eligibility for rental

assistance, ensuring accuracy and compliance.

• Enters timely and accurate updates on tenant and landlord data in the program database.

• Assists with customer service efforts for landlords and tenants including monitoring email and

phone messages. Performs general office administration work, and other related duties as

assigned.

• Incorporates new technology as needed and navigates confidential information systems

appropriately.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Passionate about preventing homelessness.

• Demonstrated well-developed community outreach skills.

• Able to communicate with diverse populations in an empathetic and professional manner.

• Strong commitment to client confidentiality.

• Detail-oriented, able to quickly and concisely synthesize large amounts of information.

• Able to multi-task efficiently; has effective time management skills.

• Highly skilled at leveraging new technology and other communication tools on a daily basis.

• Excellent organizational and follow-through skills in a fast-paced environment.

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.

• Previous case management experience desired.

• Ability to speak other languages desired.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree preferred.

Two (2) years of experience in office administration, community outreach, case management, and/or program/project support is highly desirable.