Community Support Staff

The New Vecinos Program is a vital part of our Community Care programming. NLC empowers residents to own their own journey towards independence while taking advantage of the varied and impactful services provided by Illinois Department of Human Services partners including New Life Centers. New Life Centers will provide direct services related to holistic wellness and community connections that provide a safety net of support for our neighbors in the Chicagoland area. Programming and connections will aim at the development of life skills necessary for resiliency and forward movement, will help build community to mitigate isolation and anxiety, will promote wellness and mental health, and will help serve as a deterrent to violence and domestic abuse. 

Position Summary 

The Community Support Staff is a full-time, temporary, 40 hours a week, (non-exempt, benefits eligible) position. The Community Support Staff will be responsible for hospitality services at New Life Centers partner locations. This position will be responsible for assisting the unhoused with guidance and information for some of their daily needs, as well as direction to connections with case-managers who can offer further services. Will require some local travel (reimbursable) and access to a vehicle. Rotating schedule includes some weekends. Pay commensurate with experience. This position is in-person. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Assists residents with guidance and information for daily needs.
• Provides direction to connection with case-managers who can offer further services to residents. 
• Assists with communication between Community Care partners and NLC at the shelters.
• Participates in information sessions to explain expectations, roles, and responsibilities of participants and staff when necessary.
• Assures knowledge of and provides accessibility to services needed by residents through a team of Community Support Staff by providing information, updates and guidance to staff and new residents.
• Communicates daily and weekly with direct team and Supervisor on all program updates/needs/challenges.
• With the team, ensures a safe environment for new residents by providing awareness, feedback, updates, and reporting of any potential dangers and relays any relevant information.
• Produces documents, receipts and correspondence regarding activities and progress as necessary for consistent evaluation of program and timely report submittal.
• May participate in performance plans to increase positive personal development and training as needed for NV Program direct reports and team.
• Supervision includes regular on-site visits, regular check-ins, and break-out planning meetings with Supervisor.
• Assures documentation of all participant contacts and services provided and assists data team and development team with data collection and required reporting.
• Assures the highest quality of customer service and hospitality to residents from NV Program team.
• Participates in required surveys, evaluations and audits.
• Demonstrates New Life Centers’ values.
• Attends required meetings and training.
• Communicates with Supervisor and team regularly to assure goal attainment and address program/staff/new resident needs.
• Is aware of and maintains healthy boundaries and self-wellness.
• Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

Skills & Qualifications 

• Must become a Certified Mandated Reporter. Training provided.
• Must pass a background check, must not have any pending cases.
• Must pass a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System background check.
• Must pass a National Sex Offender Registry background check.
• Must have access to a working phone and phone number.
• One year experience working in the human services field.
• Cross-cultural competency.
• Ability to communicate effectively both written and verbally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Must be willing to be trained, and proficiently utilize database(s) and information tracking systems relevant to duties.
• Must keep confidentiality of participant information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, good driving record, access to a vehicle. Subject to driving background check.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred but not required.

How to Apply 

Please submit the following materials 

• Cover letter indicating your experience and interest in the position
• Resume
• List of three references with contact information (minimum 2 professional references, email and phone number included)
• Please mention the name of any New Life Centers staff who referred the position to you if applicable.

New Life Centers provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. New Life Centers complies with applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.