Resident Engagement Coordinator- Chicago, IL at Better Tomorrows – CHICAGO, Illinois

Better Tomorrows is a mission-focused not for profit organization. We are working to alleviate poverty by providing programs, supportive services, and case management to over 26,000 residents of affordable housing in more than 100 communities across the nation and in Hawaii and the Virgin Islands.

• We are searching for a and reliable individual to facilitate services that will positively enhance the quality of life for affordable housing residents and neighboring community members, an environment which promotes cultural appreciation and a commitment to diversity, resident involvement to enhance a safe and positive living environment including the coordination of activities and services that will prevent and reduce vandalism, crime and illegal activity within the complex and surrounding community.
  
  
  Duties/ Responsibilities:
  • Ensures a safe and welcoming environment for residents complete with group activities and individual appointments available to all residents on the property
  • Provides orientation to new residents. Reviews community policies and procedures related to lease compliance and reviews house rules in coordination with property management
  • Interviews new and renewing residents to identify their interests; obtains information on strengths and barriers to achievement of educational advancement and economic self-sufficiency
  • Provides ongoing residential case management and care coordination services to residents. Determines level of care and caseload depending on resident needs and existing supports. Liaises with natural supports, community-based services and external partners in providing comprehensive resident care
  • Maintains working relationship with existing community case management services
  • Creates service goals and plans with residents and supports residents to achieve those goals while monitoring progress. Actively promotes the use of community resources and educational opportunities. Provides educational or employment opportunities on site and develops partnerships and strategies that encourage residents to build the skills they need to succeed. Goals should be structured around Harm-Reduction, Recovery, and Trauma-Informed best practices
  • Encourages, initiates and facilitates referrals to contract providers and outside agencies as appropriate based on resident need
  • Facilitates/implements the following programs, activities and social services for all families on site, including adults with mental health, substance abuse and other special needs utilizing community resources and agencies where appropriate:
  • Educational programs focused on educational achievement and engagement, GED Programs
  • Job readiness programs, food banks, and financial literacy to promote economic stability and self-sufficiency, skill building, employment and continuing education.
  • Independent living skills programs such as safety, cleanliness, and self-care. Healthy homes educational programs, follow up and referrals.
  • Health, wellness and nutrition programs and seminars to promote physical and mental health and general well-being including ongoing health screenings on site
  • Peer-facilitated NA and/or AA groups. and other Peer Support Groups
  • Ensure that groups, workshops and programming is concurrent with Trauma-Informed best practices
  • Connect residents with partner-led therapeutic and recreational groups such as Mindfulness, Conflict Resolution, Anger Management, Self-Care, Healthy Relationships, Arts, Cooking, Gardening and more.
  • Lease Compliance
  • Maintains a list of households at risk for non-lease compliance; works with property management to identify specific action plans
  • Works directly with high-risk residents, within the unit if necessary, to assess progress on stated goals; updates property management of household progress on a weekly basis. Participates in meetings to discuss and monitor resident progress in lease compliance and self sufficiency
  • Provides or uses partnerships to provide housekeeping and other self-sufficiency workshops aimed to improve resident success rate in maintaining a safe and healthy home
  • Incident Management
  • Supports residents who are victims of crime on the property. Encourages reporting to authorities and coordinates the exchange of information
  • Facilitates any conflict resolution, crisis planning and related resident goal-setting
  • Reports all incidents immediately and in accordance to reporting guidelines with prompt notification of direct supervisor and property management followed by prompt documentation of the incident
  • Community Engagement
  • Provides Monthly Newsletters and Calendars to all residents on the property
  • Develop and utilize resources files for making referrals for residents in need of specific services. Provides any referral follow-up to make sure residents remain connected with services
  • Promotes positive neighbor to neighbor relationships and resident events focused on developing safe and strong communities such as wellness fairs and social functions
  • Documents community activities and events. Produces written summaries and photos with obtained consents that record events; provides information to owners, managers, agencies and residents through email communication, newsletters and special mailings
  • Coordinates and manages volunteers, engaging them in supporting resident activities
  • Community Ambassador
  • Cultivate new relationships with various community-based organizations, educational institutions, faith-based institutions and political affiliates
  • Liaise with organizations and foundations that focus on Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, and other special needs services and supports
  
  
  Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum five (5) years work experience in Social Services
  • Masters degree in a related field preferred or Bachelors Degree and equivalent experience
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Experience working with individuals with behavioral health or special needs
  • Prior knowledge of affordable housing and area social service resources is a plus
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Apps and other software programs
  • Flexible to work 9am 5pm Monday-Friday, and a possibility of occasional evenings or weekends
  • Ability to safely lift 25 pounds
  
  
  Better Tomorrows is an EO Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.