Interim Housing Access Specialist in Wheaton, Illinois at DuPage PADS

The Access Specialist is responsible for facilitating and coordinating the timely acceptance of clients referred from partner agencies, walk-ins and call-ins that request homeless services. This position focuses on the assessment, intake, and the entering of client information into the Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS). This person conducts skilled assessments in facilitating a low-barrier intake and assessment process for new clients and assessing the client for potential diversion opportunities; serves as a resource to the intake support staff when problem-solving with clients and contributes towards the development of data-informed and system-level needs of the organization.

Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 2p-10p

Day to Day Tasks

1. Operates within the DuPagePads Core Values, which supports providing care in accordance with the Trauma informed Policy and Practices of the Agency.

2. Ensure agency policies and procedures are adhered to by clients.

3. Alert staff and management to client and programmatic issues.

4. Participate in all Interim Housing meetings, supervision meetings, and staff meetings.

5. Attend community meetings to network and develop resources for program participants.

6. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

7. Mediate client conflict and manage client crisis.

8. Ensure documentation, including identification and income source documentation, is collected and uploaded for clients to assist with transitions into internal and external housing programs.

9. Prepare and maintain accurate confidential case files, contractual compliance and paperwork, and status reports

Client Services

1. Complete individualized screening, assessment, and intake on those interested and eligible for homeless services.
2. Provide appropriate referrals to partner agencies
3. Coordinate with the Street Outreach team to verify person’s homeless status
4. Provide referrals for enrichment programs to assist clients
5. Coordinate with outside providers
6. Advocate for increased community education, relationships, and solutions to benefit our client population.
7. Teach independent living skills.
8. Ability to manage crisis situations and respond effectively
9. Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
   

Operations:

1. General front office administrative tasks, including but not limited to, managing mail, client check ins, and answering the phone.
2. Responding to facility needs to ensure needs are identified and responded to and relaying relevant information to the administrative team.
   
   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Excellent engagement and advocacy skills.
2. Effective oral and written communication skills.
3. Effective crisis intervention skills.
4. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
5. Possess demonstrated working knowledge of documentation standards, utilization of recordkeeping systems, and use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
6. Excellent interpersonal skills.
7. Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
8. Ability to work independently and work as part of a team.
9. Ability to develop strategic plans and visions.
10. Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, housing, disabilities, recovery, and equity.
11. Strong foundation in ethical decision making.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work, related field or experience/education that demonstrate the ability to complete the work

2. Experience in case management

3. Experience in issues related to homelessness, poverty, and mental health preferred.

Other:

1. Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday 2p-10p

2. Provide own transportation- will travel between two locations

Classification Status: Full-time non-exempt