Intake Specialist

Client Intake Specialist

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is a community-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Chicagoland's diverse immigrant and refugee communities. Established in 1981, CMAA is a cornerstone of the "Asia on Argyle" corridor of the Uptown Neighborhood of Chicago with a satellite office in Elgin and West Ridge, IL, providing programs to serve our community across generations.

We offer after-school, summer camp, and mentoring programs for young people. For adults, we provide case management and social services, education including English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, job preparation and placement services, and immigration and citizenship case assistance. We connect older adults to in-home care support and community enrichment through our Golden Age Club. Finally, we support entrepreneurs and small businesses as the only AAPI-led Small Business Development Center in Illinois.

Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA) is seeking a mission-driven and detail-oriented Client Intake Specialist in the Elgin location who will assist immigrants and low-income families in navigating an array of social services.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Assess client needs and determine eligibility for programs and services.
• Enter accurate and timely data into case management and tracking systems.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with all data protection policies.
• Provide clients with information on available services (housing, employment, public benefits, etc.).
• Make referrals to internal departments or external community partners as needed.
• Follow up with clients to ensure successful connection to resources and support.
• Assist in coordinating appointments and workshops for clients.
• Support program staff in maintaining case files, reports, and documentation.
• Assist eligible participants to obtain food subsidies through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Assist low-income participants to obtain reduced gas and electric utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Assist low-income individuals, families, seniors, and the disabled to obtain public benefits such as medical assistance, RTA ride-free permit, etc.
• Collaborate with department co-workers in external outreach to the community by providing presentations to the community regarding CMAA's Social Services Department's services. Such outreach may include: Conduct public benefits information sessions (including recruiting attendees to participate)

Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, customer service preferred
• Experience working in a social services setting preferred
• Bi-lingual in English and another language is preferred (please notate on resume).

Competence

• Strong communication skills, written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Compassion to help the community

Work Environment

• This job operates in a clerical office setting. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
• The primary work location is at 357 Division Street. Elgin, Illinois 60120.
• Some evenings and weekends expected for outreach and workshop events

Perks

• Comprehensive Health benefits package to include medical, dental, and vision plans with employer contribution between 60%-90% of premiums!
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match after one (1) year and fully vested at year six (6)!
• Company Paid Holidays
• Personal Time Off, Sick Leave, and Vacation time off policies!
• Parking/Transit benefits
• Travel Reimbursements for eligible commuting routes
• Opportunities for growth and to give back to communities!
• Fun, high-energy culture!
• Relaxed dress code!
• Access to an exceptional leadership team!

The approximate pay range for this position is between $38,000.00-$42,000.00 annually. Please note that the indicated base range is provided in good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills, etc.

CMAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.