Community Services Coordinator

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:
The Community Services Coordinator will engage individuals and families experiencing homelessness, providing resources, referrals, and support to help them secure shelter and housing. The position primarily operates the SSPADS drop-in center, serving unsheltered individuals and households on the shelter waiting list. The Coordinator will also perform outreach in the community, assist with documentation for the Coordinated Entry system, and support clients in accessing benefits and essential services.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

·       Maintain an accessible and welcoming drop-in center for individuals experiencing homelessness or awaiting shelter placement.

·       Assist clients in applying for benefits such as SNAP, TANF, and WIC.

·       Manage and distribute supplies, including hygiene items, food, cold weather gear, and transportation passes.

·       Document homelessness status for drop-in center patrons to access the Coordinated Entry system.

·       Obtain and maintain notary public certification; assist clients in obtaining identification documents.

·       Provide warm hand-offs to Diversion Specialists for clients entering shelter waitlists or intake processes.

·       Connect clients to healthcare services via the Community Healthcare Worker.

·       Conduct outreach to unsheltered individuals and families at locations such as police stations, churches, hospital emergency rooms, libraries, and other community sites, building rapport and trust.

·       Maintain client confidentiality and accurate office files.

·       Utilize techniques such as motivational interviewing, harm reduction, active listening, and trauma-informed care to provide non-judgmental support, crisis intervention, referrals, and advocacy.

·       Respond to crisis situations promptly, with knowledge of emergency referral services and respect for client dignity.

·       Collaborate with community partners and outreach workers to ensure continuity of care.

·       Enter client data accurately and promptly into the confidential client database.

·       Refer clients to other services and resources as appropriate.

·       Assist clients with registering for mail delivery at the SSPADS location, as needed.

·       Facilitate transitions to housing through Coordinated Entry and other housing agencies.

·       Participate in the Alliance to End Homelessness Street Outreach Working Group and related activities.

·       Attend relevant training and professional development opportunities.

·       Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education :

·       Bachelor’s Degree or at least 3 years’ experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.

·       2–5 years’ experience working with individuals who are homeless, or with mental health and addiction challenges, preferred.

·       Balanced combination of education, life experience, and work experience relevant to the role.

·       Knowledge of trauma-informed practices and motivational interviewing.

·       Thorough understanding of the local community, social service agencies, and available resources.

·       Excellent professionalism, communication, and interpersonal skills; strong commitment to community advocacy.

·       Effective verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Excel.

·       Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

·       Strong multitasking, initiative, and self-direction skills.

·       Demonstrated understanding and respect for the population served.

·       Ability to work under pressure and respond to crises.

·       Proactive problem-solving skills.

·       Flexible schedule and availability for community outreach.

·       Qualifications and experience may include lived expertise, and applicants with such experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Language :  English required; bilingual (English and Spanish) strongly preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

·       Regular local travel to community partners, donation sites, and agency programs.

·       Occasional evening or weekend hours required for events, drives, or community presentations.

Other Requirements:

·       Valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation required.

·       Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

·       Ability to lift and move up to 30 lbs.

·       Commitment to the mission and values of South Suburban PADS.

South Suburban PADS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization with a mission to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago.  Over the past 34 years, we have provided 730,540 nights of shelter and 2.1 million meals to enable 20,659 people to overcome homelessness.  In addition, SSPADS provides affordable housing opportunities to over 400 people per year.  SSPADS is the proud recipient of a 2024 Award from MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call, 2019 Good Neighbor Award from the National Association of REALTORS, and the 2018 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. More at sspads.org

SSPADS adheres to the employment policy of providing equal opportunities to all job applicants and employees regardless of ethnicity, race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability or sexual orientation.

South Suburban PADS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is working to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago. Over the past 30 years, the organization has provided shelter and meals to enable over 19,000 people to survive homelessness. In addition, South Suburban PADS provides pathways home and currently helps over 400 people to preserve or access affordable rental homes every year. South Suburban PADS is the proud recipient of the 2018 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. More at sspads.org

Company Description

South Suburban PADS is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is working to prevent and end homelessness in the south suburbs of Chicago. Over the past 30 years, the organization has provided shelter and meals to enable over 19,000 people to survive homelessness. In addition, South Suburban PADS provides pathways home and currently helps over 400 people to preserve or access affordable rental homes every year. South Suburban PADS is the proud recipient of the 2018 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders Award. More at sspads.org