Address
Form of work
Salary*Please Apply via Rockfordil.gov. Please Do Not Apply on Indeed.com*
NATURE OF WORK
Performs technical work of some difficulty in the operation of the Community Services Division housing advocacy programs within the Human Services Department, which targets the low-income, disadvantaged population or others in need of housing related services. Work involves a variety of tasks which may include case management, forms processing, assessment, referral, counseling, outreach, inspection, investigation, community relations, public information and advocacy.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES
Work involves responsibility for performing a variety of intake, case management, forms processing, assessment, referral, counseling, outreach, inspection, investigation, public information, advocacy and other tasks, and for the conduct of elemental program management responsibilities including program planning, monitoring, reporting and basic evaluation. Work is characterized by considerable contact with clients, other public agencies, community organizations, and the public. Work is performed independently within a structured framework of applicable policies, procedures, rules, and regulations related to the area of assignment.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (These essential duties are only illustrative.)
The Housing Advocate position works directly with households experiencing homelessness to address housing and homelessness crisis. We meet those experiencing homelessness where they are and we provide the appropriate housing intervention determined by each household’s unique level of need, with the goal of getting everyone housed.
All direct services follow the Housing First Model and will be responsible for the following:
- Screening households for eligibility, having conversations with households to explore creative alternative housing options, prioritizing households, case management, and matching/referral to appropriate housing interventions.
- Maintaining quality data on our “By-Name List” and providing monthly reports and data to management.
- Problem solving with others currently experiencing homelessness in building stability and navigate disproportionate access to resources and housing.
- Navigate a variety of databases and computer programs including HMIS, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs.
- Establishes and maintains files, records and other information related to assigned program; screens, processes and tracks client information; documents program procedures and information; and performs basic calculations.
- Work with partner agencies to streamline services or determine proper interventions for clientele.
- Participate in street outreach, when needed.
- Updates, tracks, and reports data on a monthly basis or “as-needed”; can create graphs, charts, or other “visualizations”.
- Attends meetings and conferences; provides public information relative to program activities and data in response to local stakeholders.
- Transports clients to appointments as required by the position.
- Maintains reasonable and predictable attendance.
- Other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of a Homeless Program Coordinator, who allows some latitude and independence in carrying out tasks and assignments to completion. Work is reviewed occasionally for timely accomplishments of tasks, for overall results achieved, and the degree to which the work meets the needs of the client served.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision is not a responsibility of positions of this class. Employees may provide training in operational procedures, orient new employees, or assist in resolving unusual or difficult problems.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is performed in an office setting and in the field, and involves traveling throughout the city, and Winnebago and Boone counties. Work activities may also involve attending meetings, conferences, and training that involves out-of-town travel.
SUCCESS FACTORS
· Some knowledge of program management principles and techniques.
· Knowledge of laws, codes, ordinances, procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to the assigned program area.
· Knowledge of the mission, objectives, and available resources, relative to the assigned program.
· Knowledge of community agencies and services that can be used as referrals.
· Ability to interpret and explain program information to others and to follow procedures and regulations.
· Ability to complete and process forms, checklists, and reports accurately.
· Ability to maintain required records and files.
· Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
· Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, clients, and community organizations.
· Skill in the operation of a personal computer.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
The completion of an Associate’s Degree in Human Services, Social Services or a related field and two years experience in work related to the area of assignment. Any satisfactory equivalent combination of experience and training which ensures the ability to perform the work may be substituted for the required experience.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid IL Driver’s License.
Residency Requirement:
Temporary Modification to Residency Requirement effective November 15, 2021: all newly hired employees shall live anywhere within Winnebago County or anywhere within fifteen (15) miles of Rockford City Hall within six (6) months of the completion of their introductory period.
Effective June 1, 2018, all newly hired employees, including newly hired Department Heads, shall live within the municipal boundaries of City of Rockford within six (6) months of their completion of their introductory period.
Classified employees hired after January 1, 1984, may live anywhere in Winnebago County or anywhere within an area fifteen (15) miles from the Public Safety Building within six (6) months of their date of completion of probation. Employees hired prior to January 1, 1984, shall be subject to their conditions of employment in effect at that time.
*Please Apply via Rockfordil.gov. Please Do Not Apply on Indeed.com*
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.08 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Ability to Relocate:
- Rockford, IL 61104: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
