Housing Navigator

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ's love for the hungry, unhoused, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ's love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need - providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Rapid Rehousing and our Bread for Life Co-Op. Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ's love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others. Why Work at Home Sweet Home Ministries? Purpose-Driven Impact Make a meaningful difference every day. Your work helps restore hope and dignity to individuals in our community while sharing Christ's love and compassion. Comprehensive Full-Time Benefits We care for our team so you can care for others. Medical, dental, and vision insuranceShort- and long-term disability coverageEmployer-paid life insurance403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment)Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)Generous paid time offFree on-site meals and beverages Join a Caring Team Work alongside compassionate, mission-driven colleagues who are committed to serving others and making a lasting impact. Primary Location The Junction, 301 E. Oakland Avenue, Bloomington, IL [This is NOT a remote position.] How You'll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission Case Management DutiesIn partnership with participants, determine housing preferences and barriers, and establish corresponding goals focused on resolving participants' homelessnessAssist participants and community clients in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilitiesMaintain caseload (typically up to 12 individuals/families) to include all documentation of services provided and maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and internal agency communication logsProvides case management services to Bridge of Hope participants and neighboring groups, in accord with Bridge of Hope National program guidelinesProvide ongoing neighbor training at Bridge of Hope Nights as requested.Knowledge of, and ability to collaborate with, local social services to make appropriate service referralsConduct home visits with participants as needed to ensure housing stabilityMaintain flexibility of schedule to accommodate participants' availability due to work/school/appointment schedulesProvide spiritual counsel as needed Housing Identification & Landlord Development Prepare materials for making presentation to realtors, property managers, and property owners thus establishing and maintaining relationships with landlordsProactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist families with housingEducate landlords on how the short/medium-term rental subsidy program works including timeframe and potential payment breakdown Policies and Procedures Ensure that participant records and documentation are maintained to meet service standards and contractual requirementsMaintain updated demographic outcomes information in Bridge of Hope participant tracking databaseParticipation in on-call schedule to provide support to after-hours and weekend staffParticipate in staff meetings and other group activities essential for operations and team cohesionAttend community meetings as directed by supervisor Qualifications: Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.Bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, counseling, or a related field or at least 2 years direct case management experienceMust understand and demonstrate trauma-informed and relationship-based service models and be comfortable working alongside volunteersExcellent verbal and written communication skillsHighly organized, detail-oriented, strong time management skills and ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such actionAble to identify participant need and apply agency or community resources to meet that needDemonstrated ability to confront or challenge participant behavior, as neededAble to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundariesProficient in Microsoft OfficeAble and willing to act in harmony with Home Sweet Home Ministries' Christian valuesAbility to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other departments and agenciesMust have a valid Driver's License with a safe driving record. Must be able to provide occasional transportation to clients in a personally-owned or leased vehicle that is reliable and well-maintained. Must provide proof of personal automobile insurance with minimum bodily injury and property damage liability limits of $100,000 and medical payments coverage of at least $10,000. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without cause.