Connection Specialist

Education Level4 Year Degree## Description 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.
** 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 insurance
* Short- and long-term disability coverage
* Employer-paid life insurance
* 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment)
* Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
* Generous paid time off
* Free 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
** Home Sweet Home Ministries, 303 E Oakland Ave
** Required Schedule
** Monday - Friday, 8AM-4PM
** Salary Pay**  $45,000 - $49,000
** How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission
** The Connection Specialist, under the direction of the Director of Client Services, plays a critical role in ensuring a smooth and supportive entry into Home Sweet Home Ministries’ shelter services by conducting client assessments, managing intake processes, and facilitating connections to internal and external resources. By building trusting relationships and providing trauma-informed support, the role helps clients stabilize and access needed services, while ensuring accurate documentation and compliance with service standards.

As a key liaison between clients and the organization, this position upholds HSHM’s commitment to compassionate, client-centered care and contributes to the overall effectiveness and integrity of shelter operations.
** KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
** Assessment and Orientation with Clients (50%)
* Conduct screenings for individuals and families seeking residential services.
* Determine eligibility for admission to shelter based on occupancy, client background check, and client management system precondition notes.
* Complete intake forms and enter client information into the database accurately. Assist clients in filling out required paperwork and ensure all documentation is properly submitted.
* Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with new clients to assess their needs, eligibility, and background information.
* Provide clients with an overview of available services and resources offered by HSHM and other social service agencies within the community.
* Provide crisis intervention as needed.

Provision of Support Services (50%)
* Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients, offering compassionate and non-judgmental support, through periodic follow-up, readjustment (if necessary), motivation, and spiritual counsel.
* Distribute and collect exit questionnaires at time of client departure.
* Maintain confidentiality and adhere to all privacy regulations and ethical standards.
* Participate in team meetings and in-service training to contribute to the development and improvement of intake processes.
* Ensure that client records and documentation are maintained to meet service standards and contractual requirements.
* Participation in on-call schedule to provide support to after-hours and weekend staff.
* Flexibility of schedule to accommodate clients’ availability due to work/school/…