Program Support Specialist

Overview

Summary of Position: The Program Support Specialist supports the overall operation of the Community Programs, specifically Drop-In services.

• Assist participants with accessing basic needs, including showers, pantry, clothes, food, hygiene products, etc.
• Verbally de-escalate situations with and between participants
• Ensure that the environment is safe and community-oriented by helping the participants adhere to general and program-specific rules
• Engage and collaborate with participants to explore their case management needs and make appropriate referrals
• Collaborate with case managers and other program staff (i.e., program manager, nurse, behavioral health specialist) to create and implement service plans to ensure coordination of care for participants
• Develop an environment of community and respect among our participants by actively partnering with them to address barriers to connecting with Community Case Manager in their pursuit of housing or other resources
• Enter appropriate data, relevant to service provided, into designated systems such as HMIS, Drop In Log and Smart Sheets
• May be required to travel between program sites and support transportation of program materials as needed.

• Arrive on time and prepared for shift, complete assignments and tasks thoroughly and in a timely manner
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings as expected and required by the agency, including regular supervision and team meetings; daily check in and debriefs; agency meetings; multi-disciplinary case consultation meetings; and internal and external trainings
• Ensure the maintenance of a clean environment, both in general communal areas and individual participant rooms
• Develop and maintain strong and professional relationships with fellow staff, community partners and participants through effective, and cross-functional, communication and collaboration
• Adhere to the Core Values and Code of Conduct for Connections For The Homeless
• Available to work all shifts and holidays as assigned

• High school diploma or equivalent experience
• At least one year of professional experience in a behavioral health or social service setting
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel and in client database usage

• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task and think creatively.
• Able to manage escalated situations with participants

• Able to work independently and with diverse populations
• Effective speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills
• Remain on Organization premises during breaks/meal periods and until their replacement arrives, when necessary
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds and stand for extended periods of time
• Must submit to a criminal background check and motor vehicle record (MVR) check, and either provide evidence of a recent tuberculosis (TB) test or complete one as required.

For nearly 40 years, Connections for the Homeless has served and catalyzed our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. Each year we provide eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to 4,000 people from across north suburban Cook County. Beyond providing direct services we also operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness.

The COVID pandemic accelerated our growth in the depth and breadth of services we offer and the organizational infrastructure to sustain this highly impactful organization. Connections is a radically reshaped organization deeply committed to demonstrating our core values in all relationships with participants, colleagues, donors, partners, and volunteers.

Join our dedicated team at Connections for the Homeless, where we blend a commitment to making a difference with a competitive rewards package. Our full-time employees enjoy a range of benefits, consciously crafted through an equitable lens, to support their well-being and professional growth.

At Connections for the Homeless, we recognize that supporting our employees is essential in achieving our mission. We are ready to invest in you as you make a difference in our community. We can’t wait for you to join us!