Intake Specialist

About Guest House of Milwaukee, the largest housing program provider in Wisconsin:

Guest House of Milwaukee, the largest housing program provider in Wisconsin, has been dedicated to addressing homelessness since 1982. Originally a short-term emergency shelter, we now offer a comprehensive range of onsite and community-based programs tailored to the evolving needs of individuals facing housing insecurity. As we enter an exciting growth phase, our commitment to client-centered solutions remains steadfast. With over 40 years of experience, our dedicated staff and partners work to create lasting change for our most vulnerable community members.

We envision a Greater Milwaukee that prioritizes care and tackles the root causes of homelessness.

• 11 paid holidays + your birthday paid!
• 3 weeks of vacation with 4 weeks of vacation after 1 year
• Paid mental health days
• Paid sick time
• FREE disability insurance
• FREE life insurance
• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• We are an eligible employer for public student loan forgiveness
• Growth & Development opportunities!

The Intake Specialist is responsible for providing initial case management support to “cot” clients — individuals who have not yet been formally assigned to an Internal Case Manager. This position serves as the first point of engagement for guests beginning the case management process and supports the transition into full case management services.

The Intake Specialist performs early-stage assessments, documentation, and service coordination tasks that mirror the initial functions of the Internal Case Manager role. This position also serves as a backup support to Internal Case Managers as needed.

This role is designed as an entry-level pathway into Case Management and requires an Associate’s degree (or active pursuit of) in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field required as a condition of continued employment and advancement.

• Report daily openings of shelter space and participate in daily shelter call checking for eligibility.
• Contact clients who have been identified on the shelter call to be admitted to an open shelter space.
• Engage newly identified “cot” clients who have not yet been assigned a Case Manager
• Conduct initial client interviews and gather eligibility and identifying documentation
• Administer basic assessments to determine immediate needs and service priorities
• Provide orientation to case management services and program expectations
• Develop preliminary service plans to stabilize clients until assigned to a Case Manager
• Positively and respectfully engage with clients to support goal identification and service connection

• Ensure all client records are properly organized and documented according to program and funding requirements
• Accurately enter client data into Gates, agency databases, and Mission Tracker in a timely manner
• Maintain clear, complete, and professional case notes

• Assist clients with referrals to internal and external resources including employment, benefits, housing readiness, behavioral health, and other supportive services
• Coordinate with shelter staff, case managers, and other departments to ensure continuity of care
• Support smooth transition of clients from Intake Specialist to assigned Internal Case Manager

• Serve as backup support to Internal Case Managers as assigned
• Assist with group meetings, workshops, and client education activities
• Participate in efforts to improve intake processes and case management workflows
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and case conferences

• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned

• Familiarity with issues related to homelessness, mental illness, and substance use
• Strong interpersonal and engagement skills
• Ability to build trust and rapport with clients
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Computer proficiency…