RESIDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Rockford Housing Authority - Rockford, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Rockford, IL

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Resident Support Specialist (RSS) at the Rockford Housing Authority provides guidance and assistance to residents of public housing, working closely with individuals and families requiring support from social service agencies. The RSS acts as a service coordinator and case manager, offering informal counseling, information, and referrals, while also planning educational programs and coordinating volunteer opportunities. The role involves educating residents about available services, developing contacts with service providers, and monitoring the provision of services to empower residents to remain independent and self-reliant.

Responsibilities

• Assess referred or identified residents with problems such as personal and family adjustments, finances, employment, food, clothing, housing, and physical and mental impairments to make appropriate referrals.
• Secure information such as medical, psychological, and social factors contributing to resident's situation and evaluate these and resident's capabilities.
• Develop a tracking system for individuals and make referrals to community services where appropriate, and perform follow up with resident.
• Identify any agencies currently providing services to the resident and obtain signed release of information from resident.
• Work with residents individually, in family, or in other small groups regarding plans for meeting needs, and aid resident to mobilize inner capacities and environmental resources to improve social functioning.
• Help residents to modify attitudes and patterns of behavior by increasing understanding of self, personal problems, and resident's part in creating them.
• Access and record resident and community resource information, such as but not limited to supplementary information such as employment, medical records, or school reports.
• Provide timely written and oral reports to the Director Resident Services and maintain a system for all required records and data.
• Work with the Resident Services department, other RHA staff, residents, and community agencies to assist in the planning, organization and carrying out of special programs and projects.
• Participate in and attend staff meetings, site meetings, resident meetings etc. for review of referrals made as well as periodic consultations with other prevention and support personnel regarding resident's status.
• Comply with established performance standards as outlined in any required grant proposal.
• May assist residents or coordinate training for residents in understanding lease and tenancy obligations.
• Act as a liaison between community agencies, service providers and educate residents on service availability, application procedures, residents rights, etc.
• Promote wellness activities for all residents.

Requirements

• Ability and willingness to work effectively with a diverse group of residents with a variety of ethnic cultures.
• Ability to maintain professional attitude during conflict and stressful situations.
• Ability to recognize possible disability-related characteristics.
• Ability to work effectively in situations requiring independent judgment and performance.
• Must possess a valid driver's license at all times and able to provide personal transportation.
• Knowledgeable of Word Processing and Spreadsheet software.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of community services in the region.
• Proven experience in service management, including organizing, problem-solving, and advocating.
• Trained in the aging process, elder services, disability services, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health issues.
• Aware of eligibility for and procedures of Federal and state entitlement programs.
• Good communication, writing, problem-solving and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Mileage reimbursement per RHA Policy.