HOUSING FORWARD·Oak Park, Illinois
The Engagement Specialist manages the initial intake and orientation for clients seeking emergency shelter services. They are responsible for assessing immediate housing needs, diverting households from the shelter system when possible, and coordinating with volunteers to ensure a safe environment.
Intake, Engagement and Diversion Provide orientation to individuals, couples and families seeking shelter services to the Emergency Shelter Program. Complete intakes on new clients, identify special needs (i.e. physical limitations, underlying medical conditions) and enter all assessments into the agency’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Performs assessments to determine a person’s immediate housing and un-housed situation; determine underlying issues and offer short-term solutions that may resolve their immediate housing crisis. Assist people seeking services in articulating their needs. Coordinate with the Supportive Services Specialists to secure appropriate documentation to get clients on the By Name List and on the path to housing. Assist clients who may have alternatives to entering the shelter system, navigate their alternatives to divert households from entering the Emergency Shelter Triage and de-escalate persons in crisis and connect persons to appropriate emergency resources. Notify outreach specialists when clients missed shelter for more than three nights. Serve as main contact with clients until clients are assigned a case manager.
Part-time, evenings on a rotating schedule.
A bachelor’s in social work or related field preferred; may be substituted by experience. Must have smartphone to utilize Agency communication and collaboration tools.
Strong interpersonal skills Express ideas clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Ability to problem-solve and make decisions in stressful situations. Professional boundaries with clients. Maturity in demeanor and positive attitude. Aptitude for management data and information. Crisis intervention skills Enjoys managing different levels of responsibilities and tasks of the program. Comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people (i.e. volunteers, shelter clients). Ability to think ‘on-your-feet’. Ability to work individually and as a member of a team.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and talk or hear, stand; walk; sit; use stairs; reach with hands and arms balance, stoop, kneel or crouch.
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
Job descriptions are not intended and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties, as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
Housing Forward does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits and training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.
Market context
In Illinois, engagement specialist roles are often sought in settings that support clients through outreach, stabilization, and ongoing coordination, so employers typically look for candidates with strong crisis intervention skills and comfort using agency communication tools. Competition can be tighter for applicants who pair relevant experience with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent background, plus reliable smartphone access. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save time, then tailor your application to show specific de-escalation and client-engagement experience.