Feel called to serve?
Make a change this year--you can bring hope, healing, and help to those in need.
We're hiring a new position--Vocational and Housing Coordinator at our Joliet location, and we're looking for hearts ready to serve with love and purpose.
Answer the call. Join us today.

Position Summary:
Are you passionate about walking alongside others on their journey to healing and restoration? We are seeking a compassionate and skilled Vocational and Housing Coordinator to assist individuals in achieving employment and stable housing.  

In this role, you will build relationships with local employers to connect clients with job opportunities, providing job readiness training, career coaching and educational referrals.  You will guide clients through housing programs, support the application process and advocate with landlords and housing authorities.  

If you feel called to use your gifts to help others experience freedom, hope, and purpose, we invite you to join our mission!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Vocational:

1. Network, connect and/or partner with local businesses and corporations to establish ongoing referrals for employment for our clients.  Matches clients with job opportunities.
2. Conducts training programs, job seeking skills training and Job Club sessions with clients to enhance their ability to successfully secure employment. 
   1. Work directly with our clients to create resumes and cover letters
   2. Provide training in interview techniques and coach clients through the interview process
   3. Provides career coaching
   4. Assesses vocational evaluations
3. Provide resources and referrals to education and educational training programs, including GED programs, college courses/programs, trade schools, on-line course work, etc.
4. Conduct Intake Interviews for job placement

Housing:

1. Assess client eligibility for housing assistance programs, including Section 8, public housing, and emergency rental assistance.
2. Provide individualized support in completing housing applications, gathering necessary documentation, and addressing any barriers to eligibility.
3. Serve as a liaison between clients, landlords, housing authorities, and community partners to advocate for clients' housing needs.
4. Educate clients on their rights, responsibilities, and available resources related to housing.
5. Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and private management companies throughout the city to secure safe, affordable, and fair housing for clients.
6. Meet with clients to provide direct and supportive services related to housing; i.e. lease negotiation process, move-ins, and ensure clients are added to city and state referral lists for subsidized housing.
7. Provide support and education to the Programs team regarding housing issues to help secure housing for their clients. May develop and conduct team based training and information sharing sessions.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. Positive Christian testimony.
2. Submit to a background check.
3. Highly organized with great attention to detail.
4. Strong interpersonal skills, able to listen and guide/counsel according to Biblical principles and individual resident needs
5. Good analysis and discernment skills, able to facilitate the identification and resolution of resident issues
6. Reliable and extremely trustworthy; able and willing to maintain confidentiality
7. Ability to be self-directed and work independent
8. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software and Google programs. 
9. Able and willing to work as a member of a team
10. A commitment to serving others
11. Must have and maintain a valid Illinois driver's license and record acceptable to MSM insurance carrier
12. Willing to submit to a fingerprint background clearance process

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Faith-Alignment Requirement: MorningStar Mission Ministries is a privately funded 501 (c)3 non-profit, non-denominational Christian ministry. Our designated purpose is religious and we are a Christ-centered ministry which is dedicated to sharing the Gospel and relieving the physical and spiritual needs of the poor. We consider every position to be essential in the fulfillment of our ministry. As such, each employee (other than temporary or part-time thrift workers) must have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field
• Experience working with people with mental health and/or substance abuse diagnoses preferred
• Experience working in the community, advocacy efforts, and marketing skills preferred

Generous benefits offered to full-time regular employees:
• Outstanding health plan with BCBS; effective on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.
• Health Reimbursement Account where employees are responsible for the first $900 of the $7,400 deductible for single coverage. MorningStar Mission reimburses the difference of up to $6,400 per year!
• Dental and Vision: Coverage paid 100% by MorningStar Mission; effective on the first day of the month following 60 days of employment.
• 403b Retirement Plan with matching contributions following one year of employment
• Holidays: 14 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation, sick time and Short Term Disability coverage paid by MorningStar Mission
• Life Insurance: premium paid by MorningStar Mission
• Thrift store discount and free meals during working shift from the MSM kitchen!

This position is 100% on-site, Joliet, IL.