Certified Housing Specialist

Certified Housing Specialist

Do you want to use your certifications and knowledge of HUD and housing to make a difference for people living with mental illness? Join Thresholds, a mission-driven housing first organization as a Certified Housing Specialist!

As a Certified Housing Specialist, you will manage a portfolio of Thresholds residential buildings. You will split your time between the office and being onsite at Thresholds properties throughout Chicagoland. You will verify income and eligibility to be housed at Thresholds, calculate rent, and verify other requirements for each location. For those clients already housed in Thresholds properties, you will conduct lease compliance and violation meetings, lease renewals, unit inspections, and income recertifications. Contribute your in-depth knowledge of housing compliance by completing paperwork and maintaining tenant files for future audits. Ultimately, your work will contribute to improved outcomes for Thresholds clients in their recovery process, health, and overall wellbeing.

The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need to excel in your role. You will collaborate closely with Thresholds' Facilities department to prepare and maintain the units. Our goal is to help clients succeed in their housing, so you will also partner with clinical teams to lead eviction prevention discussions. Opportunities for training and professional development will deepen your knowledge in harm reduction, housing first principles, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.

To succeed in this role, you need:

• Passion for working with people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders
• Commitment to housing first principles
• Good communication and organization skills
• Strong knowledge of regulations and confidentiality
• A valid driver's license, current insurance, and daily access to a personal vehicle
• Willingness to travel throughout Chicagoland
• To be at least 21 years old

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED certificate required / Bachelor's degree preferred
• Assisted Housing Manager (AHM), Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), or Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) required
• Minimum of 3 years of residential property management or administration of federal or government subsidies
• Experience working with individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders preferred

What sets Thresholds apart:

• Competitive pay - Base Rate: $50,000 - $55,000 annually
• Generous PTO
• Vision insurance,
• 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
• Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
• Mileage reimbursement
• Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
• Public service loan forgiveness
• Supervision for clinical licensure at no cost (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC)

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency's mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago's 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.