Housing Task Force VISTA

SUMMARY

The Housing Task Force VISTA will coordinate CJE SeniorLife’s new Housing Task Force initiative to develop a sustainable database of resources, community partnerships, and strategies that address housing insecurity among older adults in Illinois. This project will streamline referrals and improve access to appropriate, stable housing solutions. The VISTA member plays a crucial role in enhancing CJE’s capacity to meet the housing needs of a rapidly growing older adult population.

This is a full-time, 12-month AmeriCorps VISTA position from August 25, 2025 to August 24, 2026. Service is generally Monday–Friday during standard business hours, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend meetings. The position is based at our Chicago office with the option for hybrid remote work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Other duties may be assigned. This work will be done under the supervision of the Benefits Services Team.

Housing Task Force Coordination & System Development

• • Coordinate CJE’s Housing Task Force
  • Maintain a project timeline and goals
  • Review current housing referral practices across CJE community service departments
  • Develop urgency-based assessment criteria to prioritize housing cases
  • Research rental assistance programs, emergency housing, and long-term options
  • Organize comprehensive internal use housing tool

Database & Resource Development

• • Utilize CJE technology to implement housing research and coordination.
  • Implement tracking tools for housing eligibility, applications, and services
  • Monitor referrals and resolution times
  • Organize a robust directory of older adult-specific housing resources
  • Document maintenance procedures for long-term sustainability

Community Partnerships & Capacity Building

• • Identify and engage new housing-related partners
  • Maintain accurate partner records
  • Create training materials and a comprehensive procedure guide

Program Sustainability & Evaluation

• • Develop protocols for ongoing project maintenance
  • Survey staff to evaluate program effectiveness and identify improvements
  • Analyze feedback to refine strategies

Professional Development

• • Participate in AmeriCorps orientation, ongoing Housing Action Illinois trainings, and VISTA events
  • Complete all required AmeriCorps reporting (timesheets, monthly reports, narratives)
  • Ensure AmeriCorps branding on all digital and print materials created during service
  • Collaborate with the AmeriCorps cohort through learning, networking, and storytelling activities

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this service position successfully, individuals must meet the following requirements. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Education and/or Experience

• • Bachelors degree required or equivalent social service experience
  • Interest or background in social services, housing, aging, or community development
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Teams, and/or Salesforce preferred
  • Strong communication, time management, and project coordination skills
  • Experience creating documentation or training resources is a plus

Language Skills

• • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Ability to write reports, procedures, and public-facing materials

Other Requirements

• • Passion for social equity and service
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work independently while fostering collaboration
  • Commitment to the full 12-month VISTA service term

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS

• • Environment: Standard office setting with moderate noise levels
  • Lifting: Occasional lifting of materials (up to 10 lbs.)
  • Dexterity: Frequent typing and digital work
  • Communication: Clear verbal and written communication required in meetings, trainings, and presentations
  • Mobility: Mostly sedentary work; some walking/standing for events or site visits
  • Travel: Occasional local travel; CTA-accessible; public transit card available

AMERICORPS BENEFITS

• • Americorps benefits – go here for details https://www.americorps.gov/members-volunteers/your-benefits
  • $600 monthly supplement provided by CJE SeniorLife

CJE SENIORLIFE VALUES

The VISTA member should demonstrate CJE's core values in their service and work practices:

• • Respect: Honoring each person’s culture, history, and dignity
  • Advocacy: Elevating client voices and promoting just policies
  • Compassion: Responding with sensitivity and care
  • Innovation: Advancing programs that improve quality of life
  • Intention: Acting mindfully and strategically
  • Accountability: Delivering responsible, ethical, and measurable outcomes

CJE SeniorLife and AmeriCorps are equal opportunity organizations. Individuals of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

TO APPLY

Submit your application through the My AmeriCorps portal or email

americorps@housingactionil.org for more information.

Application Deadline: July 11, 2025