Intake Specialist (Part-Time)

About DOI

District Outreach Industries NFP (DOI) is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

dedicated to transforming the lives of youth, young adults, and families who have been affected

by trauma. Founded and led by Dori J. Collins, we believe healing must go beyond meeting

immediate needs, it must address the emotional, mental, and social well-being of the whole

person and the whole family. Through personalized support, evidence-based interventions, and

deep community engagement, DOI empowers the people we serve to rebuild their lives with

dignity, resilience, and optimism.

Rooted on Chicago’s South Side, DOI works hand-in-hand with schools, hospitals, victim

service providers, faith institutions, law enforcement, and grassroots community partners to

address not only the effects of trauma and violence, but their root causes. Our vision is a

community where every family impacted by trauma has seamless access to the support they

need to heal, and to thrive.

Position Summary

District Outreach Industries (DOI) seeks a dedicated and compassionate Part-Time Intake

Specialist to support the S.O.S. Help Is Here program through participant engagement, intake

assessments, crisis response support, service navigation, and community outreach.

The Intake Specialist serves as a frontline representative of the program, helping individuals

and families access resources that promote safety, stability, and self-sufficiency. The position is

responsible for conducting participant screenings, collecting intake documentation, identifying

immediate needs, and coordinating referrals to appropriate services.

This role requires a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and community-centered approach

when working with individuals affected by violence, homelessness, behavioral health

challenges, poverty, and other barriers to well-being.

Key Responsibilities

Intake & Assessment

• Conduct participant intake interviews and needs assessments.
• Complete intake forms, consent documents, and program eligibility screenings.
• Gather and maintain accurate participant information in agency databases and reporting systems.
• Assess immediate needs related to housing, food insecurity, employment, behavioral health, healthcare, education, and public benefits.

Service Navigation & Referral Support

• Connect participants to internal and external support services.
• Assist individuals in accessing housing, healthcare, mental health services, workforce

development programs, and community resources.

• Coordinate referrals and follow-up activities with case management staff and partner

organizations.

• Provide information and resource guidance to participants and families.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Participate in outreach activities, community events, and resource fairs.
• Build positive relationships with community members and stakeholders.
• Assist with participant recruitment and engagement efforts.
• Support community awareness initiatives and program outreach campaigns.

Crisis Support

• Provide initial support and de-escalation during participant crises.
• Assist in connecting participants to appropriate emergency and crisis intervention

services.

• Follow organizational protocols for safety, incident reporting, and emergency response.
• Support crisis response activities as assigned by the Program Manager.

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain timely and accurate participant records.
• Enter intake, referral, outreach, and service data into agency tracking systems.
• Assist with program reporting and outcome documentation.
• Ensure compliance with confidentiality requirements and data collection standards.

Team Collaboration

• Participate in staff meetings, case review meetings, training sessions, and program activities.
• Collaborate with outreach staff, case managers, community partners, and service providers.
• Communicate participant needs and service gaps to the Program Manager.
• Support program goals and grant deliverables through quality service delivery.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Public Health, Criminal Justice, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in community outreach, customer service, case management support, intake coordination, social services, or related human service work.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and electronic record systems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Reliable transportation for local travel within service areas.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals impacted by violence, homelessness, trauma, or behavioral health challenges.
• Training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, restorative practices, or conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems in Chicago.
• Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Lived experience and strong community connections are highly valued.

DOI offers a competitive benefits to eligible employees