LIFE IS WORK
Permanent Supportive Housing Tech Specialist
LIFE IS WORK, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60644
Job Description
Job Description
Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance
Reports to:
Housing Program Manager Location:
Chicago, IL (On-site at Westside and Southside program locations) FLSA Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Organizational Overview:
Life Is Work
is a trans-led, BIPOC-centered nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to empowering Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer+ (TLGBQ+) communities through housing advocacy, health justice, economic empowerment, and harm reduction strategies. Our Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program is rooted in the Housing First model and provides long-term housing with wraparound services to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, often intersecting with HIV, incarceration, and systemic oppression.
Position Summary:
The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Tech Specialist is a hands-on role that provides on-the-ground support to participants within Life Is Works housing portfolio. Working under the supervision of the Housing Program Manager, the Tech Specialist ensures day-to-day operational and participant needs are met across multiple housing units. This includes support with move-ins, facilities coordination, documentation follow-up, light maintenance monitoring, crisis response, and reentry support. The role is ideal for someone who thrives in field-based environments, has strong interpersonal skills, and shares a commitment to housing justice.
Key Responsibilities:
Housing Support & Participant Engagement
Assist with participant move-ins, unit orientations, and documentation collection (leases, IDs, intake forms, etc.). Provide regular on-site support to housing participants and act as a liaison between participants and case managers. Conduct wellness and safety checks and report any critical incidents to supervisory staff. Support community-building efforts and reinforce program expectations with participants in a compassionate, non-punitive way. Help de-escalate conflict or behavioral concerns through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach.
Property Oversight & Coordination
Conduct routine walkthroughs of PSH units and report property-related issues to the Housing Manager or property management teams. Ensure units are move-in ready, including basic furniture delivery coordination, supply restocking, and minor setup needs. Assist in scheduling and facilitating pest control, unit inspections, or light maintenance with external vendors.
Administrative & Compliance Support
Maintain clear and accurate logs of site visits, wellness checks, and participant interactions. Support staff with document gathering for grant deliverables, lease renewals, and internal audits. Enter notes and updates into HMIS or other tracking tools as instructed.
Reentry & Crisis Support
Provide support to participants recently released from incarceration as they adjust to housing and program life. Serve as a point of contact during emergencies or urgent housing-related situations. Support referrals to community-based services for participants experiencing food insecurity, violence, or mental health needs.
Qualifications:
2-5 years of direct service, street outreach, housing navigation, or supportive housing experience required. Lived experience navigating homelessness, incarceration, or TLGBQ+ marginalization is highly valued. Strong understanding of harm reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed care, and reentry work. Comfortable working independently in field-based settings (apartment buildings, scattered-site units). Ability to navigate tense environments with empathy, patience, and cultural humility. Familiarity with HMIS or case note documentation is a plus. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and climb stairs in housing units without elevator access. Valid state ID required. Drivers license preferred but not required.
Work Environment:
Field-based role with frequent travel across West and Southside of Chicago. Schedule may include evenings or weekends in response to client or property needs. Includes both independent and team-based work in homes, shelters, and LIW facilities.
Job Description
Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance
Reports to:
Housing Program Manager Location:
Chicago, IL (On-site at Westside and Southside program locations) FLSA Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Organizational Overview:
Life Is Work
is a trans-led, BIPOC-centered nonprofit organization in Chicago dedicated to empowering Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer+ (TLGBQ+) communities through housing advocacy, health justice, economic empowerment, and harm reduction strategies. Our Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program is rooted in the Housing First model and provides long-term housing with wraparound services to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness, often intersecting with HIV, incarceration, and systemic oppression.
Position Summary:
The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Tech Specialist is a hands-on role that provides on-the-ground support to participants within Life Is Works housing portfolio. Working under the supervision of the Housing Program Manager, the Tech Specialist ensures day-to-day operational and participant needs are met across multiple housing units. This includes support with move-ins, facilities coordination, documentation follow-up, light maintenance monitoring, crisis response, and reentry support. The role is ideal for someone who thrives in field-based environments, has strong interpersonal skills, and shares a commitment to housing justice.
Key Responsibilities:
Housing Support & Participant Engagement
Assist with participant move-ins, unit orientations, and documentation collection (leases, IDs, intake forms, etc.). Provide regular on-site support to housing participants and act as a liaison between participants and case managers. Conduct wellness and safety checks and report any critical incidents to supervisory staff. Support community-building efforts and reinforce program expectations with participants in a compassionate, non-punitive way. Help de-escalate conflict or behavioral concerns through a trauma-informed, harm-reduction approach.
Property Oversight & Coordination
Conduct routine walkthroughs of PSH units and report property-related issues to the Housing Manager or property management teams. Ensure units are move-in ready, including basic furniture delivery coordination, supply restocking, and minor setup needs. Assist in scheduling and facilitating pest control, unit inspections, or light maintenance with external vendors.
Administrative & Compliance Support
Maintain clear and accurate logs of site visits, wellness checks, and participant interactions. Support staff with document gathering for grant deliverables, lease renewals, and internal audits. Enter notes and updates into HMIS or other tracking tools as instructed.
Reentry & Crisis Support
Provide support to participants recently released from incarceration as they adjust to housing and program life. Serve as a point of contact during emergencies or urgent housing-related situations. Support referrals to community-based services for participants experiencing food insecurity, violence, or mental health needs.
Qualifications:
2-5 years of direct service, street outreach, housing navigation, or supportive housing experience required. Lived experience navigating homelessness, incarceration, or TLGBQ+ marginalization is highly valued. Strong understanding of harm reduction, Housing First, trauma-informed care, and reentry work. Comfortable working independently in field-based settings (apartment buildings, scattered-site units). Ability to navigate tense environments with empathy, patience, and cultural humility. Familiarity with HMIS or case note documentation is a plus. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs and climb stairs in housing units without elevator access. Valid state ID required. Drivers license preferred but not required.
Work Environment:
Field-based role with frequent travel across West and Southside of Chicago. Schedule may include evenings or weekends in response to client or property needs. Includes both independent and team-based work in homes, shelters, and LIW facilities.