Location: Chicago, IL 60605
Pay: $22.20 - $26.64 per hour ($46,176 - $55,411 annually)
Schedule: Full Time, Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)
Work Arrangement: On-site (Hybrid eligible after 90 Days)
About Us: Volunteers of America Illinois is a national, faith-based nonprofit founded over 125 years ago. VOA Illinois delivers strength-based, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive programs across the state. We are a certified Great Place to Work and proudly promote from within — over 50% of our workforce has advanced into new roles within the organization. We continue to innovate and evolve based on the needs of the communities we serve. Check out our careers page to find more opportunities at
Careers - VOA Illinois.
Program Overview:Intake Service & Coordination serves as the primary point of entry into VOA Illinois Client Services and provides short-term transition support for newly enrolled participants in the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program. This position ensures that clients receive timely access to appropriate programs through comprehensive eligibility screening, coordinated enrollment, program orientation, and structured engagement during the critical first ninety (90) days of participation. Clients are connected to the services and resources necessary to support successful program engagement.
We provide:
A centralized point of access to help clients understand and navigate available VOA Illinois programs and services.
- Individualized guidance to help clients identify services that align with their needs and circumstances.
- Support throughout the intake and enrollment process to promote timely and coordinated access to services.
- Connections across VOA Illinois programs to help clients access additional services and supports when appropriate.
- Short-term transition support for newly enrolled SSVF participants during their initial 90 days of participation.
- Coordination with program staff to promote continuity of care and a smooth transition into ongoing services.
- Assistance navigating available services and understanding next steps throughout the process.
Our goal is to provide clients with a clear and coordinated pathway into VOA Illinois services, reduce barriers to access, and ensure they are successfully connected and transitioned to the programs and supports that best meet their needs.
Position Summary: The Intake Service Coordinator serves as the primary resource for client access, program eligibility, intake, enrollment, and service navigation. Working collaboratively with internal programs and community partners, the position facilitates timely access to services, coordinates seamless transitions into ongoing case management, and promotes continuity of care by connecting clients to appropriate internal and external resources.
What You’ll Do:
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients seeking services through VOA Illinois and provide information regarding available programs, eligibility requirements, participant expectations, and next steps.
- Conduct eligibility screenings and intake assessments and determine program eligibility in accordance with agency policies, funder requirements, and applicable regulations.
- Complete enrollment documentation and collect, review, and verify required supporting documentation, releases, and eligibility information within established timeframes.
- Connect clients to appropriate programs and services based on eligibility and identified needs.
- Manage assigned SSVF Rapid Rehousing and designated Homeless Prevention participants during the initial ninety (90) days of enrollment, including required assessments, service planning, documentation, service coordination, and transition to the permanent SSVF team.
- Utilize trauma-informed care, active listening, and conflict de-escalation strategies when supporting clients
- Complete accurate and timely documentation in EchoVantage, HMIS, and other required databases
- Collaborate with VOA Illinois staff, vendors, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery
- Manage assigned caseloads with strong organization, time management, and responsible stewardship of agency resources
- Exhibit cultural competence while serving clients of diverse backgrounds and commit to expanding knowledge and understanding of different communities and people groups
Work Environment & Schedule:
- Full-time, in-office position averaging 40 hours per week
- Eligible for at least one remote workday per week after Initial Training Period
- Community-based travel required
- Valid driver’s license required
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
- Physical demands include sedentary work, computer use, and frequent communication with clients, colleagues, and partners involved in client support.
- Must be able to travel within the community, transport clients when necessary, and assist clients in and out of vehicles
Other Duties: As assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications
Required:
Must meet minimum requirements as a Mental Health Professional (MHP) in the State of Illinois: • a bachelor's degree;
- OR a practical nurse license under the Nurse Practice Act [225 ILCS 65];
- OR a certificate of psychiatric rehabilitation from a DHS-approved program plus a high school diploma plus 2 years of experience in providing mental health services;
- OR a recovery support specialist certified and in good standing with the Illinois Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Professional Certification Association, Inc., plus one year experience in providing mental health services;
- OR an occupational therapy assistant licensed under the Illinois Occupational Therapy Practice Act [225 ILCS 75] with at least one year of experience in a mental health setting;
- OR a minimum of 5 years of supervised experience in mental health or human services. (A supervised internship in a mental health setting counts toward the experience in providing mental health services).
- Experience in counseling, crisis intervention, substance abuse/mental health issues, and familiarity with community resources is essential.
- Must possess a valid State of Illinois driver’s license.
- Requires a person with flexibility to work day and evening hours, including weekends and holidays as needed. May at times work in harsh weather conditions in the performance of his or her duties.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with local social service resources
- Experience in advocacy, intake, or care coordination
- Experience supporting veterans and military-connected individuals
Compensation & Benefits
We offer a competitive benefits package including:
- Medical Dental, Vision
- 403(b) with employer match
- Generous Paid-Time Off
- On-Demand Pay: Early wage access through Payactiv
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA) / Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Referral program
VOA Illinois provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law.
Reasonable accommodations will be considered to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities upon request.