HomeGrown Public Engagement Specialist
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
GRANT-FUNDED POSITION NOTICE
This position is funded through the HomeGrown Grant Program for a defined term of 1-3 years. While NHS intends for the role to remain active for the duration of the grant, employment with NHS is strictly at-will. Continued employment is contingent upon ongoing grant funding.
BASIC JOB FUNCTION The Public Engagement Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for public inquiries related to the HomeGrown Grant Program. The role ensures accurate and consistent information is delivered to stakeholders and community members. The ideal candidate is customer-service oriented, highly organized, and able to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Public Inquiry Management
Serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking information about the HomeGrown Grant Program.
Respond to phone calls, voicemails, emails, and other inquiries within 2–3 business days.
Provide accurate and consistent information regarding program eligibility, application processes, timelines, documentation requirements, and other program components.
Track inquiries and responses using NHS’s approved systems and maintain organized communication records.
Complete soft underwriting on all files before routing them to Underwriting for formal evaluation.
Community & Engagement
Clearly explain program guidelines and connect members of the public to additional resources as needed.
Represent the HomeGrown Program in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging to the public.
Assist with outreach efforts, public information sessions, and community-facing materials as needed.
Program Support & Coordination
Identify common themes and frequently asked questions based on incoming inquiries.
Recommend improvements to website content, FAQs, and public communication materials.
Monitor inquiry volume and provide updates to program leadership.
Support administrative and operational tasks related to the program as assigned.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $25/hour
Paid time off
We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Education
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience
2–3 years of experience in customer service, community engagement, or program support.
Desired Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage high volumes of inquiries and meet response timelines.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
Technology:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce or CRM inquiry-tracking systems (preferred).
COMPENTENCIES To succeed in this role, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
Customer/Client Focus
Professional Communication
Problem-Solving
Time Management
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regularly required to talk or hear.
Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT This position involves a combination of office-based work, virtual communication, and occasionally community-based engagement. Some evening or weekend availability may be required for special events or outreach activities.
REMOTE WORK POLICY The HomeGrown Program staff are required to work full-time in the office. Remote work arrangements are not available for this position. Employees must be present in-office for all scheduled workdays and attend meetings as needed.
NHS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, RACIAL EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and advances our mission. NHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago #J-18808-Ljbffr
BASIC JOB FUNCTION The Public Engagement Specialist serves as the primary point of contact for public inquiries related to the HomeGrown Grant Program. The role ensures accurate and consistent information is delivered to stakeholders and community members. The ideal candidate is customer-service oriented, highly organized, and able to communicate clearly and professionally with diverse audiences.
PRINCIPAL JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Public Inquiry Management
Serve as the first point of contact for individuals seeking information about the HomeGrown Grant Program.
Respond to phone calls, voicemails, emails, and other inquiries within 2–3 business days.
Provide accurate and consistent information regarding program eligibility, application processes, timelines, documentation requirements, and other program components.
Track inquiries and responses using NHS’s approved systems and maintain organized communication records.
Complete soft underwriting on all files before routing them to Underwriting for formal evaluation.
Community & Engagement
Clearly explain program guidelines and connect members of the public to additional resources as needed.
Represent the HomeGrown Program in a professional, courteous, and culturally competent manner.
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging to the public.
Assist with outreach efforts, public information sessions, and community-facing materials as needed.
Program Support & Coordination
Identify common themes and frequently asked questions based on incoming inquiries.
Recommend improvements to website content, FAQs, and public communication materials.
Monitor inquiry volume and provide updates to program leadership.
Support administrative and operational tasks related to the program as assigned.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS: $25/hour
Paid time off
We also offer a team spirit, which strives for excellence in customer service.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Education
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience
2–3 years of experience in customer service, community engagement, or program support.
Desired Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to manage high volumes of inquiries and meet response timelines.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Demonstrated cultural competence and ability to work with diverse populations.
Technology:
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce or CRM inquiry-tracking systems (preferred).
COMPENTENCIES To succeed in this role, an individual must demonstrate the following competencies:
Customer/Client Focus
Professional Communication
Problem-Solving
Time Management
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Regularly required to talk or hear.
Frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms.
The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT This position involves a combination of office-based work, virtual communication, and occasionally community-based engagement. Some evening or weekend availability may be required for special events or outreach activities.
REMOTE WORK POLICY The HomeGrown Program staff are required to work full-time in the office. Remote work arrangements are not available for this position. Employees must be present in-office for all scheduled workdays and attend meetings as needed.
NHS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, RACIAL EQUITY, AND INCLUSION Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) is deeply committed to building and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences strengthens our work and advances our mission. NHS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago #J-18808-Ljbffr