Residential Associate

Join a Caring Team 
Work alongside compassionate, mission-driven colleagues who are committed to serving others and making a lasting impact. 

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, homeless, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services - including shelter, food, case management, and community connections - to those in need.  

Primary Location 
The Bridge Shelter Village, 104 E. Oakland

Typical Schedule  Day Shift 8AM-4PM, Mon-Wed.Thur-Fri 7:00-3:00 (Subject to slight modifications for operational needs.)

Hourly Pay 
$17/hour

Comprehensive Full-Time Benefits 
We care for our team so you can care for others. 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 

• Short- and long-term disability coverage 

• Employer-paid life insurance 

• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match (after one year of employment) 

• Section 125 Flexible Spending Account (FSA) 

• Generous paid time off 

• Free on-site meals and beverages 

How You’ll Help Fulfill the HSHM Mission

This in-person role supports day-to-day client services through compassionate intake and exit processing, resource distribution, and front desk hospitality. Responsibilities include orienting new residents, managing client needs for basic supplies, ensuring compliance with residential agreements, and maintaining a welcoming environment for all who enter. The role also upholds agency standards by monitoring safety, enforcing policies, conducting screenings and eligibility checks, and performing drug and alcohol testing when required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Intake/Exit Services

• Receive and process intake paperwork for assistance at point of admission

• Initiate screening process based on Client Services protocol, occupancy, client background check.

• Orient and settle client into agency residential life

• Receive and process exit paperwork upon client departure

Hospitality Services

• Distribute resources (food, toiletries, linens, etc) to resident and non-resident clients, based on need and/or structured times

• Monitor medication/substance compliance Manage front desk to ensure professional and courteous response and greeting of clients, volunteers, visitors, and donors

• Warmly answer telephone calls and accurately take down messages for clients and staff

Accountability

• Monitor and enforce policies and procedures to ensure effective and safe provision of client services

• Check client eligibility before distributing resources

• Check building, grounds and client belongings to ensure safety and security

• Administer drug and alcohol testing to resident and non-resident clients as necessary

• Education and/or experience in the human services field. Experience with trauma informed principles in addressing client behavior preferred.

• Must be able to work flexible schedules including holidays, weekends, evenings, and possibly overnight hours.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Outlook, Word, Excel)

• Well organized and self-motivated, and able to multi-task and effectively function in a high stress environment.

• Ability to demonstrate empathy, cultural competency, and a Christ-centered focus.

• Able to identify client needs and apply agency or community resources to meet that need, while balancing operational demands with client-centered service.

• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality.

• Able to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries.

• Excellent problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

• Demonstrate good written and verbal communication

• Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.

Salary : $17