Success Stories
After serving a short time in prison, Antonio was working on his GED when he enrolled in the Foodservice Training program. He graduated with flying colors, and now works as a line cook at Inspiration Kitchens – Garfield Park.
“I come in here, and the outside world is gone. I’ve never had anything like that, and Inspiration Kitchens changed my life. And I love you all for that.”
Front Desk Program Assistant
Salary: $35,000
Overview:
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Since 1989, Inspiration Corporation has assisted thousands of individuals and families affected by homelessness, extreme poverty and recent incarceration each year - serving as a catalyst for self-reliance.
Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant- driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
At Inspiration Corporation, employees live this mission by demonstrating the following Core Values. Inspiration Corporation believes that these Core Values are what makes the organization one of Chicago’s leading facilitators of personal transformation, and a great place to work:
- Communicate honestly
- Act with compassion
- Pursue growth and learning
- Be humble
- Take care of ourselves so we can help others
- Work greater together
- Create a fun and productive environment
GENERAL
- Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values
- Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance
- Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency’s participants are addressed
- Attend department and agency meetings
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Other duties may be assigned
- Provide high quality customer service as the first point of contact for people contacting the agency.
- Answer agency phones and assist callers by providing program information, directing them to the appropriate staff and taking messages.
- Greet visitors and inform staff at the agency when they have visitors.
- Provide overview of IC services to walk-ins seeking information.
- Explain to walk-ins interested in housing how to register for the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and answer related questions.
- Monitor front door at all times, report any safety concerns, and monitor camera.
- Keep commonly used agency documents copied and stocked.
- Research available community resources and provide information to walk-ins (shelters, food banks, legal assistance etc.)
- Monitor resource room and enforce rules. Provide assistance with basic questions.
- Organize, distribute and maintain agency office supplies. Prepare orders when items need to be replenished.
- Perform inventory counts of Housing Department’s household supplies and assist on shopping trips.
- Assist program staff in orchestrating Café programming.
- Assist with production of Housing Department mailings.
- Under staff supervision, organize and keep current housing participant charts.
- Enter intake and assessment information for housing participants into agency database.
- Respond to e-mails related to the housing department.
- Working with Housing Department staff, help with screening, document collection, and outreach to applicants when there is a housing opening.
- Attend agency all staff meetings and program meetings.
- Must be able to meet the requirements to become a Notary Public in the state of IL and perform notary duties while employed.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
None.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the education, experience, and skills necessary for the position.
- Receptionist experience
- Exceptional time management skills
- Interest in gaining experience in office work or social services
- Strong commitment to personal and professional development
- Customer focused
- Good reading and writing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (mail merges, excel spreadsheets, etc.)
- Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community
- Ability to operate a copy machine, fax machine and printer
- Ability to maintain strict participant confidentiality
- Ability to demonstrate Inspiration Corporations Core Values
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. The program assistant must be able to sit during work hours, stand and walk throughout the office, lift packages up to 20 lbs., use telephones and computers, including screens, keyboards and mouse. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The program assistant maintains standard office hours. Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required.
To Apply:
Email resume & cover letter to: resumes@inspirationcorp.org. Please include “Front Desk Program Assistant" in the subject line of your email.
Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
Posted on: 2/10/21
4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640 | P (773) 878-0981 contact us > 
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and placement, and housing.