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Housing First Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thresholds

Certified Housing Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Join Thresholds, a mission-driven housing first organization as a Certified Housing Specialist! As a Certified Housing Specialist, you will manage a portfolio of Thresholds residential buildings. You ...

Thresholds

Certified Housing Specialist

Chicago, IL

$50K - $55K/yr

Join Thresholds, a mission-driven housing first organization as a Certified Housing Specialist! As a Certified Housing Specialist, you will manage a portfolio of Thresholds residential buildings. You ...

Thresholds

Certified Housing Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Join Thresholds, a mission-driven housing first organization as a Certified Housing Specialist! As a Certified Housing Specialist, you will manage a portfolio of Thresholds residential buildings. You ...

Hope The Mission

Housing Navigator

Chatsworth, CA · On-site

Services are delivered using Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care principles, with an emphasis on individualized planning, advocacy, and system navigation. Level I Duties and ...

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$17.5K

$45.2K

$64K

How much do housing first jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for housing first in the United States is $45,221.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Housing First job?

A Housing First job typically involves providing support and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, using the Housing First approach. This model prioritizes providing stable, permanent housing without preconditions like sobriety or employment. Professionals in these roles may work as case managers, housing coordinators, or outreach workers, connecting clients to resources such as mental health care, substance use treatment, and employment support. The goal is to help people maintain housing stability and improve their overall well-being.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Housing First position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Housing First Case Manager, you need experience in social services, case management, and a strong understanding of homelessness and mental health issues, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in social work or human services. Proficiency in client management systems and documentation software, as well as knowledge of federal and local housing regulations, are important. Empathy, cultural competence, and strong interpersonal communication skills help build trust with clients to support their housing stability. These abilities are vital for providing effective, client-centered support and ensuring compliance with program and funding requirements.

What are the typical challenges faced by Housing First Case Managers, and how do they overcome them?

Housing First Case Managers often encounter challenges such as working with clients who have complex needs, navigating limited community resources, and addressing resistance to services. Success in this role involves creativity in problem-solving, strong advocacy, and maintaining a persistent, supportive approach while respecting each client's autonomy. Working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams—including healthcare providers, social workers, and housing agencies—helps case managers find tailored solutions for each individual. Ongoing training and supportive supervision are also key to managing stress and building resilience in this rewarding but demanding field.
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What cities are hiring for Housing First jobs? Cities with the most Housing First job openings:
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Housing First jobs near you
Infographic showing various Housing First job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 44% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,221 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
Certified Housing Specialist

Certified Housing Specialist

Thresholds

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Full-time

Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Certified Housing Specialist

Do you want to use your certifications and knowledge of HUD and housing to make a difference for people living with mental illness? Join Thresholds, a mission-driven housing first organization as a Certified Housing Specialist!

As a Certified Housing Specialist, you will manage a portfolio of Thresholds residential buildings. You will split your time between the office and being onsite at Thresholds properties throughout Chicagoland. You will verify income and eligibility to be housed at Thresholds, calculate rent, and verify other requirements for each location. For those clients already housed in Thresholds properties, you will conduct lease compliance and violation meetings, lease renewals, unit inspections, and income recertifications. Contribute your in-depth knowledge of housing compliance by completing paperwork and maintaining tenant files for future audits. Ultimately, your work will contribute to improved outcomes for Thresholds clients in their recovery process, health, and overall wellbeing.

The culture at Thresholds is collaborative and supportive, providing you with the tools and resources you need to excel in your role. You will collaborate closely with Thresholds’ Facilities department to prepare and maintain the units. Our goal is to help clients succeed in their housing, so you will also partner with clinical teams to lead eviction prevention discussions. Opportunities for training and professional development will deepen your knowledge in harm reduction, housing first principles, and other evidence-based practices. This invaluable experience will set you up for a variety of career paths and growth opportunities within our organization.

To succeed in this role, you need:

  • Passion for working with people with mental illness and/or substance use disorders
  • Commitment to housing first principles
  • Good communication and organization skills
  • Strong knowledge of regulations and confidentiality
  • A valid driver’s license, current insurance, and daily access to a personal vehicle
  • Willingness to travel throughout Chicagoland
  • To be at least 21 years old

Education & Experience:

  • High school diploma or GED certificate required / Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Assisted Housing Manager (AHM), Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS), or Tax Credit Specialist (TCS) required
  • Minimum of 3 years of residential property management or administration of federal or government subsidies
  • Experience working with individuals with mental illness or substance use disorders preferred

What sets Thresholds apart:

  • Competitive pay - Base Rate: $50,000 - $55,000 annually
  • Generous PTO
  • Vision insurance,
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer match
  • Robust employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Cell phone reimbursement (up to $50/month)
  • Public service loan forgiveness

Thresholds is a mission-driven agency with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We foster an environment where all feel valued and respected, a place where every employee can be themselves, thrive, and support the agency’s mission. Click here to learn more.

One of the oldest and largest community mental health organizations in Illinois, we pride ourselves in being a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace and one of Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For, several years in a row.

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