Careers

Join our team

For 55 years, Bickerdike has employed a community-hiring preference to foster local economic development, creating employment opportunities for local residents. Many of our staff are residents of the neighborhoods we serve, and a number live in our housing.

 

As an organization dedicated to developing local leaders and empowering area residents, we make it a priority to hire and train area residents for employment opportunities within our organization. Thus, our staff is an integral component of the community-based inspiration that guides our ongoing endeavors to promote healthy neighborhoods.

 

View our current opportunities below.

Employment Application

Career Opportunities

Our available positions are listed below. Click on the title to see a job summary. Send your resume including salary requirements to jobs@bickerdike.org. Bickerdike is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The certification specialist will be responsible for carrying out and completing the essential work of applicant screening and verifying income and asset information for applicants and current residents for qualification for our Bickerdike’s affordable housing programs. In all instances the certification specialist will perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike mission.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Carry out and ensure occupancy related duties for occupied units including maintaining, updating, and processing all current resident information, tax credit compliance, and annual re-certifications.
  2. Assist with the application and leasing process for persons seeking rental housing including, but not limited to screening applicants for vacant units based on predetermined tenant selection criteria.
  3. Ensure completion of all required paperwork related to the applicant screening process including but not limited to landlord verifications, income certifications, credit, and criminal background checks, carrying out diligent follow up with all relevant individuals/entities as required.
  4. Ensure that all policies and procedures related to compliance, certification, recertification, and occupancy are adhered to and ensure that all files are prepared for reviewed by the property manager, LOS, or compliance for accuracy.
  5. Responsible for filing documents for tenant/applicant files in accordance with compliance and company policies and procedures.
  6. Assist with preparation of files for internal and external file audits and inspection; and participate in file corrections as required.
  7. Assist in the preparation of all required reporting to owners, governmental agencies, funding agencies and others as appropriate prior to due dates.
  8. Maintain and utilize established electronic and paper record keeping systems and documents in accordance with internal protocol, HUD, IHDA, tax credit and other regulatory guidelines and requirements.
  9. Perform duties in line with required timelines and deadlines to ensure certifications are completed on time.
  10. Act in a floating capacity to assist across portfolio’s certification/recertification needs as required, including as a member of the lease up team for new property lease up.
  11. Report tenant problems/concerns/complaints to the property manager.
  12. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum of 1 year of related certification/recertification experience.   High school diploma or equivalent required.  Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.  Section 8/Low Income Housing Tax Credit experience needed; Section 8 or LIHTC Certifications a plus. Good communication, writing, computer, and organizational skills necessary.  Must be able to work with people of various ethnic and economic backgrounds.  Willing to work flexible hours.  West Town, Humboldt Park, Logan Square, Hermosa, and Avondale residents preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  The Receptionist is responsible for answering and directing all incoming calls, greeting visitors/clients and answering and/or directing inquiries about Bickerdike and its services and performing clerical work as assigned. In all instances the Receptionist must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike mission.

 

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 persons with disabilities.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, lift and or move up to 10 pounds.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Receive and direct visitors either on the phones or in person in a professional and courteous manner relaying appropriate information.
  2. Work closely with the Secretary II to coordinate day to day and special projects.
  3. Provide back-up and support the front desk and Administration Department as needed.
  4. Type all assigned letters and correspondence and route all incoming mail.
  5. Mail, messenger, federal express all correspondence and other items as requested.
  6. Operate office machines such as copier, fax and postage machine.
  7. Carry-out filing needs for various departments as required.
  8. Perform data entry as directed.
  9. Perform other clerical tasks as assigned.
  10. Perform other relevant tasks as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum of 2 years related work experience.  High school diploma or equivalent required.  Good communication and customer service skills necessary as well as proficiency in writing and typing. A positive attitude and dependability with attentiveness to details a must. Computer knowledge necessary. Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus.  Must be willing to work flexible hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The SARFS & TACOM Program Administrator performs the day-to-day activities, coordinates, and carries out the planning and implements the process and procedures of the SARFS (Small Accessible Repair for Senior) and TACOM (Technical Assistance Community Program). In all instances the Program Administrator must perform in accordance with and be committed to the Bickerdike mission.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Provide direct supervision, evaluation, and direction to the SARFS Repair Contractor. Carry-out the recruitment, screening, training, and orientation of new staff, ensuring adherence to directives as delineated in the manual of operations and policies.
  2. Coordinate and carry out all aspects of the Small Accessible Repairs for Seniors (SARFS) Program including, but not limited to: developing and implementing a program marketing plan; completing application intakes; follow-up with clients on documentation and application/scope of work approvals; budgeting and recording all program activity; performing wellness checks on clients during extreme weather; preparing and submitting annual program funding applications; and submitting of all monthly, quarterly and annual reports to City of Chicago Department of Housing (DOH); attending all necessary meetings and completing the SARFS annual contract.
  3. Supervises and coordinates the scope of work including but not limited to coordinating and performing site inspections; overseeing the performance of minor repairs; ensuring the completion of jobs consistent with the SARFS contract; performing quality control and follow up for client satisfaction; verifying the installation of safety devices at each job.
  4. Perform, and coordinate all aspects of the TACOM program including, but not limited to: Submitting all monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to DOH. Arrange and conduct workshops on current housing issues, maintain a current list of organizations and service providers for referral of clients, conduct follow up of clients after referrals, attend/staff housing fairs and meetings as required.
  5. Plan, implement and oversee the company’s safety program for the Maintenance Department including, but not limited to: establishing policies and procedures, holding regular safety training meetings, performing spot checks to ensure proper safety equipment and practices are being utilized, investigating incidents when they occur to determine the root cause, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations to preserve worker health and safety.
  6. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: Minimum of 3 years related work experience. High school diploma or equivalent required. Good computer skills and good communication and writing skills. Bilingual English/Spanish helpful. Must be willing to work in the field with diverse clients and communities. Must have access to a car, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance for field work.