Information and Referral Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL
An Information and Referral Specialist in the social service industry serves as a critical link between individuals or communities and needed resources. They assist clients by identifying their needs, providing relevant information, and directing them to suitable social services, such as housing, food assistance, healthcare, or counseling. The specialist conducts in-depth interviews with clients, maintains a current database of resources, and follows up to ensure the clients have accessed the services. They also liaise with other professionals in the social service industry to foster collaboration and enhance service delivery.
Essential skills for this role include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work with diverse populations. Familiarity with databases, data entry, and research skills are also crucial. A certification such as the Certified Information and Referral Specialist (CIRS) is often required, as it demonstrates a thorough understanding of the information and referral process. Prior roles that could lead to this position might include Social Service Assistant, Case Manager, or Community Outreach Coordinator, which all provide valuable experience in navigating social services and working directly with clients in need.
Information and Referral Specialist
- Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 5 days ago
- Wheaton, IL (24 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 5 days ago
We are pleased to offer the opportunity to work as an Information & Referral Specialist within DuPage County's Department of Community Services....
- Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 21 days ago
- Buffalo Grove, IL (23 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 21 days ago
Community Outreach Specialist Geode Health - 3.5 Buffalo Grove, IL Job Details Full-time $50,000 a year 13 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance...
Life Unlimited. At Smith+Nephew we design and manufacture technology that takes the limits off living. The Clinical Resource Specialist for Burn (CRS-B) is a field-based clinical position...
Human Resource Specialist (Military)
- Darien, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 23 days ago
- Darien, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 23 days ago
Assist staff in formulating administrative estimates, plans, orders and reports Review incoming regulations and directives relating to administration and military personnel programs, functions,...
Human Resource Specialist (Military)
- Darien, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 24 days ago
- Darien, IL (20 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 24 days ago
About the Position: This is a Military Technician position with the 416th Engineer Command, 416th Mission Support Element located in Darien, Illinois. This position requires an active membership...
- Palos Hills, IL (16 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 30+ days ago
- Palos Hills, IL (16 miles from Chicago, IL)
- 30+ days ago
Under the supervision of the Director of the Job Resource Center, the Job Resource Specialist prepares and connects students, alumni, and community job seekers for the world of work, as well as...
Family Guidance Centers, Inc. (FGC), a not-for-profit behavioral healthcare organization, treats and prevents substance use disorder, as well as an array of other related problems. Since 1969,...
Assist the family social service worker with facilitating the expansion of resources needed to better serve children and their families involved in foster care....
Make your next move an expert one. At Colliers it's not our success that sets us apart, it's how we achieve it. Our people are passionate, take ownership and always do what's right for our...
Maintain database of community services and resources, assist internal staff in learning and accessing database to link members to community resources....
Demographic Data for Chicago, IL
Moving to Chicago, IL? Find some basic demographic data about Chicago, IL below.
Information and Referral Specialist Online Courses and Training Opportunities
Title Synonyms
Users interested in this job title also searched for the following job title
Salary for Information and Referral Specialist Jobs in Chicago, IL
Required or preferred licenses and certifications for Information and Referral Specialist positions.
Highest Education Level
Information and Referral Specialists in Chicago, IL offer the following education backgroundQualifications / Skill Sets
The following top skills are often required or desired to land a Information and Referral Specialist position
- Hydrology
- Forestry
- Employee Relations
- Human Resources Management
- Resource Management
- Water Management
- Surface Water
- HR Systems
- New Hire Paperwork
- HR Policies & Procedures
- Natural Resource Management
- Exit Interviews
- Community Resources
- Social Services
- Harm Reduction
- Homeless Services
- Human Services
- Community Organizing
- Home Visits
- Depression
- Community Service
- Needs Assessment
- Cultural Competency
- Autism
- Special Education
- Social Skills
- Crisis Management
- Community Outreach
- File Management
- Client Services
- Wellness
- Discretion
- Curriculum Development
- Business Correspondence
- Referrals
- Implementation
- Prioritizing
- Verbal Communication
- Telephone Skills
- Collaboration
- Events
- Flexibility
- Documentation
- Interpersonal Skills
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education Experience
- Teaching
- Filing
- Reporting
- Spanish
- English
- Regulations
- Policy Development
- Problem Solving
- Microsoft Office
- Bilingual
- Research Skills
- Time Management
- Microsoft Excel
- Organization
- Customer Service
- Scheduling
- Computer Skills
- Leadership
- Communication Skills
Other Career Titles
Here are some other career titles that require similar skills
Information and Referral Specialist Related Career Advice Articles

5 Unique Social Services Jobs
Read our guide to social services jobs – including probation officers, family therapists, and child advocates – to find the one that’s right for you.
Read article »
What Are the Differences Between Micro, Mezzo, and Macro Social Work?
Learn which type of social work career aligns best with your skills, experience, and goals.
Read article »