RENA BALESH

773-***-**** ~ ad19an@r.postjobfree.com

PERSONAL

Skilled coordinator with over 20 years coordinating the implementation of subsidized public and Section 8 housing, Bridge Subsidy rental assistance, construction and environmental programs on city, state and private sector levels, seeks position commensurate with training, education and professional experience

EDUCATION

University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ – Bachelor of Fine Arts General Studies (Areas of Study: Communications, Child Development and Sociology)

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

9/8/2021 Family & Support Specialist

CEDA, Cicero, IL

Accountable for assisting in program recruitment, conducting intake, case management of all families and individuals as required that will help customer reach self-sufficiency, maintaining case files by utilizing the appropriate tracking methods to report activity; creating and maintaining case files ensuring audit ready; assisting in conducting community needs assessments and client satisfaction surveys for program planning; identifying internal and external linkages for referrals for additional services as needed

2/25/2021-9/3/2021 Outreach & Engagement Specialist - Front Door Diversion Program

Envision Unlimited, Chicago, IL

Responsible for the case management advocacy support services, linking clients with serious and persistent mental health challenges to the SNAP Program/recertification of SNAP benefits and other IDHS services, purchasing transportation passes, ordering and purchasing groceries, communicating with SSA re. status of benefit award and other entitlements

3/2/2020-9/3/2021 Housing Specialist - Front Door Diversion Program

Envision Unlimited, Chicago, IL

Accountable for aiding clients in applying for permanent supportive housing through the Illinois Dept. of Human Services Bridge Subsidy Program, Section 8 Voucher Program and IL Statewide Referral Network/IL HUD 811 Project Rental Assistance; identifying and navigating affordable housing options through relationship building with landlords and property management companies in increasing availability of units; taking clients to view potential units and helping with the move in to ensure a successful placement; facilitating development of lease and transfer of funds for security deposits

5/13/2019- 8/2/2019 Housing Specialist - Housing Choice Voucher Program

Housing Authority of Cook County, Chicago, IL

Responsible for case management of five hundred plus tenants, processing and reviewing

tenant certifications, both annual and interim, performing rent calculations, total tenant

payments, credits and/or other payments as appropriate, handling landlord and tenant issues

and concerns regarding client and Housing Authority portions of the rent; computing rent

increases as applicable

2009-5/10/2019 Wait List Coordinator - Low Income Public Housing & Multifamily Housing

Housing Authority of Cook County, Chicago, IL

Accountable for managing Public Housing Waiting List, providing orientation to prospective tenants on Housing & Urban Development rules and regulations ensuring that they are followed; Interviewing applicants, tracking eligibility status, conducting criminal background checks, Employment Income Verification reports, Department of Human Service benefits and other reports as needed

2004-2008 Administrative Assistant Engineering Dept./Executive Assistant to V.P. of Safety Dept.

Kenny Construction Company, Northbrook, IL

Responsible for preparing construction bids, ordering building plans/specifications, scheduling meetings/travel, maintaining safety audit database

2001-2004 Administrative Assistant

National Power Rodding, Chicago, IL

Accountable for preparing multimillion dollar contracts, as well as preparing lien waivers and Credit Memos, processing bills and effectively managing all safety re-certification issues

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

2017-2018 Director of the Service League Board - Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL

Responsible for the coordination of Grants

2016-2017 Main Information Desk /Guest Services - Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL

COMPUTER SKILLS

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Yardi software V. 6 & V. 7 for LIPH/HCV/Multi-Family Housing, State of IL Integrated Eligibility System (IES) software, Aurico Investigations and BETTERNOI Background Screening software, Housing & Urban Development Enterprise Verification (EIV) software, Mc Wright Inspection software, Q1 software by Quantum Solutions, PAIR Systems Module by Socialserve, STARS, Type 60wpm with complete accuracy

CERTIFICATIONS

IACAA “Family and Community Development Specialist”

Issued: February 2023

Nelrod “Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Rent Calculations”

Issued: May 23, 2019

Nan McKay “Fundamentals of LIHTC Management Specialist”

Issued: November 15, 2018

REFERENCES

Lorraine Jones, Wait List Coordinator

Housing Authority of Cook County

312-***-****

Daniel Zarletti, Previous Vice President

Kenny Construction

847-***-****

Monique Bond, Previous Director of Marketing

Housing Authority of Cook County

312-***-****

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