Description
This position provides both technical and operational leadership for H.O.M.E.’s Upkeep & Repair Program, while ensuring that low-income older adults receive high-quality, timely, and compassionate home repair services that support safe and independent living for south and west side low-income senior homeowners. The Upkeep and Repair Manager is responsible for supervising repair staff while also serving as the program’s lead resource for evaluating repair requests, conducting complex home assessments, developing scopes of work, estimating labor and materials, ensuring quality results, and coaching staff on repair techniques and customer service. Working alongside the repair team in the field under the supervision of the Finance and Operations Director, the Upkeep and Repair Manager ensures services are delivered safely, efficiently, and compassionately while continuously improving workflows, resource allocation, and program performance. The individual in this position is expected to spend at least as much time with the home repair team as in the main office.
H.O.M.E. Overview:
Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) is a one-of-a-kind Chicago organization that seeks to foster joy, connection and independence for Chicago’s low-income seniors. H.O.M.E. is a bright spot for all who know it. Founded in 1982, H.O.M.E. has helped thousands of low-income seniors in Chicago maintain their independence by providing a home upkeep and repair service, shopping bus, moving program, policy advocacy, and three affordable apartment buildings where seniors can live comfortably in an intergenerational environment. H.O.M.E. is characterized by a warm and caring culture.
Responsibilities:
1. Program Leadership & Operations
a. Oversee the daily operation of the Upkeep & Repair Program, including supervising Home Repair Specialists, Home Repair Assistants, and program support staff.
b. Conduct or oversee complex home assessments and determine repair feasibility, scope of work, estimated labor, materials, and costs.
c. Participate in on-site work as needed to support staff, conduct assessments, address complex repairs, and maintain familiarity with day-to-day program operations.
d. Provide technical guidance to Home Repair Specialists on plumbing, electrical, carpentry, accessibility modifications, and other repair challenges.
e. Administer Upkeep/Repair software (Jobber).
f. Coordinate repair requests, scheduling, and technician assignments to maximize efficiency.
g. Monitor workloads and ensure timely completion of service requests.
h. Develop and improve program policies, procedures, and workflows.
i. Establish productivity expectations and monitor repair completion, quality standards, and customer satisfaction.
j. Ensure repairs are completed safely, professionally, and according to organizational standards.
k. Assist with referral of callers to appropriate agencies or governmental bodies as needed.
l. Keep current on referral resources for home repair.
2. Staff Supervision
a. Recruit, onboard, train, mentor, and evaluate Home Repair Specialists and Assistants, providing ongoing technical coaching, field instruction, and performance feedback to ensure consistent workmanship, safety, and customer service.
b. Coordinate and conduct regular team meetings and field check-ins.
c. Promote a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and service.
d. Ensure staff receive appropriate safety and technical training.
3. Customer Services
a. Ensure seniors receive respectful, compassionate, and responsive service.
b. Resolve client concerns and service issues.
c. Conduct home visits for quality assurance and complex repair/service situations.
d. Build trusting relationships with clients and community members.
4. Quality Assurance and Compliance
a. Review repair plans and completed work to ensure repairs meet H.O.M.E. quality standards, applicable building and safety practices, and program guidelines.
b. Monitor compliance with safety procedures and organizational policies.
c. Ensure accurate documentation of repairs and client records.
d. Track program performance metrics and outcomes.
5. Asset and Fleet Management
a. Oversee inventory of tools, equipment, and repair supplies.
b. Coordinate and supervise purchasing materials and job needs.
c. Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, insured, and serviced.
d. Monitor equipment replacement needs.
6. Reporting and Administration
a. Prepare monthly program reports and performance metrics.
b. Assist with grant reporting and program data collection.
c. Collaborate with finance on budgeting and expense monitoring.
d. Recommend operational improvements and efficiencies.
7. Community Volunteers and Active Partnerships
a. Coordinate with workforce partners on on-the-job training as requested.
b. Track homeowners who need or request window covering (weatherization) kits for possible reinstatement of a seasonal volunteer program.
Requirements
Requirements:
Skills
1. Strong leadership and coaching skills.
2. Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
3. Demonstrated experience independently performing and evaluating residential repairs.
4. Ability to prioritize multiple service requests.
5. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Excellent communication and customer service skills with older adults.
7. Advanced working knowledge of residential home repair including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, drywall, painting, accessibility modifications, and general maintenance.
8. Ability to diagnose home repair issues, develop practical repair solutions, estimate labor, materials, and project timelines.
9. Experience maintaining tools, equipment, vehicles, and job-site safety.
10. Ability to prepare reports and maintain accurate records.
11. Strong computer skills with the ability to effectively use Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Jobber, and other cloud-based applications.
12. Bilingual English/Spanish helpful.
13. Holds and is able to live out H.O.M.E. values are consistent and congruent across professional and personal life.
14. Passion for the mission and vision of H.O.M.E.
Experience/Education:
1. Five or more years of progressively responsible residential home repair, facilities maintenance, or construction experience.
2. High school diploma or GED required.
3. Trade certification, associate degree, or equivalent experience preferred.
4. Supervisory or team leadership experience required.
5. Experience estimating projects, scheduling work, and coordinating multiple staff.
6. Experience working within a nonprofit, community-based organization, or human services setting preferred.
7. Valid Illinois driver’s license with a clean driving record.
8. Ability to travel throughout Chicago.
9. Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
Work Environment:
- Position requires frequent and regular computer and phone use.
- Ability to lift approximately 50 pounds and occasionally perform field inspections.
- Workplace is a smoke- and drug-free environment.
- Occasional night and weekend work may be asked of H.O.M.E. staff.
H.O.M.E. is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at H.O.M.E. are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, citizenship status, military service, marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability (including HIV/AIDS), or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
COMPENSATION: Commensurate with experience, $60,000 - $75,000. Comprehensive benefits package.
HOW TO APPLY: Send your cover letter and resume (applications without cover letters will not be considered) via email by September 30, 2026 to HR@HOMEseniors.org. No phone calls, please. See also https://homeseniors.org/careers
