Homeless Engagement Case Manager
CHICAGO, IL
Full Time
Experienced
Job Description
Job Title: Homeless Engagement Case Manager
Department: Housing and Homeless Engagement Services
Reports to: Housing and Homeless Engagement Program Manager:
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $49,440.00 - $51,500.00
To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to
https://inspirationcorporation.applytojob.com/apply.
OVERVIEW
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.
In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant- driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
At Inspiration Corporation, employees live this mission by demonstrating the following Core Values. Inspiration Corporation believes that these Core Values are what makes the organization one of Chicago’s leading facilitators of personal transformation, and a great place to work:
Program Support
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience required; graduate-level studies preferred. Degrees in Social Work or related field preferred. Two years’ work experience in case management in a non-profit setting with homeless or impoverished populations preferred and/or significant life experience preferred. Proficiency in Windows operating environments, Microsoft Office required. Experience with electronic record-keeping preferred. Familiarity with the Chicago Continuum of Care, HUD and municipal and state housing laws preferred.
Ability to work independently and think critically required. Active listening and the ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing. Strong computer skills are essential, especially Excel, and electronic record-keeping. Experience with reporting on government contracts is also preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Clean driving history and ability to transport clients and travel city-wide required
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Maintains standard office hours. Attends occasional participant meals in the cafe. Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required.
Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Title: Homeless Engagement Case Manager
Department: Housing and Homeless Engagement Services
Reports to: Housing and Homeless Engagement Program Manager:
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $49,440.00 - $51,500.00
To Apply: Email cover letter and resume to
https://inspirationcorporation.applytojob.com/apply.
OVERVIEW
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.
In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant- driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
At Inspiration Corporation, employees live this mission by demonstrating the following Core Values. Inspiration Corporation believes that these Core Values are what makes the organization one of Chicago’s leading facilitators of personal transformation, and a great place to work:
- Integrity - We cultivate trusting, collaborative relationships rooted in mutual respect and accountability.
- Growth - We encourage personal development, curiosity and being open to new possibilities.
- Equity - We recognize each person's inherent rights and advocate for inclusive access to resources and opportunities.
- Resilience - We persevere and seek solutions that celebrate our strength in the face of adversity, while practicing and encouraging self-care.
- Hospitality - We create uplifting, accepting, and nourishing connections with everyone who comes through our doors.
General
- Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s Core Values.
- Exhibit professionalism and high standards in all aspects of performance.
- Ensure the efficient and effective provision of services with dignity and respect in accordance with the agency’s mission.
- Work with all departments as appropriate to ensure that the needs of the agency’s participants are addressed.
- Attend agency All Staff meetings and program meetings.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Case Management
- Engage with and build relationships with people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness and support them in increasing housing stability, transitioning to permanent housing and meeting other goals.
- Provide Daytime drop-in services to eligible participants accessing resources at Inspiration Corporation.
- Coordinate with Café Meals program, Aftercare and other internal resources to serve participants.
- Assess prospective participants’ eligibility for services and enroll eligible participants into program in a timely fashion.
- Assess the service needs of Homeless Engagement Services participants and use the assessments to develop goal-based service plans that address participants’ needs and support wellness and self-sufficiency.
- Identify services of Inspiration Corporation and outside providers to support participants’ goals, educate participants about the resources available, and assist them in accessing relevant services.
- Provide advocacy, crisis intervention and problem-solving in support of participants’ goal attainment and overall well-being.
- Provide coaching, case management and other support to make progress on their goal-based action plans. Maintain regular contact, including visits to participants’ apartments.
- Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders.
- Interact with all participants in a culturally sensitive, respectful and professional manner. Utilize harm reduction, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches; engage in evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing
- Find shelter, other programs or long-term housing for participants when needed, assist participants in applying for apartments. Connect participants to Coordinated Entry for access to affordable housing. Advocate on behalf of participants to promote housing quality and stability. Assist participants with obtaining furniture, home supplies, other needs.
- Assess participants’ potential barriers to maintaining stable housing. Identify strategies to address any short-term or chronic issues, such as substance use or mental illness, which might be a barrier to housing stability. Provide them with coaching, support and referrals to improve housing retention, stability, quality of life and self-sufficiency (e.g. providing support with: budgeting life skills, tenancy skills, communication skills etc.)
- Maintain case notes on participants' progress and complete all required tracking and reports in a timely manner.
- Provide resources, referrals and follow-up for household members to meet families’ comprehensive needs and advocate on behalf of participants to ensure they receive needed services.
- Identify strategies to address any short-term or chronic issues, such as substance use or mental illness, which might compromise achievement of goals and trigger relapse into homelessness.
- Work with colleagues to obtain participant feedback as needed.
Program Support
- Maintain timely and accurate data collection and reporting as required for internal management reports, external funding sources, and regulatory agencies.
- Prepare for and participate in program audits.
- Provide suggestions to senior staff to develop new or modify existing services, policies and protocols to meet the needs of program participants in alignment with the agency’s strategic directions.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of the homeless engagement program; partner recommend and engage with potential agencies to increase access to services that benefit participants. Represent the agency with various internal and external stakeholders through participation in events and committees as needed and membership in professional organizations, coalitions, and community organizations.
- Maintain records of purchase and distribution of participant support items, including transportation, personal needs, housing expense and other items.
- Support the Homeless Engagement Program Manager in ensuring that all annual program goals are met or exceeded.
- Complete required trainings and other professional development opportunities.
- Support volunteer engagement and other efforts as needed.
- Contribute to evaluation and development of Homeless Engagement programming.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the education, experience and skills necessary for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience required; graduate-level studies preferred. Degrees in Social Work or related field preferred. Two years’ work experience in case management in a non-profit setting with homeless or impoverished populations preferred and/or significant life experience preferred. Proficiency in Windows operating environments, Microsoft Office required. Experience with electronic record-keeping preferred. Familiarity with the Chicago Continuum of Care, HUD and municipal and state housing laws preferred.
Ability to work independently and think critically required. Active listening and the ability to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing. Strong computer skills are essential, especially Excel, and electronic record-keeping. Experience with reporting on government contracts is also preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to stand. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Clean driving history and ability to transport clients and travel city-wide required
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Maintains standard office hours. Attends occasional participant meals in the cafe. Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required.
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