Advocacy and Engagement Specialist

La Casa Norte; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 48,424 - 51,515; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Retirement Savings Plan

Job summary

La Casa Norte seeks a compassionate Advocacy and Engagement Specialist in Chicago, focusing on supporting immigrants and refugees. The role involves assessments, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community partners. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, a minimum of 2 years in human services, and be bilingual in English and Spanish. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human services-related field and/or case management.
• Familiarity with community resources and social services systems.
• Proficient with computers, research tools, and database systems.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough intake assessments to understand clients' needs and develop personalized care plans.
• Provide crisis intervention, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate assistance.
• Advocate for clients' needs within the community and conduct workshops on relevant topics.

Skills

Bilingual in English and Spanish

Strong assessment and case management skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field

Job description

Job Title: Advocacy and Engagement Specialist

Reports To: Community Assistance Program Manager

Salary Range: $48,424 - $51,515

La Casa Norte’s mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

Job Summary

La Casa Norte is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Advocacy and Engagement Specialist to join our Welcoming Center team. The Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) is a comprehensive service center dedicated to integrating immigrants and refugees in Illinois. The IWC innovative model eliminates systemic barriers to accessing state services. It provides individuals and families with a wide range of services, information, programs, and classes to support their successful integration and create self-sustaining, thriving communities. This position involves conducting assessments, developing care plans, providing crisis intervention, and connecting clients to housing and other resources. The Advocacy and Engagement Specialist will work closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and collaborate with a supportive network of community partners to facilitate service delivery. This role is crucial in supporting La Casa Norte’s mission to provide housing and supportive services to youth and families, helping them achieve long‑term stability and self‑sufficiency. The position involves in‑office work at multiple locations and community fieldwork. It is a full‑time role with occasional evening or weekend work for meetings or events.

Key Responsibilities

• Client Assessment and Case Management:
• Conduct thorough intake assessments to understand clients' needs and develop personalized care plans. Provide ongoing case management services, including regular follow‑ups and adjustments to care plans as necessary.
• Maintain detailed and accurate client records, documenting all interactions and services provided.
• Crisis Intervention:
• Respond to clients in crisis, providing immediate support and stabilization.
• Develop and implement crisis intervention plans, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate assistance. Follow up with clients to ensure long‑term stability and connect them with additional resources.

Referral Services and Benefits Assistance

• Identify clients' needs that can be met through external services and provide appropriate referrals. Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers to facilitate client referrals.
• Follow up on referrals to ensure clients have accessed the services and their needs have been addressed. Process rental assistance applications and other benefit assistance applications for clients, ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate.

Support and Advocacy

• Advocate for clients' needs within the community and with service providers.
• Empower clients by providing them with information, resources, and support to navigate complex systems. Conduct workshops and informational sessions on relevant topics such as housing, employment, and health.

Community Outreach

• Participate in community outreach activities to promote La Casa Norte’s services and engage with potential clients.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance service delivery and address community needs. Represent La Casa Norte at community events and meetings as needed.

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all client interactions and services provided.
• Prepare reports on client outcomes and program performance as required by funders and organizational leadership.
• Use data to inform service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human services‑related field and/or case management. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with diverse populations and individuals in crisis. Familiarity with community resources and social services systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Strong assessment and case management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively. Proficient with computers, research tools, and database systems.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Mix of in‑office work at Humboldt Park and Brighton Park locations and community fieldwork.

Compensation and Benefits Package Includes

• Paid Time Off:14 vacation days per year.
• Personal Days:7 personal days per year (may be carried over into the following year but must be used by December 31 of that year).
• Holidays:10 paid holidays annually.
• Sick Leave:6 sick days per year (up to 20 hours of unused sick time may be carried over year to year).
• Health Insurance:Medical coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO or PPO options available).
• Dental and Vision Insurance:Comprehensive coverage options available.
• Retirement Savings:403(b) retirement savings plan.
• Life Insurance:$25,000 in basic term life insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
• Disability Insurance:Long‑term disability insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA):Options for pre‑tax savings on eligible healthcare, transit, and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP):Confidential support and resources for employees.

Bargaining Unit Status

• This position is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 39.

La Casa Norte is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, pregnancy or related conditions, or disability. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.