Case Manager

The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center; Elgin (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center in Elgin, Illinois, provides counseling, case management, and advocacy to clients in crisis, with a focus on shelter and walk‑in services.

The Case Manager evaluates service needs and ensures proper documentation and timely crisis intervention when necessary. Essential duties include intake interviews, data entry, and coordination with community resources, while maintaining confidentiality and safety for clients and staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in human or social services.
• Forty hours of specialized training in sexual assault and domestic violence upon employment.
• Good written, verbal, and communication skills; listening and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide counseling, case management, and advocacy to shelter and walk‑in clients.
• Conduct intake interviews with clients and families.
• Prepare documentation for client files (intake info, progress notes).
• Receive crisis calls and provide crisis intervention counseling when needed.
• Enter client data into the system accurately.
• Assist with building security checks and shelter operations.
• Remain aware of developments in DV/sexual assault counseling.
• Coordinate with area services for clients.
• Maintain confidentiality of services.
• Attend staff meetings and participate in agency activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Listening skills

Organization

Prioritization

Client service knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in human/social services

Job description

Company Description

The Gretchen S. Vapnar Community Crisis Center, located in Elgin, Illinois, has been serving individuals and families in crisis since 1975. As one of the oldest domestic violence shelters in the state, the Center provides comprehensive services to people impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and economic hardship. Its mission is to offer safety, hope, advocacy, respite, and education to those affected by crisis and violence in the Fox Valley Region and across Illinois. Services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, advocacy, financial assistance, food pantry support, batterers’ intervention, transitional living, specialized children’s programming, and community education. The Center serves northern Kane County and far northwest suburban Cook County, with no service area limits for domestic violence survivors.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Case Managers will provide counseling, case management, and advocacy services to Community Crisis Center clients. Their primary focus is evaluating the service needs of shelter and walk-in clients.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1.Work with all clients using the primary case management approach, providing counseling and support services.


• 2.Conduct intake interviews with clients and their families.


• 3.Prepare proper documentation for all client files, i.e., intake information, process notes, etc.


• 4.Receive crisis calls and provide crisis intervention counseling as necessary.


• 5.Enter client statistical data into the computer when required.


• 6.Perform building walk-throughs for security checks.


• 7.Be aware and informed of current developments in the fields of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other counseling areas that pertain to agency services.


• 8.Be aware of area and community agencies providing services for agency clients.


• 9.Must maintain confidentiality of services.


• 10.Responsible for the maintenance of the shelter when the Facility Manager is not on duty.


• 11.Must remain on duty until the next shift comes to work.


• 12.Attend staff meetings as designated unless the Executive Director waives this requirement.


• 13.Perform other duties as requested.

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• 1.Education – Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in human/social services.


• 2.Experience – Hotline and shelter work an asset.


• 3.Training – Upon employment, will receive a minimum of forty (40) hours of specialized training in sexual assault and forty (40) hours of specialized training in domestic violence, as well as other areas of service provided by the agency, including on-the-job training.


• 4.Technical Skills – Requires good written, verbal, and communication skills; must have good listening skills; good management and organizational skills, as well as basic computer skills. Must have the ability to prioritize responsibilities; must have knowledge of area services for clients in the program.


• 5.Social Skills – Must be able to respond appropriately in emergency situations, must demonstrate flexibility and teamwork capacity within the agency. Must also demonstrate courtesy and respect towards all fellow employees, interns, volunteers, visitors, and clients.


• 6.Physical Requirements – Must have visual and auditory acuity; must have the ability to perform building walk-throughs for security checks and evacuations; must have the ability to lift up to thirty (30) pounds; must have the ability to answer the phone clearly and provide crisis intervention counseling on the phone; must have the ability to enter information into client files.


• 7.Transportation Requirements – Must be willing and able to travel throughout the area; if employee uses a privately-owned vehicle, must provide proof of current automobile insurance coverage and annual renewal documentation thereafter.


• 8.Attendance – Must maintain an acceptable attendance record.

STAFF MEETING REQUIREMENTS:

• 1.Clinical Meeting


• 2.General Meeting


• 3.In‑services as applicable


• 4.Professional Development is encouraged