Housing Case Manager

Connections for the Homeless; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Connections for the Homeless is seeking a dedicated Case Manager to support participants in short-term subsidy programs, helping them pay rent in market-rate units or move to permanent housing. The role includes education, employment assistance, health and wellness and income growth.

Responsibilities include assessments, housing advocacy, housing unit inspections, service coordination, and trauma-informed care to empower clients and maintain safe, stable living arrangements.

Qualifications

• At least one year of case management experience with homelessness or trauma-related cases.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel and in client database usage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualification.
• Provide ongoing case management and goal planning around housing, education and finances.
• Coordinate with housing partners and monitor participants' housing stability.
• Maintain HMIS data and prepare reports per program standards.
• Advocate for participants to access fair services and benefits.

Skills

Microsoft Word

Excel

Client database usage

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Summary of Position: The Case Manager provides case management services to participants in short-term subsidy programs. The goal of the program is for participants to be able to pay full rent in a market rate unit or connect with a permanent housing option after being in the program. The Housing Case Manager will provide case management, education and employment assistance, health and wellness support, and a focus on increasing income.

Specific Duties:

• Conduct interviews and assessments leading to program qualification
• Work with the Connections Housing Resource Specialists and local landlords to monitor housing and advocate for participants and to assist participants in maintaining housing
• Provide ongoing case management to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness with support and comprehensive goal planning around educational, employment, budgeting, housing, health and wellness, and children's educational goals. Assist participants in identifying and locating services that will help them implement their goals
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of community resources related to case management
• Complete inspection on potential units before lease signing. Complete consistent home visits throughout the program to ensure safe living conditions
• Maintain contact with other service providers and participate in planning and service coordination meetings as needed. Advocate to ensure participants receive fair and consistent services and public benefits to which they are entitled. Work with participants to enroll in public benefits to which they are entitled
• Assist and advocate for participants when working with housing authorities or other housing entities
• Support participants in organizing and maintaining household basic safety skills, routine home maintenance
• Support participants in financial skills, including developing a household budget, paying bills in a timely manner, and opening and maintaining a bank account
• Assist with participant move-ins and apartment set-ups
• Transport participants to appointments as needed
• Keep accurate, complete, and up-to-date client files and HMIS data. Prepare reports and other paperwork per established program standards
• Participate in regular staff, case staffing, in-service and other meetings
• Plan and implement family programming along with Case Managers in other Connections' programs
• Implement trauma informed care and harm reduction best practices
• Adhere to the Core Values and Code of Conduct for Connections for the Homeless;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The following qualifications are requirements for the position:

• At least one year of case management experience, preferably with individuals or families impacted by homelessness, those experiencing domestic violence, or participants impacted by trauma;
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel and in client database usage;

The following qualifications are highly desirable:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Basic knowledge of HUD and state funding requirements

Other requirements:

• Valid Illinois Driver's License and must be insurable under agency policy
• Flexible schedule - may be required to attend after-hours meetings or respond to emergencies
• Able to work independently and with diverse populations and able to meet clients in their homes
• Excellent speaking, writing and interpersonal skills
• Must submit to a criminal background check and submit to or provide evidence of a recent test for tuberculosis

For nearly 40 years, Connections for the Homeless has served and catalyzed our community to end homelessness, one person at a time. Each year we provide eviction prevention, shelter, and housing services to 4,000 people from across north suburban Cook County. Beyond providing direct services we also operate a robust advocacy and community organizing program to address the root causes of homelessness. The COVID pandemic accelerated our growth in the depth and breadth of services we offer and the organizational infrastructure to sustain this highly impactful organization. Connections is a radically reshaped organization deeply committed to demonstrating our core values in all relationships with participants, colleagues, donors, partners, and volunteers.

Join our dedicated team at Connections for the Homeless, where we blend a commitment to making a difference with a competitive rewards package. Our full-time employees enjoy a range of benefits, consciously crafted through an equitable lens, to support their well-being and professional growth.

At Connections for the Homeless, we recognize that supporting our employees is essential in achieving our mission. We are ready to invest in you as you make a difference in our community. We can't wait for you to join us!