Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing Intern (Unpaid)

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet is seeking a compassionate case manager. Your role will involve providing intake, assessment, case planning, and counseling for DuPage County residents who are homeless or at risk. A high school diploma is required, and candidates should be enrolled in a related college program. Responsibilities include maintaining case records and coordinating client services. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office. Join us in making a difference in the community.

Qualifications

• Must be working toward obtaining a degree in social work or related field.
• Ability to relate well with individuals respecting their privacy and dignity.
• Passage of background clearance, physical, and TB Test.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management services in an office or field-based setting.
• Prepare and maintain accurate confidential case records.
• Advocate for assigned clients and coordinate services to meet their needs.
• Complete agency and program-required reporting or documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Ability to work independently

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Experience working with diverse populations

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Enrollment in a social work or related program

Job description

General Responsibilities

1. Operates as a member of the Community Services Team providing intake, screening, assessment, case planning, counseling, consultation, training, crisis intervention and case management services to DuPage County residents who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness.
2. Prepares and maintains accurate confidential case records, contractual paperwork, status reports, and fiscal recording as required by various funders and the Standards for Excellence. This includes but is not limited to updating case notes and individualized service plans per program guidelines.
3. Monitor ongoing client services, advocate as needed for assigned client caseload. Provide coordination of services to assist identified population to gain access to and receive needed services.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Provide case management services in an office or field-based setting.
2. Following program guidelines, provides screening, comprehensive needs assessment, case planning, counseling, and case management services to families.
3. Establish and monitor a written individualized case plan with the client and family to enable the client to live with maximum possible independence, monitoring ongoing client services, advocate as needed for assigned client caseload.
4. Complete monitoring and follow up with client as required by program or funding source.
5. Create and maintain confidential case records. Meet or exceed all program, funding source, and/or assessment standards related to case documentation.
6. Complete all agency, program, and other required reporting or documentation in an accurate manner according to the required timeframes.
7. Accurately enter and retrieve client statistical data in DuPage County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) according to the HMIS Standard Operating Procedure.
8. Network, when appropriate, with the community‑at‑large, depending on client needs, advocating for clients and making appropriate professional contacts.
9. Knowledgeable of community resources and provides advocacy and linkage for clients who are in need of community resources.
10. Teaches families to advocate for themselves and to use community resources more effectively, empowering families to achieve their goals and direct their own lives.
11. Works with clients, housing project manager and assistant director to identify and address each family’s housing related needs and issues.
12. Maintain a cooperative working relationship with service providers and community organizations to meet client needs.

Requirements

1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Must be working toward obtaining a degree in a program with preferences in the areas of social work, health, social sciences, or related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. Enrollment in an accredited college or university social work or related program that supports and requires a field internship.
3. Must demonstrate fundamental communication and problem solving skills and to work on complex cases.
4. Ability to work independently and to respond quickly and appropriately in times of crisis.
5. Ability to relate well to individuals with disabilities and older individuals respecting their privacy, dignity, and right to self‑determination.
6. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and constructively with persons from all racial, diverse cultures, family systems, and social backgrounds.
7. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
8. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
9. Passage of complete background clearance, physical and Tuberculosis (TB) Test.
10. Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, has adopted and follows the Codes of Ethics established by Catholic Charities USA, the National Association of Social Workers and the American Psychological Association. As an employee of the Agency you are expected to support these codes to the extent doing so is consistent with and allowed by applicable law.