Rapid Re-Housing Case Manager in Chicago, Illinois at Franciscan Outreach

Organizational Summary:
Franciscan Outreach is a leading provider of homeless services in Chicago. We operate as a system of support for those who are marginalized and experiencing homelessness. We empower people to gain the stability they need to transition into permanent housing. Grounded in the Franciscan tradition, we serve everyone regardless of their beliefs and do not conduct or require participation in religious services. We are committed to working together as an inclusive community that promotes equal treatment and opportunity for all. We strive to create a caring, safe, and supportive community that embraces and uplifts everyone, especially our most vulnerable neighbors.

FLSA: Salary Non-Exempt

Position Description:
The Rapid Rehousing Case Manager is responsible for engaging clients in the process of becoming housed, supporting them to remain housed, ensuring transition to a stable living situation at the program conclusion, and meeting any other case management needs. Sometime will be spent in the office, some completing the home/community visits that are an essential program component. This position requires flexibility and the computer skills to navigate general use as well as learn specific systems. Staff must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
40-hour work week
After probationary period, hybrid work may be available with manager approval

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (70% of time)
Assist individuals with identifying barriers and skills necessary to achieving their goals, while providing a safe and trauma-informed environment
Conduct initial screening of all clients to determine program eligibility
Assist clients with locating appropriate housing and provide diversion support if needed
Work with landlords and partners to identify long-term housing solutions
Assist with mediating any housing issues that arise
Build relationships with community organizations/partner agencies
Take an individualized approach to self-sufficiency planning with clients
Implement client engagement strategies that strengthen the case management relationship
Provide assertive case management services linking a caseload of individuals who have issues related to homelessness, including substance use, medical needs, employment, and mental health, to services that support stability
Perform home visits on a regular basis
Assist with facilitating client groups and workshops as assigned by supervisor
Work flexible hours according to program needs
Perform other duties as assigned

Administrative Duties (30% of time)
Maintain audit-ready client files and other required forms and materials according to agency standards
Perform all required reporting functions
Maintains up-to-date calendar according to agency policy
Actively participate in staff meetings and staff development opportunities
Assist with advocacy, outreach, and development efforts

Skills and Abilities
Strong interest in and ability to work closely and respectfully with guests who have experienced homelessness and may be dealing with mental health symptoms, substance use disorders, trauma, physical disabilities, and health conditions, etc.
Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of guests in crisis
Self-directed and comfortable working independently, without constant direct supervision, and with a team
Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with volunteers, staff, partner organizations, guests, etc.
Willing to work from a harm reduction perspective and provide Trauma-Informed Care
Experience using motivational interviewing preferred
Ability to develop and maintain appropriate boundaries

Other Responsibilities
Ability to develop appropriate professional relationships with staff and guests from a wide variety of races, religions, cultures, ages, educational backgrounds, sexual orientations and identified genders
Able to gather information from a variety of sources
Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to all ethical standards
Use Windows-based computer applications, email, client database, and other technologies to communicate with staff and others and efficiently complete work assignments
Protects the organization’s value by keeping information confidential
Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organizations
Performs other duties as assigned; including but not limited to cleaning of office space and common areas, sorting donations, additional reporting and data entry responsibilities, facilitating special events
Attendance at staff meetings and special events as required

Qualifications
High School Diploma or GED required, bachelor’s degree in social services or related field preferred.
Experience: Two years of experience (professional, volunteer, or internship) in social services; experience in housing or homeless service programs a plus
Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and a clean driving record (no traffic violations)

Benefits We Offer
Generous vacation program based on years of service.
Paid holidays based on position and eligibility
Paid Sick Leave days annually
Paid Leave days annually
Medical, dental and vision coverage
Accident & Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
Complimentary life insurance
Complimentary short-term disability
403b retirement savings plan
Pet Insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Health and Safety Requirements
Ability to lift approximately 20lbs.
Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through administrative updates compliant with federal law.
COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all employees. Accommodation requests will be considered in compliance with applicable laws.

Additional Requirements:
All staff are expected to abide by the policies of Franciscan Outreach including, but not limited to rules governing ethics, confidentiality, dual relationships, honesty, and integrity. All staff are expected to always act in good faith and in keeping with the mission and values of Franciscan Outreach. Staff must have a commitment to serving the guests of Franciscan Outreach and to contributing to a positive, respectful, and accepting environment.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This description provides a summary of the major duties and responsibilities and is not an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities. The employee holding this position may be required to perform additional duties to meet the needs of the organization.

Decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a non-discriminatory manner, without regard to race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, military service and/or marital status, order of protection status, handicap, disability, or any other factor determined to be unlawful by federal, state, or local statutes