Case Manager II in Waukegan, Illinois at A Safe Place

A Safe Place

Shelter Case Manager II

The Shelter Case Manager II provides primary support for the day-to-day operations and direct service needs of the Emergency Shelter Program at A Safe Place. This position serves survivors of domestic violence, their children and companion animals residing in or accessing emergency shelter, delivering case management, crisis intervention, advocacy, and community resource linkage. The Shelter Advocate I operates from a client empowerment and self-direction model, supporting survivors in developing safety plans and achieving personal independence. This role is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and stability of the shelter environment throughout the assigned shift.

The Shelter Case Manager I reports to the Director of Shelter Services and works collaboratively across all agency programs. This role maintains active relationships with internal and community partners including legal, medical, housing, and social service providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated support for clients.

Essential Functions

Case Management & Service Planning

• Maintain a minimum 3 caseloads, achieving at least 70% direct client service hour time.
• Conduct intake and eligibility evaluations to assess client needs and appropriateness for services. Develop individualized service and safety plans in collaboration with assigned clients. Provide ongoing case management including monitoring progress, updating service plans, and coordinating referrals to legal, medical, counseling, housing, education, employment, and DHS services. Ensure timely documentation in client records consistent with agency policies and funding requirements.

Client Advocacy & Resource Linkage

• Serve as a direct advocate for clients accessing internal and external services. Provide referrals and facilitate access to community resources including educational programs (GED/college/Vocational), employment services, public transportation, DHS benefits, legal advocacy (family court, DCFS, Orders of Protection), transitional housing supports, and children's and animal’s resources. Connect clients with current community resources and maintain awareness of emerging service opportunities.

Crisis Intervention & Hotline Support

• Provide crisis intervention counseling and referrals for callers on the agency crisis line. Offer active listening, emotional support, and safety planning for clients navigating acute crisis, trauma, and complex service needs. Provide education on the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, Orders of Protection, and stalking laws to enhance client safety and abuser accountability, with appropriate internal and external referrals.

Shelter Operations & Resident Support

• Interact with clients in shelter common areas, modeling appropriate social and emotional intelligence skills, conflict resolution, parenting practices, and skills of daily living. Supervise and coordinate adherence to policies, guidelines, and household contributions for shelter residents. Assist with receiving and storing donations as requested.

Collaboration, Training & Professional Development

• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with area agencies and community partners. Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case management meetings, and required training (periodically, these may require a schedule change). Provide support and guidance to volunteers and interns.

Time Management & Organization

• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritize daily assignments, and coordinate client appointments and agency needs across multiple concurrent responsibilities.

Communication

• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills that demonstrate genuine concern and respect toward clients, staff, and community partners.

Client Engagement

• Ability to engage clients in services using a self-help, empowerment-based model that builds trust, motivation, and active participation.
• Active/Mindful Listening & Support
• Ability to provide active and mindful listening, validation, and emotional support to clients navigating crisis, trauma, and complex service needs.
• Demonstrates cultural responsiveness by recognizing and respecting each individual’s unique identities, experiences, and perspectives.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or a closely related field. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Master's degree in Social Work or Counseling

Experience

• Experience in case management, domestic violence services, crisis intervention, or a related human services setting
• Experience working in residential/shelter settings; experience with DHS and Medicaid billing systems, domestic violence services, legal advocacy; harm-reduction model and/or trauma-informed care

Language

• English required
• Bilingual Spanish/English strongly preferred

Regulatory Knowledge

• Knowledge of mandated reporting obligations; familiarity with Illinois Domestic Violence Act and Orders of Protection
• Knowledge of HIPAA, VAWA confidentiality requirements, IDHS reporting

Systems

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and commonly used computer programs
• Experience with agency EHR or case management database systems

Work Environment

• Secure shelter or residential facility
• Community / field-based
• Multiple sites
• Employees are regularly exposed to trauma disclosures and high-stress crisis situations and animals.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
• Frequent use of computer / keyboard
• Local travel between sites
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle required
• Must be able to climb up and down 20 stairs within 45-60 seconds in emergency situations.

Additional Requirements

• Flexible scheduling, including evening hours