Independent Living & Housing Specialist

The Independent Living & Housing Specialist is a split position with 50 percent of time spent as a ILO Specialist providing a variety of community and home-based case management services to assigned youth (5-6 young adults) with the goal of promoting safety, wellbeing and successful discharge at 21 years of age. This position will dedicate the other 50 percent of their time as a Housing Support Specialist to those referred to ILO assisting with housing searches, sharing landlord resources, coaching for applications and interviews and connecting youth to housing voucher/community housing programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Position-Specific

• Demonstrates agency clinical philosophy in all aspects of program activities.
• Promptly responds to new ILO referrals by actively participating in apartment searches and admission activities.
• Develops and documents thorough initial and ongoing assessments of each assigned youth.
• Collaborates with the youth's chosen team to develop, review and modify Service Plans and Youth Driven Transition Plans that address assessment needs related to safety and wellbeing and post exiting care needs.
• Prepares for and attends Administrative Case Reviews (ACR's), C-21 meetings, and court hearings for all youth.
• In consultation with supervisor, makes recommendations to DCFS and court personnel on services and placement.
• Monitors the safety and wellbeing of assigned youth through face-to-face visits in the home and community, as required.
• If the youth is parenting, monitor the child for safety and well-being through face-to-face visits in the home and community, as required.
• Consults regularly with professional and chosen members of the youth's team to ensure quality service coordination and communication.
• Ensures that client case files are complete through completing and/or obtaining required, consents for release of information or authorization for treatment and current documentation regarding medical, financial, school, vocational, therapeutic and other services.
• Documents all admission, ongoing and closing activities in a timely manner using approved forms/databases.
• Maintains an awareness of community resources appropriate to youth needs and makes proper use of these resources through referral and follow-up.
• Maintains the team rent list monthly (or more frequently), if requested.
• Maintains a rental resource list for the team to access and share with program participants.
• Provides outreach to potential landlords, cultivates relationships with landlords and shares information with the team on a weekly basis.
• Supports youth in securing post-21 housing, through housing voucher, youth housing assistance programs, lease and other housing supports.
• Maintains relationships and monthly updated information with the offices that provide FUP and FYI voucher program to determine availability and timelines for referred youth.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of ILO Program Plan requirements, COA accreditation standards and related DCFS policy and procedures.
• Completes other duties as assigned by the Director of Foster Care and ILO.

Educational Requirements/General Qualifications

Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor's degree in social work or social service-related degree.
Minimum Years of Experience: Bachelor's degree requires at least 2 years of experience in social services; Master's degree requires at least 1 year of experience
Licensure: LCSW or LCPC licensure preferred
Other Requirements: Must possess or pass CWEL, CANS, CERAP and other State of Illinois certifications, as required. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and time management skills. Full time use of minimally insured operating automobile and valid driver's license.

EEO Statement

Kaleidoscope Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Inclusive/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, military discharge status, age, marital status, parental status, or source of income.