Community Services Support Specialist

Description

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet offers 43 paid days off per year, excellent medical benefits, and an employer-sponsored 403b plan that requires no contribution from employee. We prioritize your well-being and financial security.

Do you want to use your skills and talents to make a lasting difference in the world? At Catholic Charities Diocese, of Joliet we are mission-driven, focused on positive results for people and believe that people should be treated with dignity and respect.

If you feel the same way, we encourage you to join us in making a difference! Discover an extraordinary career opportunity that combines competitive pay with outstanding benefits.

General Responsibilities

1. Operates as a member of the North Area Community Services Team providing crisis intervention, assessment and case management support services to DuPage County residents in housing crisis.
2. Complete vulnerability index for homeless individuals and families as per DuPage County’s Coordinated Entry System standards and policy.
3. Monitor HMIS data for all Community Services Programming and assist with training and data correction.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Provide assistance to Community Services Programs as needed to carry out casework associated with families and individuals receiving services.
2. Assess individuals and families who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness for housing related services. Enter qualifying clients into the DuPage County Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry System.
3. Facilitate educational series and workshops to community members and Community Service clients.
4. Within guidelines provided, implement a range of support services depending on the client’s needs. (i.e. transportation, SOAR applications, linkage to community resources, assistance with mainstream benefit applications).
5. Assess and provide case management and referrals for individuals with mental, emotional or substance abuse issues in Supportive Housing Programs.
6. Collaborate with case managers, counselors and vocational counselors to plan and coordinate services drawing on social work experience and needs of participants in SHIFT Program.
7. Ensure compliance with McKinney-Vento laws regarding education of homeless students and coordinate linkage to services for homeless students in supportive housing programs.
8. Complete necessary forms and records for services provided or referrals made to assist clients assigned by the Assistant Director of Community Services or their designee.
9. Assist with review of client records and documentation to ensure HUD, Accrediting Body, State and Federal file compliance as well as Catholic Charities’ Performance Quality Improvement Plan.
10. Responsible for the distribution and evaluation of client satisfaction surveys for Community Services North Division.
11. Screen and complete intake assessments for client eligibility for rental/utility assistance, transportation, childcare assistance, and other social service benefits; consulting with Case Managers and the Assistant Director of Community Services as needed. (Assistance with completion of necessary paperwork may be needed.)
12. Works cooperatively with the Assistant Director of Community Services, the Director of Community Services, Transitional and Permanent Supportive Housing staff, and other appropriate persons to ensure that the needs of homeless families requesting and receiving transitional and permanent supportive housing services are addressed with dignity and respect.

Great Employer Provided Benefits

• Time-off: 14 Holidays - 15 Vacation days - 5 Paid Leave days and 9 Sick days
• Medical/Dental/Vision Health Insurances
• Flexible Spending Account
• Short-term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (employee paid optional)
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• 403B Retirement Plan with employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, with preference in areas of human service field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. A minimum of one (1) year of experience in human service areas is required.
3. Previous experience working with families in crisis situations.
4. Obtain and maintain SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access and Recovery) credentials.
5. Availability to work flexible days and hours as needed.
6. Understanding of and willingness to adhere to program operational boundaries.
7. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and constructively with persons from all racial, diverse cultures, family systems, and social backgrounds.
8. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
9. Passage of complete background clearance and any other required testing or clearances.
10. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.