What are the responsibilities and job description for the Emergency Services and Homeless Prevention Intern position at Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet?
Description
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!
If you desire a better work/life balance and can work in a fast paced environment with excellent growth potential, we would like to hear from you.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Work cooperatively with the Community Services Central Emergency Services and Homeless Prevention staff, Office Support Worker, Daybreak Center staff, Program Services Supervisor, Director of Daybreak, and other appropriate persons to insure that the needs of persons requesting homeless prevention and emergency services are addressed with dignity and respect.
2. Operates as a member of the Community Services team providing intake, screening, assessment, case planning, and case management to individuals and families requesting emergency services, homeless prevention, and after care service.
3. Attends staff meetings.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Monitors Call Point listing of households seeking Emergency Services and Homeless Prevention.
2. Interviews potential program participants for Homeless Prevention and Emergency Services to assess specific needs and develop an individualized service plan to address the needs identified.
3. Coordinates and monitors the steps identified in client service plans for addressing client needs by providing case planning, short-term case management, advocacy and linkage to other community resources to individuals and families in crisis situations.
4. Responds to “walk-ins” and callers in crisis seeking homeless prevention or emergency services with an awareness of resources in Will, Grundy and Kendall counties.
5. Maintains case files that include all essential case file components as required by funders and the agency’s PQI process.
6. Completes necessary forms and records for services provided or referrals made to assist all callers not assigned counseling appointments or in-office visits.
7. Assesses client eligibility for rental/utility assistance, transportation, food, medication, and other social service benefits such as all eligible mainstream benefits; consulting with the Program Services Supervisor (Assistance with completion of necessary paperwork may be needed.)
8. Provides immediate intervention to help clients in need meet their basic needs including food, clothing, infant supplies, household necessities, transportation, eligible mainstream benefits, utilities, and available financial assistance for which they are eligible to help them acquire and keep affordable housing.
9. Understands and adheres to the criteria stipulated by funders for distribution of grant funds to those requesting homeless prevention and emergency services.
10. Insures that all client files and Service Point data entry is up to date and available for review during and upon completion of services rendered.
11. Accepts and provides referrals in a timely manner to help families and individuals at risk of homelessness meet their basic needs and avoid homelessness.
12. Empowers individuals/families to achieve their goals, direct their own lives, and become less dependent on others to meet their basic 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, emergency services, 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 be at least twenty- one (21) years of age.
4. Ability to relate to individuals in a warm, non-judgmental manner.
5. Demonstrated capacity to work with individuals/families in crisis situations.
6. Demonstrated capacity to work with persons from diverse social backgrounds.
7. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
8. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
9. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
10. Strong verbal and written communications skills.
11. Passage of complete background clearance, Tuberculosis (TB) Test, and any other required testing or clearances.
12. 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.
