Housing Advocate (Case Manager) Youth

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Housing Advocacy Program provides housing location, case management, life skills counseling, and income support services. This position serves young adults (18-23) who are aging out of DCFS care or families with an open DCFS case who are unhoused or experiencing housing instability.

This position serves households residing in, or looking to reside in, the North Side of Chicago and Northwest Suburban Cook County. Regular travel to these locations is expected.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work in partnership with clients to assess all barriers to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
• Locate housing options in the client’s community which meet their specific needs. This may include assistance to apply for subsidized housing.
• Provide education on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Advocate for clients with housing authorities, landlords, employers, and other agencies or institutions.
• Provide follow up services to clients once housed; assist with mediating any potential housing problems.
• Provide life skills training, counseling, and guidance.
• Link clients to available community resources.
• Assist clients in applying for cash assistance through DCFS or other sources.
• Coordinate services with assigned DCFS Case Workers and Housing Advocacy liaisons.
• Meet with clients in the home and the community as required.
• Accurately track and document all services provided.
• Attend internal and external staff meetings as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is supervised by: Program Manager

REQUIREMENTS:

Completed Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.

This is a full-time position. Must be able to work regular business hours (Monday-Friday), with some flexibility required.

Must possess valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.

Frequent travel to Chicago’s North Side and Northwest Cook County is expected.

Staff are required to spend time in HOW’s offices and in the field.

Must pass applicable background checks, including CANTS screening.

Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds and walk up and down stairs.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of one year of experience in case management or closely related position.
• Experience with housing location and placement; excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable working in a collaborative team setting; knowledge of community services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

• The typical hours for this position are Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. Can you work daily during those hours?
• 3) Have you completed a bachelor’s degree? If so:

a. Type of degree
b. Date obtained

• 4) Do you speak more than one language fluently? If so, please list:
• 5) What is your minimum salary requirement and is this negotiable?
• 2) Transportation/Commute

a. Do you have a valid driver's license?
b. Do you have a car that can be used for work?
c. This position requires home visits with clients. Will you be able to complete regularly scheduled home visits?
d. This position requires weekly travel to Chicago’s northside and Northwest suburbs. Will you make that commute?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60626

Salary : $42,000 - $46,000