Organization Overview

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit providing food and social services for anyone in need. Founded in 1970, we’re one of the largest and longest operating hunger relief organizations in Chicago. We also provide free, trauma-informed mental health counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. We strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs;
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities;
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary:

This position’s primary responsibility is to coordinate and implement all housing case management services provided through the Nourishing Hope’s Social Services and Mental Wellness Programs including, but not limited to: client outreach via phone and/or e-mail, scheduled appointments, and drop-in hours. This position will also have an opportunity to develop programs and provide services through other avenues within the Social Services Department, and will support the Director of Social Services in program tracking, assessment, evaluation, and reporting to the greater Nourishing Hope community. This position will also support non housing case management as time allows. 

Schedule and Locations: 

This position will split time between the Sheridan (3945 N. Sheridan Road) and El Mercadito (3533 W. North Avenue) as required by programs.

Essential Job Functions:

• Coordinate all incoming client requests for housing case management through social services programs (Mental Wellness Services, Drop-In, Online Market, Long-Term Services) and either follow up with clients directly to provide housing case management or refer clients with general case management needs to fellow team members (staff and interns) as appropriate for follow up.
• Complete housing assessments with individuals to determine eligibility for housing support and to determine prioritization for housing based on Chicago’s Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System. 
• As needed, provide general case management support to clients, like helping clients maintain public benefits (Medicaid, Cash Assistance, SNAP), connecting to mental health services, and providing resources to families and children
• Manage administrative and reporting requirements as determined by All Chicago.
• Coordinate with local social service providers/case managers to provide social services to clients. This includes but is not limited to: coordinating health care with primary care providers, crisis intervention, domestic violence safety planning, financial assistance, transportation assistance, housing support, employment support, applying for and referring clients to appropriate services as assessed.
• Maintain accurate client case records that include assessments, interventions, service plans, and case notes in Azzly and in Salesforce as appropriate
• Administer IM CANS assessment to Medicaid clients when needed
• Continuously assess trends in client and community needs and develop specialized programs to meet identified gaps in services in collaboration with the Director of Social Services
• Respond to inquiries from the community members about all Nourishing Hope services and refer to internal and external programs as appropriate
• Stay informed on local, state, and federal policies and trends and the impact on clients
• Help support and train master’s level social work students in day-to-day activities as assigned by the Director of Social Services
• Participate in community meetings, trainings, gatherings, and events to act as a steward on behalf of Nourishing Hope and to seek resources that can be helpful for clients
• Work collaboratively with all Nourishing Hope team members, recognizing the importance of each department and role to ultimately provide quality services to Nourishing Hope clients

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services field required, Master’s preferred
• One year of general case management experience required. Housing case management experience, preferred
• Understanding the importance of housing and willingness to navigate the Chicago housing system to connect clients to housing stability and familiarity with the Coordinated Entry System preferred.
• Bilingual Spanish required
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Products
• Strong human relations skills
• Understanding of the widespread impact of food insecurity and a willingness to work as a part of a team to ensure access to food and support services for all
• Understanding of the impact of social determinants, institutionalized discrimination, structural inequality, and oppression of social groups including but not limited to: race, nationality, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, religion, age, and ability status, and the ability to identify how systems have impacted clients and intervene accordingly
• Understanding of and belief in the importance of trauma-informed care practice
• Creative and motivated self-starter
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Proven ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to handle volatile situations calmly, professionally, and respectfully

Background Check:

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local law.