Job Description

This position is responsible for the provision of case management services to tenants of 15 scattered site units of housing in the Chicago area. Responsibilities include intake, intensive outreach and engagement, needs assessment, service planning, linkage to community resources, crisis intervention, documentation, evaluation, follow-up and advocacy. This position works primarily in the field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Case Management

• Provide case management services including intakes, assessments, service planning, documentation, referral and linkage management, crisis intervention, evaluation, follow-up and advocacy to a caseload of 15 women who are formerly homeless.
• Recruit landlords and assist landlords in the subsidy approval process. Act as a liaison between landlords and tenants in relation to rental subsidies, leases and lease compliance.
• Regularly assess and respond to tenants' motivation and readiness using motivational interviewing skills.
• Plan and implement small groups and activities when appropriate.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to crises utilizing established guidelines
• Work to build relationships for effective service provision through regular active engagement with participants. This will include off-site home visits with program participants.
• Assist in coordinating the tenant selection process, including screening interviews, intake interviews and needs assessments.
• Work with the landlords to coordinate tenancy and to resolve landlord/tenant disputes. Assist tenants in meeting all lease requirements including documentation and income certification. Work with tenants to assist them in addressing issues in order to prevent eviction.
• Make appropriate referrals for services based on participant goals and needs and ensure that linkages are secure and functional.
• Provide education and resources based on the needs of participants with regard to maintaining housing and improving income status, community involvement, personal hygiene, life skills, and other identified needs.
• Assist with physical moves of new tenants into units or transfers of tenants to new units including coordination with movers and assisting residents in preparation and actual moves.
• When appropriate, assist tenants in moving on to other housing in the community by identifying housing resources and assisting tenants in completing housing applications and moves to other housing units, either in or outside of the CBS program.
• Maintain regular contact with off-site linkages regarding participant concerns and act as a representative of Deborah's Place to external resources.
• Apply the Deborah's Place service model in individualized work with tenants.

Record Keeping and Data Quality

• Maintain current and orderly individual participant files, including progress notes, intake and needs assessment, service plans, and releases of information
• Enter all services and required information into, HMIS and other service and outcome tracking databases as required.
• Work collaboratively with the Program Data Manager to ensure data quality.

Qualifications and Requirements

EducationBachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field. Master degree preferred.

Licensure and/or Certification: Professional Licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Illinois preferred or Licensed Social Worker (LSW) preferred

Job Experience 2-3 years of case management experience.

Special Knowledge & Skills Knowledge of issues surrounding homelessness, mental illness and substance use; proficiency in Microsoft office software, good oral and written communication skills, good organizational skills, conflict management and crisis intervention skills; demonstrate clear and professional boundaries; act in a professional manner; Valid Illinois driver's license, proof of insurance and must have own vehicle.

Deborah's Place is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities.0