Job Description

About Covenant House Illinois

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and support to youth ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness across Chicagoland and throughout Illinois. Since opening our doors, we have served nearly 2,000 young people, offering tailored, wraparound services including:

• Interim and transitional housing
• Workforce and education programming
• Clinical case management
• Life skills development
• Supportive housing navigation

Our programs are youth-affirming, trauma-informed, and rooted in harm reduction. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s West Side and an ambitious strategic plan focused on program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to help young people achieve long-term stability and independence.

Position Summary

The Street Outreach & Aftercare Case Manager connects directly with youth experiencing homelessness across Chicago to build trust, identify barriers to housing, and help them develop individualized plans for long-term stability. This role provides street-based outreach, housing navigation, and aftercare case management for youth transitioning into stable housing. The position requires frequent travel throughout the city to meet youth where they are — including streets, shelters, hospitals, and community spaces. You will collaborate with community partners, service providers, and CHIL teams to ensure youth receive holistic, coordinated support that promotes housing stability and independence.

Key Responsibilities

Outreach & Youth Engagement

• Conduct street-based outreach to connect with youth experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Build trusting relationships with youth in various stages of housing instability.
• Provide housing navigation services, including assistance with applications, documentation, and housing program enrollment.
• Connect youth with services including mental health care, employment support, education programs, and healthcare.
• Participate in citywide homeless outreach systems and coordinated outreach efforts.
• Develop strong partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and local stakeholders.
• Respond to email and social media inquiries from youth seeking services.
• Accompany youth to appointments when needed.

Aftercare Case Management

• Provide ongoing case management for youth transitioning into housing.
• Meet with youth at least every two weeks for up to six months following housing placement.
• Support youth in maintaining housing stability and developing independent living skills.
• Assist youth with benefits enrollment and obtaining identification (birth certificates, Social Security cards, etc.).
• Connect youth with supportive services including physical health care, mental health services, and workforce development programs.

Documentation & Data Management

• Maintain organized case files for each youth.
• Enter accurate data into systems such as HMIS and ETO.
• Participate in case conferences and community collaboration meetings.
• Conduct follow-ups and wellness checks with outreach and aftercare participants.

Trauma-Informed Support

• Deliver services using trauma-informed, youth-centered approaches.
• Utilize harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Housing First models.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed.
• Create a safe, non-judgmental environment that encourages youth engagement.

Team Participation & Professional Development

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and program development activities.
• Engage in regular supervision and performance check-ins.
• Participate in holiday and weekend rotations to support 24/7 service availability.

QualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 2–3 years of experience working with at-risk youth or vulnerable populations.
• Experience providing street outreach or community-based services strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of homeless services systems and community resources.
• Experience using harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and Housing First approaches.
• Strong crisis management and de-escalation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience entering and managing data in HMIS, ETO, or similar databases preferred.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services.

Working Conditions

• Flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Frequent travel throughout Chicago for outreach activities.
• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods during outreach and case management activities.
• Ability to drive agency or personal vehicles when needed.
• Valid Illinois Driver’s License with acceptable driving record required.
• Light lifting may be required.
• Annual tuberculosis test required.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & InclusionAt Covenant House Illinois, diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to our mission. We believe that teams with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are better equipped to serve our youth and our community.We are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and supported, and where opportunities for learning and growth are encouraged.Covenant House Illinois is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on qualifications and organizational needs without regard to race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status.

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person