Outreach Case Manager

Founded in 2017, Covenant House Illinois (CHIL) provides critical protection and resources for youth ages 18-24 experiencing homelessness throughout Chicagoland and across Illinois. To date, CHIL has served nearly 2,000 young people, administering tailored, wraparound services, including interim and transitional shelter, workforce and education programming, clinical case management, life-skills training, and more to help youth permanently escape the cycle of homelessness. CHIL's programs and services are youth affirming, supportive, and rooted in harm reduction and trauma-sensitive care. With a newly renovated campus on Chicago’s west side and a recently enacted three-year strategic plan outlining a comprehensive vision of program expansion and service innovation, CHIL is uniquely positioned to meet the emerging needs of young people experiencing housing instability and provide the resources and care they need to achieve sustainable independence.  

Purpose of position

The Outreach Case Manager provides supportive services in a positive and nurturing manner to assist youth with identifying barriers to housing stability and engage in goal planning that aims to link individuals to the resources and skills that they need in order to achieve long-term housing stability. The Outreach Case Manager reports to CHILs Director of Programs and Program Implementation, in addition works with CHIL Clinical Case Managers, and other community partners to ensure the delivery of robust, comprehensive services to homeless youth.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide street-based outreach, navigation, and supportive services to young adults experiencing homelessness.

• Provide support and assistance to youth in accessing resources in the community. Establish and maintain professional and positive relationships with staff, youth, and community providers.

• Adhere to housing first and harm reduction models of advocacy with youth.. Conduct interactions with youth and other professionals in a respectful and courteous manner.

• Listen attentively to youth needs and suggestions and address their issues fairly and professionally, coordinate with immediate supervisor for supervision.

• Develop and maintain strong ties to the community, law enforcement, and other homeless service providers.

• Link youth to appropriate housing programs and assist them in completing required paperwork in order to enroll them in permanent housing-related programs.

Essential Duties:

• Link youth to physical health, mental health, and other supportive services. Assist youth to enroll in mainstream benefits and obtain identification (i.e. Drivers License, Social Security Card).

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, conferences, program evaluation and program development.

• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle to perform the essential functions of the position, which includes transporting youths in personal vehicles.

• Build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Participate in citywide response Encampment System for homeless youths

• Keep highly organized files for each youth and enter appropriate data into applicable data systems

• Participate in case conferencing meetings and other community meetings.

• Coordinate with other outreach teams in joint outreach efforts.

• Perform daily follow-ups and wellness checks on existing youths and on all new referrals.

• Assist and support youths in maintaining cooperative and effective relationships with case managers and other service providers.

• Coordinate social, educational, and other activities/appointments for youths.

• Other Duties as assigned.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including youths, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast paced environment.

• Have an understanding in how to work with low income and homeless individuals.
• Knowledge of how to work effectively in a harm reduction environment.

• Demonstrate cooperative and professional behavior at all times and maintain a professional appearance.

• Must be highly motivated and a self-starter. The ability to communicate with and relate to a diverse group of people including youths, community, and other staff. Must have excellent organizational skills and the capability to work in a fast paced environment.

• Strong knowledge of homeless services and resources. Demonstrated knowledge and experience with Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed, and Housing First.

• Effective crisis management skills.

Experience:

• Experience providing street-based services to highly vulnerable populations.

Education:

• Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in social work, human services, or a related field with five years of experience. Preferred Masters degree in Social Work or other Human Services fields

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.

• Ability to accurately enter data in to DFSS or HMIS

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

Must have a valid drivers license and provide proof of auto insurance; job does travel in the Chicago metropolitan area

Physical Requirements:

• The ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal state, and local standards
• The ability to stand or sit for long periods of time
• The ability to lift 15 lbs.