Case Management & Intake Specialist

HOUSING FORWARD•Maywood, IL

15h•Onsite

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Specialist will serve as the “front door” to the agency’s homeless crisis- response. This position performs in-person assessments to individuals and families who walk into the agency support center to determine immediate housing and stabilization needs as they seek entry into the Suburban Cook County Homelessness System. The assessment helps determine Housing Forward’s response to the client crisis, including offering case management services, referrals, financial assistance, employment assistance and crisis intervention. The Case Management and Intake Specialist will also serve as back-up to the Diversion Specialist as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field
2-5 years of experience working with individuals in crisis or individuals experiencing homelessness.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word; Excel) required
Proficiency with computers and VOIP phone systems
Must have smartphone to utilize Agency communication and collaboration tools.

Responsibilities

Perform appropriate screenings and assessments upon first contact with client to determine appropriate response to their imminent housing displacement or unsheltered situation.
Determine underlying issues and offer solutions to quickly resolve their financial and housing crisis, including but not limited to landlord mediation, interpersonal conflict resolution, financial assistance, referrals and short-term case management.
Maintain a small caseload of clients that walk into the agency, when more than one session is needed to resolve crisis.
Maintain in-depth knowledge of referrals resources, including housing placement options, community resources, and budget and employment programs.
Determine if other Housing Forward Services are appropriate and coordinate interventions with those programs
Provide information, resources and referrals to all walk ins, even those outside of Housing Forward service area.
Greet and screen walk-In clients
Refer clients to HP if appropriate
Refer client to appropriate Homeless Program if they are not divertible
Emergency Overnight Shelter
Street Outreach
Families in Transition
Interim Housing
Locate alternative shelters outside of HF
Track the number of shelter turnaways
Provide diversion services for individuals and families seeking overnight emergency shelter
Diversion counseling services explore safe and viable alternatives to entering the shelter system
Assist clients who may have alternatives to entering the shelter system, navigate their alternatives
Inform and coordinate services with area townships, targeting schools and other potential referring agencies
Ensure a compassionate, confidential and safe environment that maintains client dignity
Complete all required Coordinated Entry training
Enter all assessments into the agency’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS
Complete all progress notes within 48 hours of contact with clients
Attend staff meetings, supervisory meetings as required and other community meetings as assigned
Represent the organization professionally at all times
Maintain positive relations with clients, volunteers, co-workers, staff from other agencies, agency funders, and the general public
Interact effectively with persons of diverse backgrounds and treat each individual with respect and dignity
Demonstrate team behavior and promote a team-oriented environment.
Participate in ongoing development and improvement of all program processes and relationships
If requested, participate in relevant industry seminars, workshops and networking events. Read about industry best practices to help ensure programming is in line with industry standards