Advocacy and Engagement Specialist

La Casa Norte•Chicago, IL

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

La Casa Norte is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Advocacy and Engagement Specialist to join our Welcoming Center team. The Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) is a comprehensive service center dedicated to integrating immigrants and refugees in Illinois. The IWC innovative model eliminates systemic barriers to accessing state services. It provides individuals and families with a wide range of services, information, programs, and classes to support their successful integration and create self-sustaining, thriving communities. This position involves conducting assessments, developing care plans, providing crisis intervention, and connecting clients to housing and other resources. The Advocacy and Engagement Specialist will work closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and collaborate with a supportive network of community partners to facilitate service delivery. This role is crucial in supporting La Casa Norte’s mission to provide housing and supportive services to youth and families, helping them achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The position involves in-office work at multiple locations and community fieldwork. It is a full-time role with occasional evening or weekend work for meetings or events.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human services-related field and/or case management.
Minimum of 2 years of experience working with diverse populations and individuals in crisis.
Familiarity with community resources and social services systems.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.
Strong assessment and case management skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Proficient with computers, research tools, and database systems.
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
Mix of in-office work at Humboldt Park and Brighton Park locations and community fieldwork.

Responsibilities

Conduct thorough intake assessments to understand clients' needs and develop personalized care plans.
Provide ongoing case management services, including regular follow-ups and adjustments to care plans as necessary.
Maintain detailed and accurate client records, documenting all interactions and services provided.
Respond to clients in crisis, providing immediate support and stabilization.
Develop and implement crisis intervention plans, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate assistance.
Follow up with clients to ensure long-term stability and connect them with additional resources.
Identify clients' needs that can be met through external services and provide appropriate referrals.
Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers to facilitate client referrals.
Follow up on referrals to ensure clients have accessed the services and their needs have been addressed.
Process rental assistance applications and other benefit assistance applications for clients, ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate.
Advocate for clients' needs within the community and with service providers.
Empower clients by providing them with information, resources, and support to navigate complex systems.
Conduct workshops and informational sessions on relevant topics such as housing, employment, and health.
Participate in community outreach activities to promote La Casa Norte’s services and engage with potential clients.
Collaborate with community partners to enhance service delivery and address community needs.
Represent La Casa Norte at community events and meetings as needed.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all client interactions and services provided.
Prepare reports on client outcomes and program performance as required by funders and organizational leadership.
Use data to inform service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

Benefits

Paid Time Off: 14 vacation days per year.
Personal Days: 7 personal days per year (may be carried over into the following year but must be used by December 31 of that year).
Holidays: 10 paid holidays annually.
Sick Leave: 6 sick days per year (up to 20 hours of unused sick time may be carried over year to year).
Health Insurance: Medical coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO or PPO options available).
Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options available.
Retirement Savings: 403(b) retirement savings plan.
Life Insurance: $25,000 in basic term life insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
Disability Insurance: Long-term disability insurance (provided at no cost to the employee).
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Options for pre-tax savings on eligible healthcare, transit, and dependent care expenses.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support and resources for employees.