Caseworker - Access Services

DuPage PADS•Wheaton, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for creating a warm and welcoming environment for clients at DuPagePads’ overnight site. This is a temporary position anticipated to run from mid-November through April, with the potential to transition into a permanent position. We are hiring for six positions across the following schedules: Full-Time – 40 hours/week: Sunday–Thursday or Tuesday–Saturday, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM or 12:00 AM–8:00 AM. 32 hours/week: Friday–Monday, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM or 12:00 AM–8:00 AM. Benefits are available to employees regularly scheduled to work at least 32 hours per week. These positions have the potential to become permanent based on organizational needs.

Requirements

Excellent engagement and interpersonal skills
Effective written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Effective leadership skills
Effective crisis intervention skills
Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, poverty, mental health, and substance use
Knowledge of cultural differences and equity issues.
Ability to think conceptually, be creative, plan, and analyze work
Ability to work independently and work as part of a team
Ability to maintain accurate records in compliance with applicable regulations and standards
Computer literacy in Microsoft Word and Excel
Experience working with the homeless population or similar populations
Ability to meaningfully engage clients at all hours
Be able to lift 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Training, certification, or licensure in mental health, substance use, evidence-based practices, a plus.

Responsibilities

Operates within the DuPagePads Core Values, including providing trauma-informed care.
Manages the overnight site, ensuring safety for everyone.
Provides feedback and direction to security and volunteers.
Accepts donations
Screens walk in clients and all calls that come into the Access line or in person
Completes assessments in Calls
Completes background checks
Addresses higher level client needs including coordination of care with external providers (hospitals, therapists, jail, substance use disorder clinics), crisis intervention, and safety planning.
Acts as client’s advocate to facilitate access to resources and services.
Performs documentation expectations with client contact, accurate confidential case files, and contractual paperwork.
Maintains confidentiality of privileged information and adheres to client privacy laws.
Address the employment needs of our clients by collaborating with the Employment program.
Ensures that all clients are regularly staffed including assessing for and addressing each client's individual needs.
Maintain a low-barrier, safe, and supportive environment for clients
Helps to facilitate the triage, intake, and street outreach inflow and outflow of clients
Participates in connecting clients to needed resources in/outside the agency
Assists in conducting / coordinating external and internal audits.
Collects and provides data and outcomes as requested for shelter program.
Other duties and special projects as assigned by supervisor.