Caseworker/Project YELLOW Door RRH

Kenosha Human Development Services•Village of Somers, WI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Caseworker for Project YELLOW Door provides comprehensive supportive services to young adults ages 18–24 experiencing homelessness in scattered-site living arrangements. Using a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, the Caseworker assesses needs, develops and works on housing stability plans, and applies individualized interventions to help participants achieve their self-defined goals. The role includes supporting program admission and orientation, verifying program eligibility, coordinating with shelters and service providers, and delivering consistent case management. Services address housing stability, education, employment, budgeting, life skills, benefits, health care, food and clothing, transportation, community participation, and discharge planning. The Caseworker also maintains complete and timely participant records, supports program performance tracking, and works with supervisors on program and case management matters. The position is based at the Main Office in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and involves frequent travel within the workspace and community. It is full-time, scheduled for 40 hours per week or as demanded by the job, and is classified as non-exempt. Starting pay is $22.60 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human service-related field and/or experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or other issues that put individuals at risk of housing instability.
Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English.
Reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Must carry personal auto insurance with coverage of at least 100,000/300,000/100,000.
Ability to maintain records and document case notes daily.
Ability to give and accept feedback as part of a team.
Ability to traverse within the workspace and community frequently.
Willingness to learn and work with the treatment philosophies.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and participant rights, and to follow HIPAA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish.
Lived experience of homelessness; people with this experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Participate in program admission, review coordinated entry assessments in Clarity HMIS, orient participants, obtain releases of information and homelessness eligibility documentation, and collaborate with shelters, outreach workers, and service providers.
Provide regular case management, including assessing, planning, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating participant services.
Help participants find, move into, and maintain safe housing, including developing apartment-searching skills and positive relationships with landlords and neighbors.
Develop comprehensive Housing and Employment Stability Plans with participants and provide individualized interventions to support their goals.
Apply Positive Youth Development concepts and help participants create support systems and engage in the community as they choose.
Provide instruction and support in budgeting, money management, social skills, and life skills; develop and run Life Skills Groups.
Coordinate educational opportunities, including GED preparation, post-secondary training, and vocational education.
Assist with career counseling, job preparation, job placement, and job maintenance.
Help participants access mainstream benefits, mental health, AODA and medical services, food, clothing, and transportation; develop their transportation skills.
Collaborate with landlords and community service providers and coordinate services as needed.
Develop discharge plans with participants six months before program exit and work intensively with them toward self-sufficiency and housing stability.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation, including assessments, service plans, housing documents, client contacts, HMIS records, reports, check requests, client files, and discharge plans.
Meet with supervisors to review program, paperwork, and case management issues; attend training as requested and perform other assigned tasks.
Respect cultural diversity, promote a harassment-free environment, maintain confidentiality and participant rights, follow HIPAA guidelines, preserve professional boundaries, and respond professionally to challenging situations.
Create a positive, supportive environment, engage participants respectfully, and use strength-based teaching, encouragement, constructive feedback, and safe planned de-escalation techniques.
Identify participant treatment needs, assess strengths and challenges, collaborate on realistic plans, provide services with community resources, and teach treatment-specific skills.