Diversion Case Manager

La Casa Norte•Chicago, IL

1d•$41,212 - $44,303•Hybrid

About The Position

La Casa Norte is seeking a committed and compassionate Diversion Case Manager to support clients experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This full-time position plays a key role in providing housing-focused case management and diversion services. The role assists youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in maintaining or obtaining stable housing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field or at least three (3) years of equivalent experience.
Knowledge of and familiarity with family systems.
Familiarity with Chicago’s housing and human services systems.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to facilitate group sessions.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Proficient in the use of computers, research tools and database systems.
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with homeless and at-risk populations desired.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
Experience in supportive housing, housing navigation, emergency shelter, youth services, or reentry work.
Familiarity with CaseWorthy, HMIS, or other case management systems.

Responsibilities

Connect with clients referred from the Coordinated Entry system to assess their level of housing instability and their barriers to stable housing.
Provide direct assistance through housing navigation, disbursement of homelessness diversion funds and other resources, and referrals to internal mental health services and/or external partners.
Provide intensive, client-centered case management rooted in Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care.
Conduct intake assessments and pre-housing evaluations.
Support clients through housing navigation, lease-up, move-in processes as well as with housing retention.
Attend apartment viewings and other appointments with clients when needed.
Conduct home visits and community-based meetings with clients when needed.
Deliver life skills education on topics such as budgeting, conflict resolution, wellness, and tenant rights.
Facilitate access to medical, legal, mental health, and substance use services through internal and external referrals.
Mediate landlord-tenant issues and support long-term housing retention.
Provide coaching on tenancy expectations, budgeting, and independent living skills.
Assist clients in obtaining vital documents like ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, etc.
Administer financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utilities when applicable.
Use motivational interviewing, client centered care, and a strengths-based perspective to promote positive behavioral change.
Work collaboratively with clients to develop tailored service plans, outlining clear goals and tasks towards housing stability and financial self-sufficiency.
Provide counseling and mentorship.
Advocate for clients at landlord/tenant court and other legal settings when necessary.
Address systemic barriers to housing access.
Advocate for clients with public institutions (IDHS, Social Security, schools, etc.).
Connect clients to LCN programs and external services, including mental health, food, clothing, employment, education, and benefits.
Support income growth through employment services or benefits enrollment.
Educate clients on financial tools, credit repair, and responsible financial management.
Maintain timely and accurate case notes and documentation using Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), ClientTrack, Caseworthy, and/or other databases.
Ensure paperwork is completed in an accurate, consistent, and timely manner.
Monitor client progress toward service plan goals and adjust as needed.
Participate in on-call rotation and provide crisis intervention as required.
Attend weekly staff meetings and other staff trainings.
Participate in La Casa Norte’s fundraising events as needed.
Assist with data collection and completion of program reports.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

14 vacation days per year
7 personal days per year (carryover permitted with usage deadline)
10 paid holidays annually
6 sick days annually (with up to 20 hours carryover)
Health Insurance: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO/PPO options)
Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options
Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan
$25,000 basic term life insurance (no cost)
Long-term disability coverage (no cost)
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options for healthcare, transit, and dependent care
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources for employees
Direct deposit for convenience