Emergency Services Intern (Unpaid)

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

The Emergency Services Intern is an unpaid member of the North Area Community Services Team, providing intake, screening, assessment, case planning, and case management to individuals and families seeking emergency services, homeless prevention, and aftercare services. The role supports people in crisis with dignity and respect, helps connect them to community resources and eligible assistance, and works to help them meet basic needs and avoid homelessness. The intern coordinates with the Emergency Services and Hope House Supervisor, community services leadership, Hope House Shelter staff, and other appropriate people. The position also includes attending staff meetings, participating in general facility maintenance, maintaining accurate client files and Service Point data, and completing required forms and records.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Currently working toward a degree, preferably in social work, health, social sciences, emergency services, or a related field; degrees must be from a regionally accredited educational institution approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Demonstrated capacity to work with individuals and families in crisis situations.
Demonstrated capacity to work with people from diverse social backgrounds.
Demonstrated capacity to conduct professional client intake and needs assessment.
Ability to accurately enter client information and data into an established client information management system database.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Fluency in English.
Pass complete background clearance, a tuberculosis (TB) test, and any other required testing or clearances.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and proof of liability insurance.

Responsibilities

Complete initial intakes within 48–72 hours of receiving a service call and assess the needs of potential participants seeking Homeless Prevention and Emergency Services.
Make appropriate referrals and recommendations for callers who decline services or do not meet program criteria.
Interview potential program participants, assess their specific needs, and develop individualized service plans.
Coordinate and monitor client service plans through case planning, short-term case management, advocacy, and connection to community resources.
Respond to walk-ins and callers in crisis, with awareness of agencies serving homeless or at-risk callers in DuPage County and the metropolitan area.
Maintain case files with all components required by the agency’s PQI process.
Complete required forms and records for services and referrals, including for callers who are not assigned counseling appointments or in-office visits.
Assess client eligibility for rental and utility assistance, transportation, food, medication, childcare assistance, mainstream benefits, and other social service benefits; consult with supervisors and directors as needed and assist with paperwork when necessary.
Provide immediate help to clients in meeting basic needs, including food, clothing, infant supplies, household necessities, transportation, eligible benefits, utilities, and available financial assistance to help them obtain and maintain affordable housing.
Follow funder criteria for distributing grant funds to people seeking homeless prevention and emergency services.
Keep client files and Service Point data entry current and available for review during and after services.
Accept and provide timely referrals to help individuals and families at risk of homelessness meet basic needs and avoid homelessness.
Encourage hope and the belief that change is possible for individuals and families served.
Empower individuals and families to pursue their goals, direct their own lives, and become less dependent on others to meet basic needs.
Attend staff meetings and participate in general facility maintenance.
Work cooperatively with the Emergency Services and Hope House Supervisor, Assistant Director of Community Services, Community Services Director, Hope House Shelter staff, and other appropriate people.
Perform other duties as assigned within the guidelines of the position.