Emergency Services Intern (Unpaid)

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet•Downers Grove, IL

About The Position

The Emergency Services Intern operates as a member of the North Area Community Services Team, providing intake, screening, assessment, case planning, and case management to individuals and families requesting emergency services, homeless prevention, and after-care services. The role works 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 to address clients’ needs with dignity and respect. The intern attends staff meetings and participates in general facility maintenance. The position also performs other duties as assigned within its guidelines.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Must be 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 and with people from diverse social backgrounds.
Demonstrated capacity to conduct professional client intake and needs assessments.
Demonstrated 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.
Passage of a 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 intake within 48–72 hours of receiving a call for services and assess the needs of potential Homeless Prevention and Emergency Services participants.
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 linkage to community resources.
Respond to walk-ins and callers in crisis, drawing on awareness of agencies in DuPage County and the general metropolitan area.
Maintain case files with all components required by the agency’s PQI process.
Complete forms and records for services and referrals, including for callers who are not assigned counseling appointments or in-office visits.
Assess eligibility for rental and utility assistance, transportation, food, medication, childcare assistance, and other social service and mainstream benefits; assist with paperwork as needed.
Provide immediate intervention to help clients meet basic needs and access eligible resources and financial assistance to acquire and maintain affordable housing.
Follow funder criteria for distributing grant funds for 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 help individuals and families recognize that change is possible and they can gain control over their circumstances.
Empower individuals and families to achieve 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 program supervisors, directors, shelter staff, and other appropriate people.
Perform other duties as assigned within the guidelines of the position.