Prevention Specialist

CCHC Online•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Prevention Specialist will provide homeless prevention services to clients in the community. The Prevention Specialist will provide community outreach, psychosocial assessment and case management to assist families and single individuals with permanent housing solutions.

Requirements

Highschool diploma or equivalent from an accredited school/program.
2-3 years of social service experience.
Computer proficiency is required as well as the ability to relate to people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, sexual orientation and gender identity.
An automobile, a valid Driver’s License and vehicle insurance coverage required.

Responsibilities

Assess families and individuals for strengths and barriers by completing a psychosocial assessment, including employment, behavioral health, criminal history, prostitution history, sexual risk, income, insurance and substance use and refer households to appropriate levels of housing and rental assistance.
Assist families and individuals with establishing and meeting goals and identifying appropriate steps towards achieving goals, including modifying goals as needed, and evaluation of progress.
Work with the client to establish an individual treatment plan identifying goals, objectives and tasks that are time specific and measurable.
Educate clients about budgeting and financial management and/or work with a variety of outside service providers to meet the needs of the client.
Document ongoing case notes in an D.A.P. (Description, Assessment and Plan) format and file in the client’s file folder.
Initiate referrals for supportive and clinical services, follow-up on referrals and document referral completion.
Document client data in the HMIS data base for each client that completes psychosocial assessments.
Assist with facilitation of groups for women involved in the sex trade, document group notes and ensure group sign-in sheets are completed.
Attend ongoing mandatory trainings related to workplace violence prevention, cultural competency, confidentiality, infection control and other required trainings for growth and development.
Conduct strategic street and venue-based outreach to homeless single women and their families.
Submit monthly reports and participate in ongoing quality activities.
Assist with support in obtaining a higher education or General Education Development (GED) certificate.
Assess barriers and strengths to income, housing stability, and self sufficiency (including health, substance use, and mental health issues) and provide appropriate referrals to supportive services in a timely manner.
Complete other tasks as assigned.