Street Outreach & Aftercare Case Manager

Covenant House Illinois•Chicago, IL

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Street Outreach & Aftercare Case Manager connects directly with youth experiencing homelessness across Chicago to build trust, identify barriers to housing, and develop individualized plans for long-term stability. The role provides street-based outreach, housing navigation, and aftercare case management for youth transitioning into stable housing. It involves frequent travel throughout the city to meet youth in places such as streets, shelters, hospitals, and community spaces, and collaboration with community partners, service providers, and Covenant House Illinois teams to coordinate holistic support that promotes housing stability and independence. The position also provides ongoing case management for youth after housing placement, with meetings at least every two weeks for up to six months. Services include support with housing stability, independent living skills, benefits enrollment, identification, health care, and workforce development. The case manager maintains case files and data, participates in coordination meetings, provides trauma-informed and youth-centered services, and offers crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed. The role requires a flexible schedule, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays; frequent travel throughout Chicago; and the ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods. Driving an agency or personal vehicle may be needed. A valid Illinois driver's license with an acceptable driving record and an annual tuberculosis test are required. Light lifting may be required. This is an in-person position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
2–3 years of experience working with at-risk youth or vulnerable populations.
Knowledge of homeless services systems and community resources.
Experience using harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and Housing First approaches.
Strong crisis management and de-escalation skills.
Ability to work independently and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive services.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
Annual tuberculosis test required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Experience providing street outreach or community-based services strongly preferred.
Experience entering and managing data in HMIS, ETO, or similar databases preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct street-based outreach to connect with youth experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
Build trusting relationships with youth experiencing housing instability.
Provide housing navigation, including assistance with applications, documentation, and housing program enrollment.
Connect youth with mental health care, employment support, education programs, healthcare, and other services.
Participate in citywide homeless outreach systems and coordinated outreach efforts.
Develop partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and local stakeholders.
Respond to email and social media inquiries from youth seeking services.
Accompany youth to appointments when needed.
Provide ongoing case management for youth transitioning into housing, meeting at least every two weeks for up to six months after housing placement.
Support youth in maintaining housing stability and developing independent living skills.
Assist youth with benefits enrollment and obtaining identification, such as birth certificates and Social Security cards.
Maintain organized case files and enter accurate data into HMIS, ETO, or other systems.
Participate in case conferences and community collaboration meetings.
Conduct follow-ups and wellness checks with outreach and aftercare participants.
Deliver services using trauma-informed, youth-centered approaches, including harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and Housing First models.
Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support when needed and create a safe, non-judgmental environment.
Participate in staff meetings, trainings, program development activities, supervision, and performance check-ins.
Participate in holiday and weekend rotations to support 24/7 service availability.