Street Outreach Case Manager

Heartland Alliance Health•Chicago, IL

4d•Remote

About The Position

The Street Outreach Case Manager engages individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the community, connects them to needed services, and provides non-clinical support and advocacy. The role works in the field and at the Drop-In Center, using a participant-led, low-barrier approach to identify needs, set goals, and connect people with appropriate resources and support. The position includes outreach and relationship-building, case management and resource coordination, crisis response, documentation, and collaboration with internal teams and external service providers. It also supports Drop-In Center operations and may involve transporting participants or organizational property, visiting people in homes, shelters, or community settings, and helping with center setup, light cleaning, inventory, and moving supplies. Work takes place in office, drop-in center, and community or field settings, with travel throughout the Chicago-land area.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public health, psychology, or a related field requires at least 1 year of relevant experience.
An associate’s degree in a related field requires at least 2–3 years of relevant experience.
A high school diploma or GED is required; 4–5 years of demonstrated experience in case management, social services, community health, or a related human services field may be considered in lieu of a college degree.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear and accurate reports, case notes, and professional email correspondence.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel; ability to learn and use program databases, including Athena, for documentation.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in person, by phone, and by email.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
Ability to work with diverse populations with complex needs without personal bias or judgment.
Excellent problem-solving, resource development, and crisis intervention skills.
Willingness and ability to travel throughout the Chicago-land area.
Commitment to client-centered, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approaches.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
Cultural humility and sensitivity when working with diverse communities.
Reliability, punctuality, and accountability to program and organizational standards.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including occasional lifting or moving of up to 40 pounds.
May be required to have access to a personal vehicle and use it for organizational purposes, including travel throughout the service area and transporting individuals.
A second language may be required depending on the community served.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, addiction, or other vulnerabilities is strongly preferred across all education and experience pathways.

Responsibilities

Conduct street outreach in designated service areas to identify and engage individuals in need of services.
Build trusting, non-judgmental relationships and connect individuals to program services using a client-centered, strength-based approach.
Respond to and follow up on outreach referrals in a timely manner.
Assist with Drop-In Center operations, including welcoming individuals, maintaining a safe and welcoming environment, and supporting daily activities and service enhancements.
Conduct initial needs assessments addressing social service, housing, benefits, and health-related needs.
Develop and maintain individualized service plans in collaboration with participants, focused on their goals and access to resources.
Coordinate referrals and linkages to medical health, housing, vocational, benefits, entitlement, and other social services.
Advocate for participants seeking services and resources.
Assist participants with activities of daily living, including grocery shopping, money management, hygiene, and household resources, as needed.
Follow up with participants and service providers to support continuity of care and resource access.
Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate services and share information.
Identify and respond to emergency or crisis needs in the field and at the Drop-In Center.
Use de-escalation techniques and violence prevention skills to support a safe environment for participants and staff.
Connect people in crisis to appropriate emergency services and follow-up support.
Complete required forms, case records, statistical reports, and data entry in the agency’s Electronic Health Records and funder database systems accurately and on time.
Submit documentation to the supervisor or manager within designated timelines and in accordance with program guidelines and contractual obligations.
Meet productivity standards set by the program or contractual requirements.
Maintain confidentiality of participant information in compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.
Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, conferences, seminars, and independent study.
Develop and maintain relationships with external social service providers, community organizations, and other service agencies.
Work with supervisors to develop program components such as group activities and service enhancements.
Share skills, knowledge, and experience with the multidisciplinary team and follow applicable professional standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Transport program participants and/or organizational property when required.
Assist with Drop-In Center setup, light cleaning of common areas, inventory, and receiving or moving supply boxes and materials.
Visit participants in their homes, shelters, or community settings when required.