Youth Housing Care Specialist

Heartland Human Care Services•Chicago, IL

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general guidance of the Program Manager, The Youth Housing Care Specialist will serve as the main point of contact and primary case manager for youth enrolled in the Neon Transitional Housing program. Outcomes are achieved through implementation of participants’ individual service plans (ISP), by providing ongoing housing case management services and connecting youth to needed resources in the community. The Youth Housing Care Specialist leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and Vision of Heartland Human Care Services. Supports culture development and management efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a social service is required.
Minimum 3 years of experience in advocacy services, case management or similar work in a direct service setting.
Experience working with special populations including homeless and at-risk individuals; individuals with psychiatric disorders and/or individuals with chemical dependencies is required.
Specific experience working with youth ages 18-24 is required.
Valid driver’s license with a driving record that meets organizational eligibility standards and use of personal vehicle required.
Access to regular, dependable, and timely transportation
Ability and comfortability working with people of varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Excellent communication skills. Strong networker, convener, relationship builder and communicator with experience collaborating with diverse work teams and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential and sensitive information possessing skills to handle situations in a professional and diplomatic manner.
A high degree of collaboration and emotional intelligence, self-motivation, and analytical ability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Outlook/Exchange; Windows operating systems; and other software routinely used by Heartland Human Care Services.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to work independently and remain self-motivated with minimal direct supervision.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Completes intake paperwork with participants and gathers eligibility documentation. Orients participants to the program. Explains paperwork fully and completely. Rapidly engages participants and builds rapport and trust.
Locates and secures appropriate private market housing units for homeless youth and provides advocacy services with landlords on behalf of program participants as needed.
Uses Ansell Casey assessment and/or other appropriate assessment tools to create individualized service plans.
Plans, follows up with participants to ensure progress is being made toward identified goals, and provides both case management services and referrals to community resources to assist participants in accomplishing program goals.
Utilizes motivational interviewing techniques, maintains clinical understanding of how health influences behavior, and uses a trauma-informed approach in working with youth.
Monitors the participants’ self-administration of medication as applicable.
Completes file reviews and other quality assurance activities as required. Completes and writes case notes daily, uses electronic database(s), completes reports on time, and maintains participant files.
Meets with employers, landlords and service providers to help resolve conflicts that might arise.
Networks with other housing and youth service providers to ensure that the needs of the youths are adequately addressed.
Administers funds for client assistance as per program policies and procedures.
Participates in program and operational planning with Program Manager.
Continues professional development through active, self-initiated participation in/with supervision, in house training, conferences, seminars and independent study.
Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, NASW (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and program guidelines.
Initiates requests for assistance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
Transportation of program participants and/or Organizational property may be required.
Works outside of regular work hours with a flex schedule may be required in order to visit participants when they are available.
Other duties as assigned.