Youth Housing Care Specialist

Title

Youth Housing Care Specialist

4822 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640

Hybrid, Monday to Friday (8:30am-5:00pm)

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.

• Make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals seeking education and career pathways.
• Collaborate with a diverse and passionate team dedicated to the mission and vision of our organization.
• Achieve your goals in a supportive environment that prioritizes your well‑being and personal flexibility.

• Medical insurance - BCBS PPO, HMO, and HDHP with HSA Plan
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• 401(k) 3% Employer Contribution.
• Commuter benefits.
• Professional Development Assistance.
• Disability insurance.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Life/AD&D Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Special Vendor Discounted Offerings on Travel, Amusement Parks, etc.

• Complete intake paperwork with participants and gather eligibility documentation. Orient participants to the program and explain paperwork fully and completely. Rapidly engage participants and build rapport and trust.
• Locate and secure appropriate private market housing units for homeless youth and provide advocacy services with landlords on behalf of program participants as needed.
• Use Ansell Casey assessment and/or other appropriate assessment tools to create individualized service plans.
• Plan and follow up with participants to ensure progress toward identified goals, and provide case management services and referrals to community resources to assist participants in accomplishing program goals.
• Utilize motivational interviewing techniques, maintain clinical understanding of how health influences behavior, and use a trauma‑informed approach in working with youth.
• Monitor participants’ self‑administration of medication as applicable.
• Complete file reviews and other quality assurance activities as required. Write case notes daily, use electronic database(s), produce reports on time, and maintain participant files.
• Meet with employers, landlords, and service providers to help resolve conflicts that might arise.
• Network with other housing and youth service providers to ensure that the needs of the youths are adequately addressed.
• Administer funds for client assistance as per program policies and procedures.
• Participate in program and operational planning with Program Manager.
• Continue professional development through active, self‑initiated participation in/with supervision, in‑house training, conferences, seminars, and independent study.
• Adhere to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, NASW (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, organization plans/policies and program guidelines.
• Initiate requests for assistance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
• Provide transportation of program participants and/or organizational property may be required.
• Work outside of regular work hours with a flexible schedule may be required to visit participants when they are available.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service is required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in advocacy services, case manage mentor 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.