Advocacy and Engagement Specialist

Job Title: Advocacy and Engagement Specialist

Reports To: Community Assistance Program Manager

Salary Range: $48,424 - $51,515

La Casa Norte’s mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

La Casa Norte is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Advocacy and Engagement Specialist to join our Welcoming Center team. The Illinois Welcoming Center (IWC) is a comprehensive service center dedicated to integrating immigrants and refugees in Illinois. The IWC innovative model eliminates systemic barriers to accessing state services. It provides individuals and families with a wide range of services, information, programs, and classes to support their successful integration and create self-sustaining, thriving communities.

This position involves conducting assessments, developing care plans, providing crisis intervention, and connecting clients to housing and other resources. The Advocacy and Engagement Specialist will work closely with clients to ensure their needs are met and collaborate with a supportive network of community partners to facilitate service delivery. This role is crucial in supporting La Casa Norte’s mission to provide housing and supportive services to youth and families, helping them achieve long‑term stability and self‑sufficiency.

The position involves in‑office work at multiple locations and community fieldwork. It is a full‑time role with occasional evening or weekend work for meetings or events.

• Client Assessment and Case Management:
• Conduct thorough intake assessments to understand clients' needs and develop personalized care plans. Provide ongoing case management services, including regular follow‑ups and adjustments to care plans as necessary.
• Maintain detailed and accurate client records, documenting all interactions and services provided.
• Crisis Intervention:
• Respond to clients in crisis, providing immediate support and stabilization.
• Develop and implement crisis intervention plans, ensuring clients receive timely and appropriate assistance. Follow up with clients to ensure long‑term stability and connect them with additional resources.

• Identify clients' needs that can be met through external services and provide appropriate referrals. Establish and maintain relationships with external service providers to facilitate client referrals.
• Follow up on referrals to ensure clients have accessed the services and their needs have been addressed. Process rental assistance applications and other benefit assistance applications for clients, ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate.

• Advocate for clients' needs within the community and with service providers.
• Empower clients by providing them with information, resources, and support to navigate complex systems. Conduct workshops and informational sessions on relevant topics such as housing, employment, and health.

• Participate in community outreach activities to promote La Casa Norte’s services and engage with potential clients.
• Collaborate with community partners to enhance service delivery and address community needs. Represent La Casa Norte at community events and meetings as needed.

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records of all client interactions and services provided.
• Prepare reports on client outcomes and program performance as required by funders and organizational leadership.
• Use data to inform service delivery and identify areas for improvement.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a human services‑related field and/or case management. Minimum of 2 years of experience working with diverse populations and individuals in crisis. Familiarity with community resources and social services systems.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Strong assessment and case management skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple…