Social Service Case Manager

Case Manager – Chicago Lights Social Service Center

Job Description

Classification:
Exempt

Status:
Regular, Full Time

Reports to:

Program Director of Social Services Center

The Chicago Lights Social Service Center (SSC) connects with over 1,700 adults annually to encourage self-development, deep connections, and brighter futures through case management, enrichment programming, and food/clothing services.

The Case Manager (CM) for housing will oversee all the housing-related needs of SSC participants as well as the Housing Opportunities Program (HOP). The CM will partner with the Program Director to provide one‑to‑one case management with motivated participants who are looking for housing. The CM will build client rapport, partner with other housing providers, complete intake assessments and devise service plans to support clients’ housing goals.

The CM will also grow the SSC’s housing resources and cultivate new relationships with landlords offering affordable housing in the Chicago area. The CM will work with All Chicago’s Coordinated Entry team to offer onsite assessments for participants of the Social Service Center and ensure up‑to‑date record keeping.

Additionally, the CM will oversee the HOP for SSC participants. The CM will assist participants as they transition into housing through home visits, weekly appointments, and frequent follow‑up regarding progress and barriers identified in the service plan. This housing voucher program remains in the foundational stages, so the ideal candidate for this position will be energized by new initiatives and eager to take on challenges associated with piloting new programs.

Furthermore, the CM will work on a team to also support the food/clothing distribution services, short‑term case management services, and other duties as assigned. The CM will have demonstrated experience working with low‑income populations, will have working knowledge of Chicago housing systems, area resources and systems, and will be able to work extremely well within a diverse, multi‑disciplinary team.

• Coordination of Housing Opportunities Program (HOP): oversee the program, provide direct support to two participants in the process of becoming housed, and ensure each participant’s barrier(s) to housing are adequately addressed within the required time limits. Programming includes scheduled home visits with tenant and/or landlord, submitting payments for rent, and working with participants to make progress toward their identified goals.
• Housing Case Management: work with other SSC staff to provide one‑to‑one case management to participants with a regular income in need of stable housing. This includes intake, assessment, goal setting/achievement, referrals, application assistance, and support related to obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
• Coordination of Housing Services/Resources: create and maintain an updated housing database that details supportive housing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. This includes creating new linkages to supportive housing programs and landlords.
• Educate and Equip Staff: act as lead consultant for SSC staff on all housing resources, including transitional, subsidized, and affordable housing options. This requires participation in organizations and coalitions focused on helping promote greater resources for clients.
• Specialty Projects: coordinate housing groups for SSC participants, including information on the housing market in Chicago, tenants’ rights, and current waitlist requirements. Assist other SSC staff in specialty projects related to public education on homelessness.
• Drop‑In Services/Meals Ministry: participate in morning drop‑in services where SSC participants are provided with case management services, clothing, toiletries, and food resources. Attend Meals Ministry programming to provide short‑term case management referrals to interested participants and manage housing drop‑in consultation hours.
• Team/Director Meetings: meet with the Program Director for weekly supervision and actively participate in monthly team meetings, monthly Chicago Lights meetings, and…