Housing Case Manager

Company: YWCA Evanston North Shore
Location: Evanston
Posted on: January 18, 2023

Job Description:

Description: This position is located in Evanston, Illinois. As an integral member of our Domestic Violence (DV) team, the Housing Case Manager identifies and supports the housing needs of survivors of DV. The position provides standardized assessments and housing navigation for individuals and families in suburban Cook County who are victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who are at risk of experiencing homelessness and are seeking assistance securing stable housing. This position will also engage with the community to maintain current information on housing resources and trends, advocate for the interests of survivors, and cultivate connections with relevant community stakeholders. This position contributes to creating a warm and welcoming space for survivors and their children and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to the delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed services for clients of YWCA Evanston/North Shore. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Case Management (55%)

• Partners with Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless service providers within our region to be a point of contact for clients experiencing homelessness due to DV and where someone's homelessness is not related to a DV experience, the Specialist assists these individuals in connecting with other local housing providers.
• Provides systems and housing navigation services for households assessed for housing who choose to work with a domestic violence agency instead of a homeless services organization. Responsible for using standardized assessments and entering data in HMIS in accordance with Alliance policies and procedures and assisting in securing eligibility verifications in the timeframe established by the Coordinated Entry (CE) process.
• Remains engaged with the participant throughout their homelessness experience to facilitate the client's transition into housing and potential relocation to another community which might include securing a smooth transfer to a new case manager at the Receiving Agency.
• Fosters safe and supportive relationships with clients and works collaboratively with domestic violence advocates to deepen support for program participants.
• Maintains accurate records in HMIS as well as the YWCA case management system, keeps proper documentation and records of participant work including written narratives on all interactions with clients.
• Advises and coaches participants individually and in small groups on housing strategies.
• Attends weekly case review. Program Development & Training (20%)
  • Assists in developing housing training curricula aligned with current trends and best practices.
  • Delivers engaging trainings on housing for domestic violence program participants.
  • Collaborates with financial empowerment program to include housing resources through our financial education classes.
  • Contributes to the development of program outcomes, benchmarks, and indicators.
  • Implements evaluation plan including but not limited to collecting data from clients, entering data into proper technology, and reporting out on data as directed.
  • Submits monthly activity reports in timely fashion and assists with development and submission of all CE reports as directed by AHAND with procedures agreed upon by the CE DV Workgroup.
  • Reports on goals and objectives identified in government grants and foundations as appropriate. Community Outreach (20%)
    • Attends all required CE Committee meetings and trainings, participates in the CE DV Workgroup and collaborates with other stability services case managers to ensure best practices and current knowledge of housing trends
    • Consistently cultivates relationships with organizations providing victim services, housing/shelter, or other organizations serving those in need of housing access and regularly visits those sites to increase access to household screening and identification for Entry Point services.
    • Identifies, cultivates, and maintains strategic community partnerships, including, but not limited to nonprofits, government entities, landlords, property management companies, real estate agents, local coalitions, and community organizers that could contribute to and enrich housing support services and advocates within those organizations for the benefit our clients.
    • Attends regular stakeholder meetings to stay informed of community resources and advocate for the interests of survivors who are homeless or home insecure. ADDITIONAL DUTIES (5%)
      • Attends weekly case review meetings.
      • Provides and attends staff trainings and participates in agency committees.
      • Understands and adheres to all of YWCA Evanston/North Shore procedures and policies as well as YWCA Employee Handbook.
      • Performs other duties as assigned by management. An individual in this position must be able to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position. Requirements: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: High School Degree or equivalent Experience and/or Training:
        • 1 year of experience in a social service setting working directly with clients.
        • Experience working with survivors of trauma. Licenses/Certificates:
          • Successful completion of the Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certificate within 90 days of hire
          • Valid driver's license and proof of auto insurance
          • First Aid/CPR within 6 months of employment
          • YWCA requires that all employees be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and submit proof of vaccination to Human Resources unless a request for a medical or religious accommodation is granted Technology/Equipment:
            • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
            • Access to reliable, personal auto for business use PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor's Degree in social work or related field Experience and/or Training:
              • 1-2 years of experience in screening households for eligibility into the Coordinated Entry process, using standardized assessments including VI-SPDAT
              • Experience working with survivors of domestic violence
              • Experience providing case management services Licenses/Certificates:
                • Successful completion of Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certificate Language: Fluent in Spanish Technology/Equipment:
                  • Knowledge of HMIS and Coordinated Entry Data Systems PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Intermittent (less than 15%), Occasional (15-45%), Frequent (50-75%), and Continuous (over 75%).
                    • Intermittent nights and/or weekends required for events or meetings
                    • Occasional transport of clients in personal vehicle or agency-owned vehicle
                    • Frequent local and intermittent statewide travel required
                    • Tolerance of prolonged and continuous stationary periods at a desk/computer
                    • Occasionally required to push, pull, lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
                    • Must be able to move about the facility
                    • Must be able to operate controls for computers and other equipment The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. WORKING ENVIRONMENT
                      • Employee may be required to share office space or work in an open office cubicle.
                      • Employee might have frequent meetings or trainings in off-site locations.
                      • Employee may be required to work in office or from home. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
                        
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Keywords: YWCA Evanston North Shore, Evanston , Housing Case Manager, Executive , Evanston, Illinois