Find The RightJob.
Family Housing Case Manager
Job Title: Family Housing Case Manager
Reports to: Family Housing Coordinator
Program Area: Adult Support Services (ASN)
FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt
Hours: 40-hour flexible workweek, occasional evenings and weekends
Location: The Residences, 3340 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
POSITION SUMMARY
The Family Housing Case Manager serves as the primary Life Coach and Partnership Lead for families participating in Breakthrough’s 24-month Family Housing Program. This role is responsible for building a consistent, trust-based relationship with lease-holding families and guiding them through a structured journey toward long-term housing stability, financial independence, and family well-being.
Operating within a trauma-responsive, strengths-based environment, the Life Coach partners with families not as clients to be managed, but as individuals to be developed, supporting them in meeting both lease obligations and program requirements, which are formalized through the lease and participation agreements.
This role integrates coaching, accountability, and coordination to help families move through the program’s three phases: Stabilization, Growth & Skill-Building, and Transition, while increasing ownership, decision-making capacity, and independence over time.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
Relational Coaching & Partnership
Reports to: Family Housing Coordinator
Program Area: Adult Support Services (ASN)
FLSA Code: Full time, Exempt
Hours: 40-hour flexible workweek, occasional evenings and weekends
Location: The Residences, 3340 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624
POSITION SUMMARY
The Family Housing Case Manager serves as the primary Life Coach and Partnership Lead for families participating in Breakthrough’s 24-month Family Housing Program. This role is responsible for building a consistent, trust-based relationship with lease-holding families and guiding them through a structured journey toward long-term housing stability, financial independence, and family well-being.
Operating within a trauma-responsive, strengths-based environment, the Life Coach partners with families not as clients to be managed, but as individuals to be developed, supporting them in meeting both lease obligations and program requirements, which are formalized through the lease and participation agreements.
This role integrates coaching, accountability, and coordination to help families move through the program’s three phases: Stabilization, Growth & Skill-Building, and Transition, while increasing ownership, decision-making capacity, and independence over time.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / FUNCTIONS
Relational Coaching & Partnership
- Serve as the primary relationship holder for assigned families, building trust through consistency, empathy, and clear expectations
- Facilitate weekly or bi-weekly coaching sessions focused on goal-setting, progress reflection, and problem-solving
- Establish and maintain a shared understanding of roles, expectations, and responsibilities in alignment with lease and program agreements
- Use a trauma-responsive approach that honors family dignity while maintaining clear accountability
Family Success Planning & Goal Advancement
- Lead the development and ongoing refinement of individualized Family Success Plans aligned with program outcome domains (housing stability, income, financial health, family well-being, and community connection)
- Track and celebrate progress while addressing barriers with structured problem-solving
Lease-Linked Accountability & Housing Stability
- Reinforce the connection between lease compliance and program participation, including rent contributions, unit care, and community standards
- Support families in understanding and fulfilling tenant responsibilities, including budgeting for rent (30% of income), maintaining utilities, and preparing for independent leasing
Phase-Based Coaching & Progression
- Tailor coaching approach and expectations based on the program’s three phases:
- Stabilization (0–6 months):
- Growth & Skill-Building (6–18 months):
- Transition & Launch (18–24 months):
- Coordinate Wraparound Supports
- Act as a connector and advocate across systems, coordinating with:
- Employment and workforce partners
- Schools and childcare providers
- Behavioral health and wellness services
- Financial coaching resources
- Ensure services are aligned with family goals rather than duplicative or compliance-driven
Financial & Economic Mobility Coaching
- Support families in:
- Budget creation and financial tracking
- Income growth planning (employment or education pathways)
- Building savings for transition to independent housing
- Reinforce financial behaviors required for long-term housing sustainability
Progress Monitoring & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of coaching sessions, goals, and outcomes in Salesforce
- Track participation in required program elements tied to housing agreements
- Use data to inform coaching strategies, identify risks, and measure progress toward independence
- Provide Crisis Response & Stability Support
- Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing training
- Uphold program philosophy, relational standards, and trauma-responsive practices
- Collaborate with Housing Coordinator, Program Assistants, and leadership to ensure seamless service delivery
Performs other duties as assigned
Core Competencies
Core Competencies
- Trauma-informed and family-centered care
- Advocacy and problem-solving
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Professional judgment and ethical practice
Demonstrated Values
- Independently follows agency policy and procedures
- Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines
- Identifies and resolves difficult issues
- Project a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming
- Promote customer care through all actions and behaviors
- Works effectively with diverse staff, communities and population served
- Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
- A passion for the mission of Breakthrough
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field
- Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in housing case management, family services, or a related human services field
- Knowledge of housing systems, public benefits, and community resources
- Experience working with families experiencing homelessness, poverty, or trauma
- Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively
- Culturally responsive and strengths-based approach to service delivery
- Awareness of trauma reactions.
- Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google drive
- Strong knowledge of program outcomes and deliverables
- Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual (Spanish/English or other relevant language)
- Experience with Salesforce, Google docs or similar case management systems
- Familiarity with local housing programs and Continuum of Care systems
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge in mental health and substance abuse.
- Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem-solving ability.
- Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions.
- Ability to demonstrate initiative and follow through and be comfortable working in a changing environment.
- Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through their relationship and guidance.
- Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially as related to youth, families, poverty, and community development.
SUPERVISION
- Directions received from the Family Housing Coordinator
- This position has no direct reports
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility. They will also perform community outreach/home visits.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Equipment Used
The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.
Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance
BENEFITS
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a multi-purpose facility and/or outdoors and thus will be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be high depending on the activities in the facility. They will also perform community outreach/home visits.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk and/or sit; use hands and fingers to feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; regularly talk or hear. The employee must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift as well as have overhead extension of arms. Must be able to stand for long periods of time; be able to lift, carry or move at least 50 pounds. Must adhere to proper handling and lifting techniques. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Equipment Used
The employee will generally use general office equipment including but not limited to telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, paper shredder, paper cutter, and filing systems.
Safety Requirements
Prior to the first day of work, must complete a criminal background and sex offender clearance
BENEFITS
- Medical - We offer group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO plans. Depending on the plan you choose, there may be no cost for an employee single coverage. There is a cost per pay period for coverage for family (i.e., employee plus spouse; employee plus child(ren) or employee plus spouse and child(ren).
- Dental – We offer group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. You have the option of choosing between a PPO or HMO. This is an employee paid benefit.
- Vision - We offer group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare to full-time employees. This is an employee paid benefit.
- Life - Through UnitedHealthcare, we offer full-time employees term life insurance to the employee’s family in case of death. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
- Short and long-term disability - If you become disabled, UnitedHealthcare provides both short-term and long-term disability insurance to full-time employees. The cost of this benefit is paid fully by the organization.
- 401 (k) Plan - We offer a 401(k) plan which is a tax-deferred annuity to assist full-time employees in planning for retirement. We match 50% of your contribution up to a total of 3% of your base salary.
- Section 125 Plan (FSA) - Through TASC, we allow full-time employees to make contributions toward premiums for medical insurance, out-of-pocket medical expenses, dependent care expenses, and/or transit and parking on a “before tax” rather than an “after tax” basis.
- Vacation Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible to accrue vacation days at a rate of 6.67 – 13.33 days per month based on tenure with the organization.
- Personal Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 3 personal days annually, pro-rated in year one.
- Sick Days - Full-time employees in this position are eligible for up to 10 sick days annually, pro-rated in year one.
COMPENSATION
The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.
$50,000-$55,000/annually
Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us at HR@breakthrough.org. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
The actual salary within the range is determined by many factors including but not limited to skills, experience, education and internal equity.
$50,000-$55,000/annually
Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non-merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact us at HR@breakthrough.org. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
© 2026 Qureos. All rights reserved.