Housing Advocate (Case Manager) - North

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The HOW Housing Advocacy Program provides case management, housing location, and income support services. This position serves families who have an open child welfare case (DCFS), and young adults aging out of state care, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our goal is to help clients obtain stable housing and avoid family separation.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working in partnership with clients to assess all barriers to safe, stable, and affordable housing, and to identify steps needed to address these barriers.
• Providing life skills training, counseling, and guidance to clients as they work to overcome barriers to housing.
• Locating housing options which meet client needs, including market-rate apartments, family reunification, roommate situations, transitional housing, and affordable/subsidized housing.
• Linking clients to available community resources.
• Referring qualified individuals and families to subsidized housing through DCFS Family Unification and/or Fostering Youth to Independence programs.
• Referring qualified youth to temporary subsidies and one-time cash assistance with housing costs through DCFS and other sources.
• Assisting clients in applying for cash assistance through DCFS or other sources.
• Maintaining communication with DCFS case workers and supervisors.
• Advocating for clients with CHA, landlords, employers, and other agencies or institutions.
• Providing education on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Preparing clients for apartment search and for negotiations with landlords.
• Follow up with clients once housed; assist with mediating any potential housing problems.
• Attending CHA meetings and appointments with clients as needed.
• Accurately tracking and documenting all services provided.
• Completing required billing and documentation as outlined in contract.
• Attending weekly staff meetings and other staff trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is supervised by: Program Manager

REQUIREMENTS AND LICENSURE:

• Bachelor's degree is preferred. Two (2) years of college in a related field such as social work, psychology, sociology, public health, behavioral science, or children and family studies will be considered.
• This is a full-time position. Must be able to work regular business hours (Monday-Friday), with some flexibility required.
• Frequent travel within the City of Chicago and surrounding Cook County is expected.
• Must possess valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Staff are required to spend time in HOW’s offices and in the field.
• Must pass applicable background checks, including CANTS screening.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 25 pounds and walk up and down stairs.
• Bilingual individuals (English-Spanish) are encouraged to apply.

SALARY: $44,000-$46,000 based on experience.

WORK SCHEDULE: Full-time; regular business hours with some flexibility required.

HOW is an Affirmative Action, equal-opportunity employer. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees shall perform other duties as appropriate. HOW reserves the right to revise or change job duties as needed. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,000.00 - $46,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• The typical hours for this position are Monday-Friday from 9am to 5-pm. Can you work daily during those hours?
• Do you have a car that can be used for work? Are you willing to use your car to transport clients?
• Have you completed at least two years of college in a related field (social work, psychology, sociology, public health, behavioral health, or children and family studies)? If yes, please provide details:
• Do you speak more than one language fluently? If so, please list:
• The salary for this position is $42,000 to $46,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Is this an acceptable salary range for you?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60626