Housing Advocate (Case Manager)- South

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The HOW Housing Advocacy Program provides case management, housing location, and income support services to families and children. This position serves families who have an open child welfare case and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our goal is to help families 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 families to subsidized housing through DCFS Family Unification Program.
• 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:

• Two(2) years of college in a related field.
• This is a full-time position. Must be able to work regular business hours (Monday-Friday), with some flexibility required.
• Must possess valid Driver’s license, reliable vehicle, and proof of insurance.
• Frequent travel to Chicago’s North Side and Northwest Cook County is expected.
• 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: $44,000.00 - $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-5pm. Can you work daily during those hours?
• Do you have a car that can be used for work? Are you willing to transport clients in your vehicle if necessary?
• Have you completed at least 2 years of college in a related field at an accredited institution? If so, provide the field of study and the date of completion.
• 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 60620