Case Manager
Chicago Lights Social Service Center

Please send cover letters and resumes to jobs@fourthchurch.org.
No phone calls, please.

PROGRAM
The Chicago Lights Social Service Center (SSC) connects with over 2,000 adults annually to encourage self-development, deep connections, and brighter futures through case management, enrichment programming, and food/clothing services.

POSITION
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. Eligible participants are required to have an income (employment, benefits, etc.). The CM will build client rapport, partner with other housing providers, complete intake assessments and devise service plans to support the 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.

Additionally, the CM will oversee the HOP for SSC participants. This housing voucher program is geared to target participants who have specific barriers to housing, who have a form of income and are willing to work with an SSC case manager. The CM will partner with the client to overcome their identified housing barrier(s) through use of a service plan and connections to needed services. The CM will assist participants as they transition into housing through completing 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 significant expertise in providing care to low-income populations, will have extensive knowledge of Chicago-area resources and systems, and will be able to work extremely well within a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

SCHEDULE

Monday: Remote 9:00-5:00, Tuesday through Friday: In-Person 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, up to 40 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of the Case Manager include, but are not limited to:

• Coordination of Housing Opportunities Program (HOP): The CM will oversee this program, provide direct support to two participants in the process of becoming housed, and ensure each participant’s individual 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 towards 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. Also, maintaining the Chicago Lights SSC communication within a variety of housing resource outlets, both public and privately funded.

• 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.

• Team/Director Meetings: Meet with the Program Director for weekly supervision and actively participate in monthly team meetings.

• Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality of participant information in all written, oral, and electronic forms.

• Gain a deep knowledge regarding all SSC programs and procedures, complete necessary intake forms, and thoroughly document all participant interactions.
• Attend staff meetings as required.
• It is impossible to convey every single task in one job description. As the role evolves over time, this job description will be adjusted accordingly.

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QUALIFICATIONS

• Comfort working with individuals experiencing homelessness (including out in the field, on the street, in office, and during home visits)
  • Extensive knowledge of supportive, affordable, and subsidized housing options in Chicago area
  • Experience in trauma-informed care or willingness to be trained is required
  • A commitment to inclusive, equitable, and anti-racist care
  • Salesforce experience preferred; Microsoft Office experience required
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including both in-office and field work (travel expenses will be reimbursed)
  • Preference for working in a team environment with shared responsibilities and decision-making
  • Strong work ethic, solid judgment, and apparent leadership skills and personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to Chicago Lights’ mission
  • Comparable work experience required, bachelor’s degree in social work (or related field) preferred
  • Commitment to racial equity and social justice: willingness to recognize the role of race, income, age, immigration status, and other identities in shaping disparities, and work toward amplifying community voices to advocate for equity; ability to recognize how your own identities show up in the work, and welcome, reflect on, and act on feedback with an eye toward continuous learning about race, ability, and other lines of difference
  

Compensation - Salary: $47,000- $50,000 annually. based on experience and qualifications.

Robust Benefit Package
This is a full-time position that includes a robust benefits package:
• Medical insurance (church pays 85% of employee monthly premium and 75% of eligible dependents)
• Optional dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous PTO plus eleven holidays
• 403b retirement plan (employer contributions after one year of employment)
• FSA for medical and dependent daycare expenses
• Mass transit and commuter parking benefits
• Parking Transportation Benefits
• Life and short-term disability insurance, optional life insurance, and long-term disability plan

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with different abilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be able to participate in online virtual communications including email, video conferencing, and other online tools used to facilitate virtual office culture and work sharing.
  • Smoke and drug (illegal or recreational) free environment.
  • Fourth Church/Chicago Light aims for accessibility in any off-site location in its control, but some of them may not be fully accessible.
  • This role requires sitting and standing
  • Lifting requirements of 15 pounds
  

EEO STATEMENT
Fourth Presbyterian Church/Chicago Lights is committed to equal employment opportunity for all qualified persons, without regard to race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, creed, physical or mental disability, marital status or familial status, veteran status, military status, source of income, political affiliation, or any other factor protected by law. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights seeks to build and retain a diverse staff and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive workplace where everyone is treated as a respected and valued member of the team. Fourth Church/Chicago Lights is committed to elevating the voices of women, young people, people of color, Native people, immigrants and refugees, low-income people, LGBQ+, and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people, people with disabilities, and young parents. We encourage people from these communities to apply.

Please send cover letters and resumes to jobs@fourthchurch.org.
No phone calls, please.

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