Housing Case Manager

Job Title: Housing Case Manager
Department: Housing Services
Reports to: Housing Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Salary: $48,000 - $50,000

OVERVIEW
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation connects people and creates opportunity through access to social services, job training, housing, and food. Each year, Inspiration Corporation works with hundreds of resilient Chicagoans who face systemic disparities and inequities, such as homelessness, hunger, and social isolation.

In order to help individuals and families overcome these barriers, we provide dedicated support coupled with housing, job training, scholarships, meals, and engagement services. Inspiration Corporation meets people where they are in life, helping them access the support they need and achieve their personal goals. Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant-driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.

Position Summary
Housing Case Managers support individuals and families in meeting their goals by assisting them in obtaining and maintaining housing. They will be assigned to serve any or all of the following populations based on program need: individuals, families, domestic violence survivors, victims of dating violence and stalking, individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, physical and mental illness and impairment, criminal justice involvement, DCFS involvement, etc.

Housing Case Managers could be assigned to work program model types based on program need, including: Permanent Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, Rapid Re-Housing, etc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

Housing Services

• Ensure that all established program goals are met or exceeded, including maintaining regular monthly contact with assigned participants and their landlords.
• Assess new referrals’ eligibility for services and enroll eligible participants into programs in a timely fashion.
• Find apartments for participants when needed, conduct inspections, establish and maintain relationships with landlords or property managers, and facilitate execution and renewal of leases.
• Assist participants with moving and obtaining furniture, home supplies, and other needs.

Case Management

• Assess participants’ potential barriers to maintaining stable housing and provide coaching, support, and referrals.
• Facilitate introductions between participants and Employment Navigator to explore employment and training interests.
• Work with assigned participants to assist in the creation of goal-based action plans.
• Provide coaching, case management, and other support to make progress on their goal-based action plans.
• Maintain case notes on participants' progress and complete all required tracking and reports in a timely manner.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & SKILLS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The following requirements are representative of the education, experience, and skills necessary for the position:

• Access to a personal vehicle and valid driver’s license required.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent life experience required; graduate-level studies preferred.
• Two years’ work experience in case management in a non-profit setting preferred.
• Proficiency in Windows operating environments, Microsoft Office required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk and must regularly lift and/or move up to 10-20 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

The working environment may include shared offices, in-person visits to participants’ homes, and remote work or hybrid work model with remote and office hours scheduled.

Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License and personal vehicle (Required)