La Casa Norte’s Scattered Site Supportive Housing Program provides permanent housing and supportive services to vulnerable youth and families. This full-time, exempt position demands dedication, flexibility, and a passion for community service, with work hours spanning Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., along with the capacity to flex time, occasional weekend shifts and evening hours, and on-call responsibilities, as needed. This is a union position.
- Assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable, safe, and affordable housing in alignment with LCN’s mission, vision, and philosophy of service, adhering to Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care frameworks.
- Collaborate with families and individuals, using standard assessment tools to determine program eligibility and service level.
- Conduct advocacy on behalf of clients to public benefit and service providers, such as IDHS, Social Security, schools, etc., via in-person, phone, and/or letter.
- Refer clients to internal and external supportive services as needed, including food pantries, clothing closets, legal aid services, and mental health services, and coordinate these services to provide holistic support.
- Develop and implement client-led service plans that outline clear goals and steps to increase housing stability and financial self-sufficiency.
- Apply clinical skills and knowledge of family systems in case management sessions to intervene or refer as appropriate.
- Provide crisis intervention and mediation for issues related to landlords, family members, and other service providers as necessary.
- Facilitate client's financial independence by helping them increase income through employment and/or benefits.
- Educate clients on effective financial practices, including using financial institutions, credit, payday loan alternatives, and credit repair services.
- Request financial assistance for security deposits and rental assistance as needed.
- Attend weekly staff meetings and other staff trainings.
- Participate in La Casa Norte’s fundraising events as needed.
- Utilize a team approach to develop new programs.
- Assist with data collection and completion of program reports.
- Perform other duties as required.
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with family systems.
- Prior experience working with homeless and at-risk populations desired.
- Familiarity with Chicago’s housing and human services systems.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to facilitate group sessions.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proficient in the use of computers, research tools and database systems.
- Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle.
- Proficiency in Spanish and English (preferred).
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, national origin, or disability. LCN will consider requests or exceptions to job duties based on legally protected religious observances, as reasonable accommodations to an employee’s disability, or as otherwise required by law.