Case Manager

Job Details
Job Location:    Community Alternatives Unlimited - CHICAGO, IL
Position Type:    Full Time
Education Level:    4 Year Degree
Salary Range:    $ $28.37 Hourly
Travel Percentage:    Up to 25%
Job Shift:    Day
Job Category:    Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

Housing Navigator

Under the supervision of the CAU Housing Navigation Program Coordinator, the Housing Navigator serves as a Housing Navigator for Community Alternatives Unlimited, providing Housing Navigation Services for individuals seeking affordable supported housing opportunities in the community.   The Housing Navigator position is full-time. 

The position will work collaboratively with the ISC case management team and the assigned service partner to ensure a quality, safe, and affordable housing placement with appropriate services.  This position will develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and will serve as a resource for the services agencies supporting the individuals in their own home. The overall objective is to help achieve and maintain stable, supported housing for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who receive waiver services through the DDD Waiver, or who have been determined eligible for funding for waiver services through the DDD Waiver.

Housing Navigation Responsibilities are as follows:

1. Act on referrals of CAU clients seeking affordable supportive housing, using the identified referral form and housing choice assessment tool.  
2. Develop connections with and educate landlords within the ISC region so they   understand the goals of people with I/DD living in their own home with services and to encourage development of housing options in preferred geographical locations.
3. Educate and engage individuals with I/DD and their families about supportive housing opportunities and how to request supportive housing through the Discovery Plan process.
4. Collaborate with other agency staff on the Discovery Plan and related housing assessment to identify housing goals, support needed to maintain a lease, create a housing emergency plan, and identify technology or other modifications that would be needed in a housing unit.
5. Complete the Statewide Referral Network referral process. Keep the records updated including information about the assigned case manager providing for long-term support.
6. Learn the various housing access pathways in affordable housing, public housing, and private rental housing.

7. Identify other affordable rental housing opportunities that meet price ranges of prospective tenants.

 8. Coordinate and support individuals through the housing search, lease signing, and move in process in collaboration with the property managers, and designated ISC. 

   9.Educate clients about how to be a good tenant/neighbor and how to handle landlord tenant    issues and in interpreting their lease agreement and property rules and regulations

  10. Maintain client information & activity in the appropriate reporting program(s), as well as maintaining an ongoing and thorough tracking system of reporting concerning the status of all active cases.

11. Secure Housing Transition Funds and items needed at move-in, and complete monthly Housing Navigation Transition Fund Assessments

12. Communicate regularly with program staff, ICDD, DDD, TA provider, services provider, and attend all scheduled meetings.

13. Fulfill Housing Navigation Deliverables as assigned by the Housing Navigation Program Coordinator, through quarterly internal trainings of CAU staff, expanding knowledge regarding housing policy on an ongoing basis, completing landlord outreach, and developing relationships with housing associations and prospective housing partners with in the CAU service area, providing presentations at designated intervals.

14. Maintain a teamwork approach and coordinate services with other team members within and outside of the ISC.

15. Attend all scheduled staff meetings with CAU, ICDD, DDD, and Consultants

16. Positively communicate the organizational/department/program vision, strategic direction, and purpose internally and externally.

17. Maintain flexibility in scheduling to allow for housing tours, lease signing, furniture delivery, and other time sensitive housing related activities.   

18. Maintain ongoing access to reliable transportation

19. Maintain required annual QIDP Continuing Education Units

Work Environment:

Comply with agency and programmatic training requirements Visiting individuals and families may require stair climbing

Supplies for visits may require carrying up to 25 lbs, reaching and kneeling Office environment includes lifting, bending, stooping, sitting and standing.

Knowledge Of:

Principles and practices of social services programs, including Medicaid Waiver Programs and ISSA case management services

Computer software applications, proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook

Ability To:

Maintain the strictest professional confidentiality standards regarding client and organizational information

Work cooperatively with people of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, socioeconomic levels. Meet deadlines, prioritize, model excellent time management skills.

Remain calm and focused in stressful situations.

Serve as a strong advocate for individuals seeking housing.

Communicate clearly and effectively in writing and orally. Creatively and positively problem solve.

Work collaboratively in a complex organization structure.

 

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with affordable supportive housing options preferred.

One (1) or more years' experience in working with people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities preferred.

Education and Experience: Minimum Qualifications

Two (2) or more years' experience in human services delivery in a case management, care coordination, outreach, or similar capacity.

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field that aligns with Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) is required. QIDP eligible after one year of employment.

 

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