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Diversion Case Manager

La Casa Norte
2 hours ago
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
$41,212.04 - $44,302.94 USD yearly
Bachelor's
Title:                            Diversion Case Manager
Reports To:                 Mental Health Manager
Salary Range:             $41,212.04 - $44,302.94 annually
 
La Casa Norte’s mission is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities. La Casa Norte’s mission and philosophy of service is to impact the social issues of homelessness at the individual and community levels.
 
JOB SUMMARY
 
La Casa Norte is seeking a committed and compassionate Diversion Case Manager to support clients experiencing homelessness or housing instability. This full-time position plays a key role in providing housing-focused case management and diversion services. The role assists youth experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in maintaining or obtaining stable housing.
 
Summary of Responsibilities
Connect with clients referred from the Coordinated Entry system to assess their level of housing instability and their barriers to stable housing. Provide direct assistance through housing navigation, disbursement of homelessness diversion funds and other resources, and referrals to internal mental health services and/or external partners.
 
Housing Stability and Case Management
  • Provide intensive, client-centered case management rooted in Harm Reduction and Trauma-Informed Care.
  • Conduct intake assessments and pre-housing evaluations.
  • Support clients through housing navigation, lease-up, move-in processes as well as with housing retention.
  • Attend apartment viewings and other appointments with clients when needed.
  • Conduct home visits and community-based meetings with clients when needed.
  • Deliver life skills education on topics such as budgeting, conflict resolution, wellness, and tenant rights.
  • Facilitate access to medical, legal, mental health, and substance use services through internal and external referrals.
  • Mediate landlord-tenant issues and support long-term housing retention.
  • Provide coaching on tenancy expectations, budgeting, and independent living skills.
  • Assist clients in obtaining vital documents like ID, Social Security card, birth certificate, etc.
  • Administer financial assistance for rent, security deposits, and utilities when applicable.
Client Support
  • Use motivational interviewing, client centered care, and a strengths-based perspective to promote positive behavioral change.
  • Work collaboratively with clients to develop tailored service plans, outlining clear goals and tasks towards housing stability and financial self-sufficiency.
  • Provide counseling and mentorship.
  • Advocate for clients at landlord/tenant court and other legal settings when necessary.
  • Address systemic barriers to housing access.
  • Advocate for clients with public institutions (IDHS, Social Security, schools, etc.).
  • Connect clients to LCN programs and external services, including mental health, food, clothing, employment, education, and benefits.
  • Support income growth through employment services or benefits enrollment.
  • Educate clients on financial tools, credit repair, and responsible financial management.
Compliance, Reporting, & Organizational Participation
  • Maintain timely and accurate case notes and documentation using Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), ClientTrack, Caseworthy, and/or other databases.
  • Ensure paperwork is completed in an accurate, consistent, and timely manner.
  • Monitor client progress toward service plan goals and adjust as needed.
  • Participate in on-call rotation and provide crisis intervention as required.
  • Attend weekly staff meetings and other staff trainings.
  • Participate in La Casa Norte’s fundraising events as needed.
  • Assist with data collection and completion of program reports.
  • Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
 
Required:
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field or at least three (3) years of equivalent experience.
  • 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.
Preferred:
  • Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
  • Experience in supportive housing, housing navigation, emergency shelter, youth services, or reentry work.
  • Familiarity with CaseWorthy, HMIS, or other case management systems.
Core Competencies:
  • Commitment to housing justice and client empowerment.
  • Cultural competency and sensitivity.
  • Collaborative spirit and strong advocacy skills.
  • Adaptability in a dynamic service environment.
Working Conditions:
  • Office and field-based work in client homes and community settings.
  • Standard weekday hours with some evening and weekend shifts required.
  • Participation in on-call rotation for crisis response.
  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Compensation and Benefits Package Includes:
  • Paid Time Off: 14 vacation days per year
  • Personal Days: 7 personal days per year (carryover permitted with usage deadline)
  • Holidays: 10 paid holidays annually
  • Sick Leave: 6 sick days annually (with up to 20 hours carryover)
  • Health Insurance: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (HMO/PPO options)
  • Dental and Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage options
  • Retirement Savings: 403(b) plan
  • Life Insurance: $25,000 basic term life insurance (no cost)
  • Disability Insurance: Long-term disability coverage (no cost)
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options for healthcare, transit, and dependent care
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources for employees
  • Payroll: Direct deposit for convenience
Bargaining Unit Status:
  • This position is represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 39.
 
La Casa Norte is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, national origin, pregnancy or related conditions, or disability.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate effectively, sit for long periods of time, reach, move about the office, lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
La Casa Norte will consider requests or exceptions based on legally protected religious observances, as reasonable accommodations to an employee’s disability, or as otherwise required by law.