Counselor Case Manager, Homeless Outreach & Prevention Services

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a leading not-for-profit organization providing healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities. For over 150 years, LSSI has made a difference in the lives of children and families, and continues that commitment across the State of Illinois.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Counselor Case Manager for the Homeless Outreach & Prevention Services program. The role is responsible for providing outreach, engagement, and case management services to unhoused individuals in the Portage Park and surrounding neighborhoods to promote greater access to housing, increased community functioning, and independence, and to decrease crisis episodes, hospital admissions, and police encounters related to unhoused status. Unhoused individuals may also experience mental health or substance use concerns.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and engagement services to unhoused individuals or those at risk of becoming homeless, with serious mental illness and co-occurring substance use disorders.
• Provide and coordinate a continuum of housing location, case management, and treatment services.
• Carry a caseload of clients providing supportive counseling and concrete services assigned by supervisor; collaborate with other internal programs (including Elgin and Kenmore Recovery Programs) and external programs and treatment providers.
• Ensure all documentation, including Treatment Plans and IM+CANS, is complete in a timely manner and meets Rule 140/132 and/or MCO requirements.
• Responsible for transportation of clients and for conducting community visits.
• Ensure documentation and productivity standards are met, including meeting productivity standards (10+ billable hours per week).
• Adhere to ethical standards of treatment according to NASW Code of Ethics.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations and/or individuals in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s or master’s degree preferred.
• Biohazard training required.
• Proficient in the use of electronic health care record documentation and review required.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience providing outreach and engagement services to unhoused individuals preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of experience working with mental health and/or substance use population preferred.
• Familiarity with accreditation and licensure standards preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and written.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) along with other related software.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury, and property damage required.

Benefits

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through Dayforce Wallet app.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for Full-Time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• Paid training to learn, grow, and succeed.

Pay

$22–$24 per hour.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday.