Case Manager Residential

Lawrence Hall Youth Services - Chicago, IL

Full-time

Chicago, IL

Social Assistance

About the position

The Case Manager reports directly to the Program Manager or Case Manager Supervisor and provides case management services to young people and their families within agency policies. This includes home visits and transportation of young people in agency or personal vehicles to court appearances, schools, and community resources. The role requires knowledge of trauma exposure, including the 5 S's of trauma: Safety, Self-Regulation/Soothing, Supportive, Strengths, Self-Care, and an understanding of the signs of traumatic stress. Effective verbal communication with employees, referring agencies, community resources, and young people/families is essential, along with the ability to provide ongoing required written documentation. The Case Manager must be able to effectively use both verbal and physical intervention skills with individuals aged six through twenty-one years. Physical intervention skills require the ability to kneel and return to standing without assistance. A flexible schedule is required as the Case Manager may have on-call responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Document all case management activity and use information in up-to-date case entry notes
• Write and submit timely reports for juvenile court and administrative case reviews
• Carry a selected load of young people and families as assigned
• Take leadership in the planning and evaluation of staffings/conferences
• Present intake material to employees and present to Intake Committee for final decision as applicable
• Provide data, information, and goals to the team and work with treatment, collateral staff, and families in coordinating efforts to reach goals
• Work closely with co-workers in meeting the needs of young people under care
• Determine visiting schedule for young people and keep informed about benefits and problems following visits
• Interpret agency's services to assigned young people
• Use strategies that support healing, recovery, and resist re-traumatization
• Engage caregivers, parents, family members, and others by sharing strengths and challenges experienced by program participants
• Attend agency and other professional seminars and conferences to increase professional knowledge and skills
• Act as a liaison to DCFS or other agencies, communicating goals and progress
• Determine with the team needs for community programs
• May provide counseling if appropriate
• Act as a liaison/facilitator in community, police, and neighborhood situations
• Locate and evaluate resources, facilitate referrals and supportive services
• Cover ACR/court and other duties during employee vacancies/absences
• Document contact with young people, family, court sessions for statistical purposes
• Use active and reflective listening skills and affirmations to demonstrate respect and empathy
• Maintain confidentiality of employees, volunteers, and program participants
• Attend at least two trainings related to being trauma informed in a twelve month period
• Work effectively with program participants and family members in a culturally diverse environment
• Participate in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement activities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in the Human Services field
• Must have the Child Welfare Employee Licensure at hire or attend the next scheduled Foundation Training Program for licensure
• Knowledge of childhood trauma and prior experience working in settings with youth and families that have been exposed to trauma or experiencing traumatic stress preferred
• Knowledge of youth development, adolescent issues, positive youth development/strength based approach preferred
• Personal vehicle or access to vehicle and proof of insurance
• Valid Illinois Driver's license
• No history of child abuse or neglect