DV Case Manager

This position is located in Evanston, Illinois.

The Domestic Violence Case Manager plays a key role in delivering specialized case management services to clients in YWCA Evanston/North Shore's domestic violence programs, with a special focus on serving the immigrant community. This position assesses participants' needs, particularly immigrant survivors; develops and maintains accurate resource lists; provides resources and helps participants navigate institutional systems; and advocates for participants' needs with the program and community resource partners. This position will also engage with the community to maintain current information and trends, advocate for survivors' interests, and build connections with relevant community stakeholders.

The position implements program strategies aligned with department goals, manages daily activities, and solicits and offers input on, and contributes recommendations for, agency policies, department priorities, and procedures. This position helps create a warm, welcoming space for survivors and their children and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, trauma-informed services for clients of YWCA Evanston/North Shore.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management Services (65%)

• As part of a team of wrap-around support, collaborates with domestic violence counselors and/or third-party service providers (with proper releases signed) in the assessment and delivery of comprehensive case management needs of program participants to deepen support and impact.
• Fosters supportive, trauma-informed relationships with participants to support the implementation of client-centered service plans resulting in appropriate resource referrals.
• Meets regularly with participants, accompanies participants to appointments and assists them in navigating systems, completing applications and documentation for entry into different programs, and tracks referral utilization and outcomes.
• Domestic Violence Assessor for Northern Cook County to screen those who identify as domestic violence survivors by using standardized assessments and entering data in HMIS in accordance with policies and procedures set forth by the Alliance to End Homelessness in Suburban Cook County, and assists in securing eligibility verifications within the timeframe established by the Coordinated Entry Process.
• Advocates with referred service providers, including but not limited to housing programs, private landlords, employers, job readiness programs, medical service providers, and legal aid agencies, on behalf of clients in the program.
• Administers an evaluation process to the clients.
• Attends and contributes to weekly case review and meets with counselors regularly to coordinate and support effective case management.
• Regularly updates and expands service referral directory.
• Facilitates informational groups for immigrant survivors of domestic violence.

Community Outreach & Education (20%)

• Attends all required Coordinated Entry committee meetings and trainings, participates in the Coordinated Entry Domestic Violence Workgroup, and collaborates with other partners in the Continuum of Care to ensure best practices and current knowledge of housing trends.
• Develops and maintains relationships with area service providers including but not limited to housing programs, private landlords, employers, job readiness programs, medical service providers, and legal aid agencies, to support client-identified goals.
• Identifies, cultivates, and maintains strategic community partnerships, including but not limited to nonprofits, government entities, faith institutions, and local coalitions, that can contribute to and enrich services and advocate within those organizations for the benefit of our clients.
• Attends regular stakeholder meetings to stay informed of community resources and advocate for the interests of survivors of domestic violence.
• Supports organizational outreach by attending key events, tabling, and sharing information about the YWCA.
• Collaborates with the domestic violence team on expanding services and increasing engagement with the immigrant community by developing and implementing outreach and education plans and creating program materials and curricula.
• Coordinates educational workshops for domestic violence survivors on issues related to case management needs, including but not limited to housing, employment, job readiness, and legal remedies.
• Participates as a trainer in delivering domestic violence training, including but not limited to the state-required 40-hour domestic violence training program and other community-based training on domestic violence.

Record Keeping and Documentation (10%)

• Maintains accurate records in HMIS as well as YWCA case management system including the timely completion and submission of all necessary reporting documentation, including written narratives on all interactions with clients.
• Oversees completion of intake and ongoing paperwork for assigned clients.
• Submits monthly activity reports in a timely fashion.
• Reports on goals and objectives identified in government grants and foundations as appropriate.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES (5%)

• As available, provides coverage for the 24-hour crisis line and staffs the office of Mary Lou’s Place, carrying out all operations in accordance with protocol.
• Provides and attends staff training and participates in agency committees.
• Pursues professional development.
• Understands and adheres to all of YWCA Evanston/North Shore procedures and policies as well as YWCA Employee Handbook.
• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

This position requires the ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

The above list reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.