Counselor Case Manager, Homeless Outreach & Prevention Services

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 we're still a strong, viable presence in the State of Illinois, continuing that commitment to making a difference.

LSSI is hiring a full-time Counselor Case Manager for the Homeless Outreach & Prevention Services program, Monday through Friday.

Responsible for providing outreach, engagement, and case management services to unhoused individuals in the Portage Park and surrounding neighborhoods in order to promote greater access to housing, increased community functioning, and independence, and to decrease crisis episodes, hospital admissions, and police encounters that may be related to an unhoused status. Unhoused individuals may also experience mental health or substance use concerns.

Benefits and Perks

LSSI is growing! Come be a part of this rewarding environment, and enjoy the knowledge that you’re helping make a positive difference in the lives of others, as well as these career advantages:

• On Demand Flexible Paydays for earned wages through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based upon relevant education, experience, and licensure.
• Salary $22-$24/Hourly.
• 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.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!

Essential Functions

Provide outreach and engagement services to unhoused individuals or 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 and collaborate with other internal, including Elgin and Kenmore Recovery Programs, and external programs and treatment providers in order to provide these services.

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 as well as meet 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 individual in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Position 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, pregnancy, any other characteristic protected by law.