DV Case Manager

Description

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.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. 

Experience and/or Training:

• At least 1 year of experience in a social service setting working directly with clients.   
• Experience working with survivors of trauma from immigrant communities.   

Language: Proficiency in Spanish

Licenses/Certificates:

• Valid driver’s license 
• Successful completion of the Illinois 40-Hour Domestic Violence Certificate within 90 days of hire  
• Successful completion of all required HMIS/CE Trainings within 90 days of hire date.   
• First Aid/CPR within 6 months of employment   

Technology/Equipment: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Counseling, Social Work, or other related fields   

Experience and/or Training:

• At least 3 years’ experience providing case management services including needs assessment, developing service plans, providing and tracking referrals, assisting participants in accessing services as needed, and keeping required documentation. 
• At least 3 years’ experience working with domestic violence survivors from immigrant communities.
• At least 1 year of experience navigating HMIS/Coordinate Entry systems  
• Experience actively cultivating partner relationships that expand access to supportive services for participants. 
• Experience engaging in outreach, public education, and awareness efforts around domestic violence. 

Language: Fluent in Spanish  

Licenses/Certificates:

•  40-Hour Illinois Domestic Violence Training
•  ICDVP Certification

Technology/Equipment:

•  Intermediate proficiency with virtual services technology  
• Intermediate proficiency with online case management systems 

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

• Intermittent nights and/or weekends required for events or meetings. 
• Intermittent local and intermittent statewide travel required. 
• Tolerance of prolonged and continuous stationary periods at a desk/computer 
• May occasionally reach and push, pull, lift and/or move up to 10 pounds with accommodation. 
• Must be able to move about the facility. 
• Must be able to travel to and move about offsite locations. 
• Must be able to operate controls for computers and other equipment. 

The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Employee may be required to share office space.
• Employee may be required to work from home.
• Employee will frequently have meetings or work in other buildings.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

*Salary: $19.97 - $22.19 / hour. A starting hourly rate above $19.97 is based on experience and education that significantly exceed the minimum requirements and is commensurate with the compensation scale.