success stories
As a housing participant who recently enrolled in our job training program, Reginald was facing many obstacles to graduating. Up against a grueling winter and long commute, part of what helped him stay determined was being able to count on at least one nutritious meal each day at Inspiration Cafe. Particularly grateful for the bagged lunches provided by our volunteers, he recalls their importance in helping him get through the week, giving him the energy to focus on his goals. Click here to read more about Reginald.
Case Manager
OVERVIEW
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and housing. Since 1989, Inspiration Corporation has assisted thousands of individuals and families affected by homelessness, extreme poverty and recent incarceration each year - serving as a catalyst for self-reliance.
Inspiration Corporation programs are voluntary, and all service needs and goals are participant- driven. Our case management philosophy is strengths-based and trauma-informed. Inspiration Corporation practices harm reduction and focuses on reducing or minimizing the harm associated with high-risk behavior through motivational interviewing.
At Inspiration Corporation, employees live this mission by demonstrating the following core values. Inspiration Corporation believes that these core values are what make the organization one of Chicago’s leading facilitators of personal transformation, and a great place to work:
- Communicate honestly
- Act with compassion
- Pursue growth and learning
- Be humble
- Take care of ourselves so we can help others
- Work greater together
- Create a fun and productive environment
Position Summary
Inspiration Corporation's Housing Services program provides over 250 formerly homeless individuals with the housing and services they need to get off the streets and live independently. Our dedicated Case Managers/Housing Retention Specialists work with participants of our program to assess potential barriers to maintaining stable housing and to assist participants with achieving goals.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific job responsibilities include:
- Demonstrate Inspiration Corporation’s core values.
- Visit participants in their apartments, located throughout the City of Chicago.
- Advocate on client’s behalf, as needed, with property managers, landlords and service providers to ensure connection to services.
- Create goal-based action plans with participants and revise them with participants when necessary.
- Address any chronic issues, such as substance use or mental illness, which might compromise achievement of goals and cause relapse into homelessness.
- Educate participants about community resources and help participants access those resources when applicable. Assist participants with navigation of the health care system & substance abuse services, educate participants on financial literacy & budgeting, and transition participants to employment & training programs.
- Maintain case notes on participants' progress.
- Complete Housing Wellness Surveys annually with participants.
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of the housing program.
- Contribute to appropriate data collection and reporting as required by funders & government entities.
Education, Experience & Skills
Personal vehicle and valid driver’s license required. Bachelors in Social Work or related field preferred. Two years’ work experience in a non-profit setting and/or significant life experience. Candidates who have worked with homeless or impoverished populations preferred for position. Proficiency in Windows XP and Microsoft Office.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee must at times lift and/or move up to 10-20 pounds.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Main office location: 4554 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640. Visits participants in their apartments, located throughout the City of Chicago. Maintains standard office hours. Attends evening, weekend, and early morning meetings and functions as required.
TO APPLY:
Email resume & cover letter to: resumes@inspirationcorp.org. Please include “Case Manager, Housing Services" in the subject line of your email.
Inspiration Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.
Posted on 2/06/20
4554 N. Broadway, Suite 207, Chicago, IL 60640 | P (773) 878-0981 contact us > 
In an atmosphere of dignity and respect, Inspiration Corporation helps people who are affected by homelessness and poverty to improve their lives and increase self-sufficiency through the provision of social services, employment training and placement, and housing.