Youth Services Worker

SUMMARY: Provides supportive services, information, and referrals to clients exiting an Illinois Department of Corrections facility with the ultimate goal of assisting them to secure and maintain decent, safe, and affordable housing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct assessments to determine the current level of need in various life skill areas or the need for additional specialized services.
• Provide information, referral and collaborate with service providers to address barriers to securing and maintaining housing.
• Develop a basic understanding of Homeless Services including the Continuum of Care, State, Federal and funding requirements.
• Develop an understanding of shelter systems, mental health systems, and other service provider systems and their referral processes.
• Network with other service providers within the Community and Continuum of Care.
• Maintain and form trusting relationships with individuals and families to help them acquire and maintain housing.
• To assist the individuals and families in identifying options and alternatives, setting goals, and becoming self-sufficient.
• Maintain accurate, complete, and organized records and reports for statistical data collection.
• Must be able to develop and implement individualized, strengths-based service plans and progress reports.
• Must be able to understand outcomes assessments and utilize outcomes information to inform service delivery.
• Attend related community meetings and workshops as needed.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of an organization.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Must have valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and reliable transportation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: High School Diploma of GED required or equivalent combination of education and experience. Individual with lived experience is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet as associated with an office environment.

Project NOW is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We celebrate the unique differences of our employees because that is what drives our mission. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, pregnancy, parental status, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities.

Positions within Project NOW are primarily grant-funded and funding decreases can affect our staffing needs.