Drop-In Specialist Part-Time

Reports to : Casa Corazon Program Supervisor

Find out exactly what skills, experience, and qualifications you will need to succeed in this role before applying below.

La Casa Norte’s is to serve youth and families confronting homelessness. We provide access to stable housing and deliver comprehensive services that act as a catalyst to transform lives and communities.

La Casa Norte’s mission and philosophy of service is to impact the social issues of homelessness at the individual and community levels.

Casa Corazón is aimed at transforming the lives of homeless and at risk youth, ages 16 24, by providing them with the stability, support, and guidance they need in order to become thriving members of society.

Program participants will receive street outreach and access to a variety of services including a drop-in center with youth programming and meals, basic needs such as transportation and toiletries, and case management services focusing on a holistic, strength based approach, with a focus on housing stability and educational, job readiness and placement.

This position may require travel between Northside and Southside programs of Casa Corazon located in the Logan Square and Back of the Yards community.

This is a part time position; candidates must have availability Monday Friday between 12pm 9pm.

Expected Goals and Objectives

Goal One : To provide comprehensive advocacy and drop in services to homeless youth ages 16 24

• Maintain professional relationships with all staff and clients.
• Support coverage and coordinate activities as necessary during drop-in hours.
• Provide life skills training, counseling, support, and guidance to youth as they work to overcome barriers to housing, employment and education.
• Take advantage of key teachable moments to help youth develop skills in decision making, conflict resolution, time management, etc.
• Provide crisis intervention services to Casa Corazon youth as necessary.
• Accurately track and document all services provided utilizing internal database.
• Plan a monthly schedule for events, activities, and food menu.
• Deliver twice weekly psychoeducational programming to youth during drop in hours.
• Collaborate with other internal programs to provide assistance to youth.

Goal Two : Provide outreach services to homeless youth ages 16 24

• Conduct targeted and organized outreach to youth-serving entities, such as schools, park districts, and community-based organizations, and law enforcement agencies, in order to recruit youth who can benefit from our services.
• Conduct street outreach to locations where youth experiencing homelessness congregate, both formally and informally.
• Deliver presentations about the services of Casa Corazon to both small and large groups of people in an engaging and informative manner.
• Maintain an organized, outcomes based accounting of outreach efforts and contacts with homeless youth and necessary follow up.

Goal Three : To work in a team approach to maintain a positive and safe milieu at Casa Corazon

• Observe environment to ensure safety of youth and staff by responding to emergencies, building repairs, safety hazards, crisis and incidents.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for staff and youth through shared responsibilities of cleaning.
• Maintain ongoing dialogue with staff around areas of youth successes and challenges.
• Follow up with any incident in a timely manner utilizing a strength-based approach.

Goal Four : Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain organization and inventory of all toiletries, food, bus cards, and other essential items.
• Teach and implement the declaration of non violence at Casa Corazon.
• Intermittently gather and complete data entry for various grant reports and development purposes.
• Work in conjunction with Program Coordinator to meet program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated desire and ability to work with homeless, at risk, and adjudicated populations, providing appropriate support, motivation, and compassion in accordance with La Casa Norte’s mission and philosophy of service.
• Ideal candidate will have at least 1 year experience working with at risk, homeless and / or adjudicated youth.
• Knowledge regarding the social, economic, and cultural patterns of Latino and African American populations.
• Willingness to work in a diverse environment in regards to race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, and gender.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed and have impeccable attendance.

La Casa Norte is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, national origin, or disability.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, lift and / or move up to 25 pounds.

Please send resume, cover letter and salary history to the following :

Email : [email protected] or Fax : 773 342 4253

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