Decision Support Project Specialist jobs in Rock Island, IL

Do you have a passion for helping people experiencing homelessness or those at risk of being homeless? Project NOW's Homeless team is seeking a full-time PSH Caseworker starting immediately. This position is four 10-hour days, Monday through Thursday.

Project NOW has competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, life, and 401k. Our agency has 13 paid holidays, accrued vacation and sick time (from day one), as well as up to 40 hours of Paid Leave for All Workers. Join our Homeless team today!

The Permanent Supportive Housing Caseworker identifies and assesses the needs of individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Provide supportive services, information, and referrals to customers 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.

• Assist with the identification of individuals or families that are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless.
• Work with individuals and families in their home environment during home visits.
• Conduct assessments to determine the current level of need in various life skill areas or the need for additional specialized services.
• Provide information, and referrals, 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.
• Maintaining accurate date for program outcomes.
• 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 support families and individuals in their efforts to meet the expectations of other service providers – for example, DHS daycare forms and information for government assistance.
• Must be able to understand outcomes assessments and utilize outcomes information to inform service delivery.
• Attend related community meetings and workshops as needed.
• Will be required to drive.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of resources for people who experience homelessness.
• Must be detail-oriented with excellent communication skills.
• Must have experience with public speaking.
• Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, 10-key and other office equipment.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies and procedures, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, customers, and the general public.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree (A. A.) or technical training preferred.
• Six months to one year related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS and WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to talk or hear, and frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit in situations where it relates to dealing with people. The employee is occasionally required to enter the home of housing program participants which may provide challenges such as poor housekeeping and other obstacles. Climbing stairs and lifting up to 25 lbs. is required. The noise level in the primary work environment is usually quiet as associated with the 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• No weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License & Vehicle Insurance (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Rock Island, IL 61201 (Required)

Work Location: In person