Case Worker PADS Lake County - 3.4 Waukegan, IL Job Details Full-time $23.66 an hour 12 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Qualifications Teamwork Interpersonal skills HIPAA High school diploma or GED Driver's License Bachelor's degree Clinical confidentiality policies Time management Full Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

 : Case Worker Under the supervision of the Shelter Manager, the Case Worker acts as a primary support system for PADS clients, facilitating their transition from homelessness to stability. This role combines direct client care, case management, and shelter operations to support the organization's philosophies of Harm Reduction, Housing First, and Client-Centered Treatment. The Case Worker is responsible for cultivating a safe community environment, ensuring the physical security of the facility, and proactively engaging clients to develop life skills and achieve housing goals. This position requires a professional who can balance compassionate support with the enforcement of agency boundaries and rules.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1.

Case Management & Client Advocacy Case Planning:

 Work within the PADS system to assist clients in reaching housing and stability goals; support clients in employment searches, childcare acquisition, and life skills development.

Housing Transition:

 Take ownership of client progress by providing regular updates on housing plans and assisting physically and logistically with the transition from shelter to permanent housing.

Community Engagement:

 Cultivate community within the shelter by facilitating weekly group community meetings and participating in weekly client case reviews.

Direct Care:

 Provide equitable, trauma-informed care; identify and respond to client needs while maintaining strict confidentiality and professional boundaries. 2.

Shelter Operations, Safety & Security Security Protocols:

 Ensure the physical safety of the facility by conducting regular building walk-throughs and room checks to ensure the building is secure at all times.

Behavioral Management:

 Monitor client behavior; provide feedback and consequences as necessary. Utilize de-escalation techniques to manage conflict, disruptive behavior, or crises calmly and effectively.

Environment:

 Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized environment. Enforce cleanliness rules and assist with maintenance tasks including laundry, sanitization, and organizing supplies as needed.

Health & Safety:

 Monitor adherence to safety protocols (including infection control); distribute food and PPE to clients as required. 3.

Administrative & Interagency Collaboration Documentation:

 Generate daily reports, submit follow-up documentation to management regarding client issues, and complete accurate, timely data entry into the HMIS/Service Point database.

Coordination:

 Coordinate with partner services, volunteers, and outside agencies to ensure seamless service delivery. Serve as the on-site liaison for hotel staff when working at off-site locations.

Professional Development:

 Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and seminars to maintain knowledge of social work best practices. 4.

General Transportation:

 Provide safe transportation for clients using agency vehicles as necessary.

Mission Alignment:

 Demonstrate a passion for the PADS mission and integrate organizational values into daily job performance.

Other Duties:

 Perform other duties as assigned to support the program and clients.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience Minimum:

 High School Diploma or G.E.D.

Preferred:

 1+ years of experience in human services, social work, or a related field. Experience working with homeless or vulnerable populations is highly preferred.

Subject Matter Knowledge:

 Strong understanding of mental health, substance use, and social work principles is highly desired.

Certifications and Licenses Driver's License:

 Valid Illinois driver's license with a clean driving record is required.

Background Check:

 Must pass applicable background checks.

Key Competencies Crisis Intervention:

 Proven ability to de-escalate high-stress situations and resolve conflict professionally.

Technical Proficiency:

 Ability to use HMIS/Service Point, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook), and standard office equipment.

Communication:

 Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate effectively with diverse staff and clients while displaying care and empathy.

Autonomy:

 Self-starter with strong time management skills; able to prioritize multiple tasks in a demanding environment. Professional Standards Must adhere to professional standards as outlined by the National Association of Social Workers, HIPAA, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, and other relevant governing bodies.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Schedule:

 Full-time. Shift is either first (7a - 3p) or second (3p - 11p). Schedule includes either one Saturday, one Sunday, or both depending on shift assignment. Flexibility for late evenings/weekends is required.

Mobility:

 Regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, and perform building rounds.

Lifting:

 Must be able to lift and move supplies (up to 25-30 lbs) and assist with light maintenance/cleaning.

Environment:

 Work is performed in a shelter environment which may include exposure to high noise levels and interaction with clients experiencing mental health, substance, or behavioral crises.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT PADS

Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$23.66 per hour

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

Social Work:

2 years (Preferred) Shift availability: Night Shift (Preferred) Overnight Shift (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Waukegan, IL 60087 (Required)

Work Location:

In person