Emergency Services Intern (Unpaid)

Description

General Responsibilities

1. Operates as a member of the North Area Community Services Team providing intake, screening, assessment, case planning, and case management to individuals and families requesting emergency services, homeless prevention, and after care service.
2. Attend staff meetings and participate in general maintenance of facility.
3. Work cooperatively with the Emergency Services and Hope House Supervisor, Assistant Director of Community Services, Community Services Director, Hope House Shelter staff, and other appropriate persons to insure that the needs of persons requesting homeless prevention and emergency services are addressed with dignity and respect.
4. Other duties as assigned within the guidelines of this position.

Essential Functions

1. Completes an initial intake within 48-72 hours of receiving a call for services and provides a needs assessment of potential program participants requesting Homeless Prevention and Emergency Services.
2. Makes appropriate referrals and recommendations for callers who decline services or do not meet the established program criteria.
3. Interviews potential program participants for Homeless Prevention and Emergency Services to assess specific needs and develop an individualized service plan to address the needs identified.
4. Coordinates and monitors the steps identified in client service plans for addressing client needs by providing case planning, short-term case management, advocacy and linkage to other community resources to individuals and families in crisis situations.
5. Respond to “walk-ins” and callers in crisis with an awareness of agencies in DuPage County for homeless or at risk callers within DuPage County and the general metropolitan area.
6. Maintains case files that include all essential case file components as required by the agency’s PQI process.
7. Completes necessary forms and records for services provided or referrals made to assist all callers not assigned counseling appointments or in-office visits.
8. Assess client eligibility for rental/utility assistance, transportation, food, medication, childcare assistance, and other social service benefits such as all eligible mainstream benefits; consulting with the Emergency Services and Hope House Shelter Supervisor, and Director of Community Services as needed. (Assistance with completion of necessary paperwork may be needed.)
9. Provides immediate intervention to help clients in need meet their basic needs including food, clothing, infant supplies, household necessities, transportation, eligible mainstream benefits, utilities, and available financial assistance for which they are eligible to help them acquire and keep affordable housing.
10. Understands and adheres to the criteria stipulated by funders for distribution of grant funds to those requesting homeless prevention and emergency services.
11. Insures that all client files and Service Point data entry is up to date and available for review during and upon completion of services rendered.
12. Accepts and provides referrals in a timely manner to help families and individuals at risk of homelessness meet their basic needs and avoid homelessness.
13. Instills a sense of hope in individuals and families served, conveying the belief that change is possible and that they can gain control over their circumstances.
14. Empowers individuals/families to achieve their goals, direct their own lives, and become less dependent on others to meet their basic needs.

Requirements

1.  A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. Must be working toward obtaining a degree in a program with preferences in the areas of social work, health, social sciences, emergency services, or related field. All degrees must come from a regionally accredited educational institution which has U.S. Department of Education approval.
2. Demonstrated capacity to work with individuals/families in crisis situations.
3. Demonstrated capacity to work with persons from diverse social backgrounds.
4. Demonstrated capacity to conduct professional client intake and needs assessment.
5. Demonstrated ability to accurately enter client information and data into an established client information management system database.
6. Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, and Teams.
7. Strong verbal and written communications skills. Must be fluent in English.
8. Passage of complete background clearance, Tuberculosis (TB) Test, and any other required testing or clearances.
9. A valid driver’s license, reliable means of transportation and proof of liability insurance is required.