Family Housing Case Manager

Job Title Family Housing Case Manager Reports to Family Housing Coordinator Program Area Adult Support Services (ASN) FLSA Code Full time, Exempt Hours 40-hour flexible workweek, occasional evenings and weekends Location The Residences, 3340 W. Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60624 Position Summary The Family Housing Case Manager serves as the primary Life Coach and Partnership Lead for families participating in Breakthrough’s 24‑month Family Housing Program. The role builds a consistent, trust‑based relationship with lease‑holding families and guides them through a structured journey toward long‑term housing stability, financial independence, and family well‑being. Operating within a trauma‑responsive, strengths‑based environment, the Life Coach partners with families, supporting them in meeting lease obligations and program requirements formalized through lease and participation agreements. The role integrates coaching, accountability, and coordination to help families move through the program’s three phases—Stabilization, Growth & Skill‑Building, and Transition—while increasing ownership, decision‑making capacity, and independence. Essential Responsibilities / Functions Relational Coaching & Partnership Serve as the primary relationship holder for assigned families, building trust through consistency, empathy, and clear expectations Facilitate weekly or bi‑weekly coaching sessions focused on goal‑setting, progress reflection, and problem‑solving Establish and maintain a shared understanding of roles, expectations, and responsibilities in alignment with lease and program agreements Use a trauma‑responsive approach that honors family dignity while maintaining clear accountability Family Success Planning & Goal Advancement Lead the development and ongoing refinement of individualized Family Success Plans aligned with program outcome domains (housing stability, income, financial health, family well‑being, and community connection) Track and celebrate progress while addressing barriers with structured problem‑solving Lease‑Linked Accountability & Housing Stability Reinforce the connection between lease compliance and program participation, including rent contributions, unit care, and community standards Support families in understanding and fulfilling tenant responsibilities, including budgeting for rent (30% of income), maintaining utilities, and preparing for independent leasing Phase‑Based Coaching & Progression Tailor coaching approach and expectations based on the program’s three phases: Stabilization (0–6 months) Growth & Skill‑Building (6–18 months) Transition & Launch (18–24 months) Coordinate Wraparound Supports Act as a connector and advocate across systems, coordinating with: Employment and workforce partners Schools and childcare providers Behavioral health and wellness services Financial coaching resources Ensure services are aligned with family goals rather than duplicative or compliance‑driven Financial & Economic Mobility Coaching Support families in: Budget creation and financial tracking Income growth planning (employment or education pathways) Building savings for transition to independent housing Reinforce financial behaviors required for long‑term housing sustainability Progress Monitoring & Documentation Maintain accurate and timely documentation of coaching sessions, goals, and outcomes in Salesforce Track participation in required program elements tied to housing agreements Use data to inform coaching strategies, identify risks, and measure progress toward independence Provide crisis response & stability support Participate in team meetings, case consultations, and ongoing training Uphold program philosophy, relational standards, and trauma‑responsive practices Collaborate with Housing Coordinator, Program Assistants, and leadership to ensure seamless service delivery Other Duties Performs other duties as assigned. Core Competencies Trauma‑informed and family‑centered care Advocacy and problem‑solving Collaboration and teamwork Professional judgment and ethical practice Demonstrated Values Independently follows agency policy and procedures Follows through with commitments including meeting established timelines Identifies and resolves difficult issues Projects a professional image to all internal and external customers ensuring proper grooming Promotes customer care through all actions and behaviors Works effectively with diverse staff, communities, and population served Maintains a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations A passion for the mission of Breakthrough Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related field Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in housing case management, family services, or a related human services field Knowledge of housing systems, public benefits, and community resources Experience working with families experiencing homelessness, poverty, or trauma Strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritize effectively Culturally responsive and strengths‑based approach to service delivery Awareness of trauma reactions Strong computer skills and a working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Drive Strong knowledge of program outcomes and deliverables Must maintain a valid driver’s license along with daily access to a vehicle and acceptable driving record Preferred Qualifications Bilingual (Spanish/English or other relevant language) Experience with Salesforce, Google Docs or similar case management systems Familiarity with local housing programs and Continuum of Care systems Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge in mental health and substance abuse Ability to demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, professionalism, and problem‑solving ability Must have the ability to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment in making decisions Ability to demonstrate initiative, follow through, and be comfortable working in a changing environment Demonstrates willingness to consistently improve work performance through relationships and guidance Must possess an accurate and informed understanding of cultural and urban realities, especially as related to youth, families, poverty, and community development Supervision Directions received from the Family Housing Coordinator This position has no direct reports Physical Requirements & Working Conditions Work Environment: The employee will work in a multi‑purpose facility and/or outdoors, and may be exposed to weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderate but can be high depending on facility activities. Community outreach and home visits are part of the role. Physical Demands: The employee frequently walks, sits, uses hands and fingers, reaches, balances, stoops, speaks, and hears. Must be able to bend, stoop, pull, lift, and have overhead extension of arms. Standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 pounds are required. Proper handling and lifting techniques must be adhered to. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equipment Used General office equipment including telephone, computer, calculator, copier, overhead projector, shredder, cutter, and filing systems. Safety Requirements Prior to the first day of work, a criminal background and sex offender clearance must be completed. Benefits Medical – Group medical benefits through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HMO). Employee may select plan; no cost for employee-only coverage. Cost per pay period for family coverage. Dental – Group dental benefits through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HMO). Employee paid benefit. Vision – Group vision benefits through UnitedHealthcare. Employee paid benefit. Life – Term life insurance through UnitedHealthcare for the employee’s family; fully paid by the organization. Short and long‑term disability – Covered by UnitedHealthcare; fully paid by the organization. 401(k) Plan – Tax‑deferred annuity; organization matches 50% of contributions up to 3% of base salary. Section 125 Plan (FSA) – Allow contributions toward premiums for medical, out‑of‑pocket medical, dependent care, and transit and parking on a pre‑tax basis. Vacation Days – Accrue at 6.67–13.33 days per month based on tenure. Personal Days – Up to 3 per year, pro‑rated in year one. Sick Days – Up to 10 per year, pro‑rated in year one. Compensation The salary range is $50,000–$55,000 annually, determined by skills, experience, education, and internal equity. Equal Opportunity Statement Breakthrough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or any other non‑merit factors. If a reasonable accommodation is needed for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact HR at View email address on click.appcast.io. The decision to grant reasonable accommodation will be on a case‑by‑case basis. #J-18808-Ljbffr Breakthrough