Program Manager, Housing And Case Management

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About us

PRISM is a community supported social service organization providing dignity-centered resources for food, housing, and other basic needs. We were founded by community members concerned about their neighbors' basic needs and challenges. PRISM blends talent, passion, and abilities into opportunities that improve the lives of everyone as we build a resilient community, reflecting the spirit of the northwest suburbs.
Our vision is to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community.

PRISM strives to incorporate the core values of collaboration, innovation, dignity, and accountability into all aspects of our organization. Our programming helps low-income and basic wage-earning families meet their essential needs of food, housing, and clothing. The Marketplace Food Shelf, Housing Programs, Shop for Change Thrift Shop and Children’s Programs operate in a professional and dignified manner, allowing program participants the opportunity to choose the products and resources that are most helpful for their situations. At PRISM, we understand equity and inclusion as actions, and strive to make services not only accessible, but welcoming with a clear understanding of how we operate.

We are currently hiring a Program Manager, Housing and Case Management. This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position.

Position Overview

The Program Manager will lead a team of 4-7 who deliver general Case Management and housing services to low-income community members. This leader is responsible for developing the team and creating a culture of collaboration and excellence in service delivery. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in the nonprofit sector and the ability to comfortably serve in multiple capacities throughout the workday. The Program Manager will deliver direct services to community members alongside their staff, role-modeling a professional and person-centered approach.

Job Responsibilities

· Oversee and participate in the intake, assessment, and referral processes for participants accessing services at PRISM.

· Conduct assessments of participant needs and identify information, resources, and referrals to help overcome barriers.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date records and documentation in accordance with agency standards and confidentiality guidelines.

· Supervise administration of the rental assistance program, including eligibility determination, application processing, and coordination with landlords and agencies.

· Manage funding sources for rental assistance ensuring documentation and grant compliance.

· Support the operations of the food shelf by leading the check-in desk, greeting participants, verifying eligibility, and help distribute of food and other essential items.

· Be accessible, adaptable, and able to problem solve and respond to staff needs as they arise.

· Provide assertive, kind, and timely communication and feedback with team members and colleagues.

· Provide consistent, structured, and supportive supervision to staff in both a 1:1 and group format.

· Ensure staff are supported, educated, challenged, and active in maintaining a healthy culture of positivity, teamwork, and resilience.

· Support staff to ensure professional development goals are attained.

· Connect team members with professional development opportunities.

· Evaluate program effectiveness and appropriately modify procedures so that services are relevant, efficient, and sustainable.

· Provide training and troubleshooting for the participant database (ClientTrack) with the contracted administrator.

· Ensure accurate and complete participant data is managed through our database and other systems.

· Pull data, reports, and requested information from participant database to monitor quality, meet requirements, and inform program development decisions.

· Work with other PRISM leaders and staff so that services and operations best meet the variety of needs presented by program participants.

· Develop and maintain a network of other providers and basic needs programs to support systemic and operational excellence, consistency, and knowledge.

· Collaborate with advancement and finance teams to create funding proposals, meet compliance and reporting requirements, and maintain relationships with funders.

· Ensure timely and quality implementation of new initiatives, grants, or pilot programs.

· Actively participate in the budget creation process.

· Careful monitoring of program budgets and resource allocation with the finance team.

· Ensure administrative requirements, including paper and electronic files are accurate, organized, properly stored, and accessible for internal or external audits.

· Attend meetings with funders, contract administrators, and others as needed.

· Actively integrate volunteer knowledge and skills to meet programmatic and organizational goals.

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• High School Diploma and 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience

· Experience providing high-quality supervision to paid and unpaid staff.

· Strong understanding of poverty, systemic inequities, and strategies to empower people who have been marginalized or oppressed.

· Ability to work in a busy environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.

· Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines.

· Ability to make complex decisions and communicate across differences in a timely manner.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Licensed social worker or formally trained professional

· Experience delivering or supervising Case Management, or similar direct service program.

· Housing program or system experience such as subsidies, financial assistance, advocacy, etc.

· Bi-Lingual or Multi-lingual

· Training or experience in trauma-informed practice

· Knowledge and connections with immigrant and refugee population

· Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)

· Commitment to the mission and values of PRISM, including a dedication to social justice, equity and empowering individuals and families in need.

· A good sense of humor!

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing and walking throughout the day.
• Sitting for long periods of time.
• Keyboarding and using a computer.
• Occasionally help in other departments for a short duration, which may include duties such as helping unload donations from a van, moving boxes, pushing carts, etc.

PRISM IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER​