SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address:

"I appreciate the governor's calls for bipartisanship, but he's spent the past three years pitting Chicago against the rest of the state, dividing instead of uniting. Rauner's actions over the past three years have led to chaos for our human service agencies, uncertainty in our schools and disproportionately hurt low-income families and people of color. It's time for the governor to stop placing blame on others and finally be the leader Illinois needs. It's time for him to stop campaigning and start governing."

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The Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Apprentice & Training Program is accepting applications for future General Construction Pre-Apprenticeship training classes.

Each candidate must present the following requirements at the Apprentice Program Office, 1256 Estes Ave, Elk Grove Village, between the hours of 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, no later than Thursday, February 22, 2018:

1. Letter of recommendation on a local union letterhead, signed by an officer
2. Must be at least 17 years old (driver's license or state identification card required)
3. Copy of either high school diploma, high school transcripts (must have official school seal - 8 credits minimum), or G.E.D. certificate
4. Copy of social security card or a receipt showing duplicate card has been applied for
5. Veterans - Form DD214 copy
6. A $25 non-refundable application processing fee (money orders and cashiers checks only - no cash)

All six above-listed requirements must be submitted at the time of filing.

Further details will be mailed to each applicant regarding the required pre-test session and aptitude test dates.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible low-income households pay for home energy services (primarily heating during winter months). Energy costs can place severe and continuing stress on a family’s budget. In some instances, households are forced to make painful decisions regarding which bills to pay and which necessities to survive without. Illinois residents with a household income that does not exceed an amount determined annually by the Department of Commerce are eligible. Annual eligibility levels are determined based on available funding and may not exceed 150% of the federal nonfarm poverty level.

The Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) is available for LIHEAP eligible households who are customers of one of the following utilities: Ameren Illinois, ComEd, Nicor Gas and Peoples Gas/North Shore Gas. Under PIPP, eligible households pay a percentage of their income; receive a monthly benefit towards their utility bill and, arrearage reductions for every on-time payment they make, if applicable.

There are five community action agencies in the 5th Senate District where individuals can apply for LIHEAP:

Operation Brotherhood - (708) 383-8060 - 3812 W. Ogden Ave.

North Lawndale Employment Network - (773) 265-7940 - 906 S. Homan Suite 800

Marillac Social Center - (773) 584-3244 - 212 S. Francisco Ave.

CRDDC (Chetwyn Rodgers Drive Development Center) - (773) 261-6098 - 25 N. Cicero Ave.

Universal Prayer Tower - (773) 378-3464 - 4540 W. Washington Blvd.

For more information, click here.

Position Title: Case Manager

Report To: Executive Director
We are looking for an resourceful intelligent and resilient Social Worker to act as an advocate and help people foster their capacities and coping mechanisms in order to improve and better their daily lives and experiences.
Basic Functions: Under general supervision, performs routine duties:
• Respond to inquiries from the Community Outreach Specialists, Grandparent Advocate, Helpline, Department of Children & Family Services(DCFS) and our Village Partners.
• Documentation of staff services, requests and complaints requiring the development of specific service plans.
• Assist in gathering, reviewing and analyzing case specific data that affects DCFS.
• Assist in assessing related needs and problems of families and work with the External Affairs Department to determine the type of intervention needed to address case issues.
• Work with the courts.

Responsibilities: Plan with to implement support packages and help clients deal with difficulties.
• Interview clients and assess their current conditions both strengths and weakness.
• Promote and train community residents and DCFS clients on the impact of program initiatives, policies & procedures and develop linkages to resources.
• Assist in ensuring that timely and appropriate follow up occurs regarding presenting case problems and issues. Address each case as a unit and set tailored measurable goals.
• Maintain files of case inquiry regarding service delivery and assistance provided.
• Monitor and evaluate clients progress and modify treatment plans accordingly.
• Attend Meetings in which community residents relate unfulfilled social service needs and develop documentation that will help Sankofa Safe Child Initiative make decisions regarding best practice outcome-based follow up.
• Maintain accurate records and report on Clients Status.
• Attend Case conference and provide evidence in court.
• Refer Clients to community services to help them.

Qualifications:
• BS, MSW, MA or related degree and 1-2 years of experience in social service or community development.
• Meaningful work experience that contributes to the development of the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
A. Ability to work with staff/ team work
B. Ability to communicate ideas in written and oral form
C. Ability to work collaboratively with community residents and establish and maintain rapport.
D. Social perceptiveness and empathy.
E. Ability to build and maintain professional helping relationships.
F. Ability to relate and communicate with diverse population and groups.
G. Resilience along with ability to assess situation.
H. Willing to submit to back ground check.
I. Willing to train and be trained.
J. This is a drug free environment