Housing Case Manager

Full-time position starting at $ $29.17/hour (D.O.E) with COMPETITIVE BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Generous PTO, paid sick time, 15 days of paid vacations, 13 days of paid holidays, plus a personal holiday
• CCS/CHS 403(b) Employee Saving Plan
• Employee assistance program
• Lots of room for advancement

Program Description

The Inn Shelter Program provides 24/7 enhanced shelter and related services for adults experiencing homelessness. Referrals to the program come from King County Coordinated Entry. Participants are typically people who been identified as high needs adults who are eligible for supportive permanent housing. Many clients have chronic and acute mental illness, active addiction issues, and/or trauma. This is a low-barrier, harm reduction program. Case Managers are responsible for providing direct service to the participants by identifying barriers to them reaching the goal of quickly into permanent housing, and working with the participant to overcome those barriers. Case Managers will foster a team environment among shelter staff and volunteers.

Position Description

The Case Manager provides engagement and support services to people who may use illicit substances, have significant mental or physical health issues, or are part of other stigmatized populations by using a positive, harm reduction approach. The emphasis is on meeting individuals "where they are at" and providing non-judgmental, non-coercive services and resources to individuals. The Case Manager will work directly with participants to ensure their personal choices don't interfere with obtaining stabilized permanent housing, and to develop individualized goals for enrichment, stability, wellness and recovery as applicable. Case Managers will work closely with the Coordinated Entry program and will refer and advocate for participants to obtain appropriate resources and permanent supportive housing.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with clients, involving direct engagement daily to develop housing goals and action plans with them. identify specific barriers that clients are facing to move into appropriate housing.
• Build rapport, provide support and advocate for a diverse range of clients including individuals who are actively using substances and/or are living with significant mental/physical health challenges using harm reduction approaches when applicable.
• Participate in verbal de-escalation and physical interventions in emergent situations and be willing and able to assist other staff as needed to maintain a safe and secure environment. Mediate disputes between clients.
• Assist clients in mitigating behaviors that could adversely affect their ability to continue in the program.
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation needed for housing and when deemed appropriate by Supervisor, accompany clients to outside appointments.
• Advocate for and assist clients to ensure that the type of supportive housing they get connected to will meet the specific needs of the participants.
• Meet with clients on an ongoing basis to ensure that they are making progress on their housing goals.
• Develop relationships with landlords for the purpose of placing clients.
• Provide clients with referrals to other community resources to resolve barriers to housing, and develop and maintain cooperative relationships with current programs providing services for people who are experiencing homelessness, and have significant mental health, physical health or addiction issues.
• Assist clients in moving into their new housing units as needed.
• Support clients in maintaining housing through outside follow up services.
• Maintain client records and case notes, and input data on clients into HMIS.
• Attend staff meetings, workshops, retreats, community meetings and in-service training as provided.
• Maintain accurate record of hours worked and turn in timesheets on schedule.
• Contribute to and support a positive, team-oriented work environment; participate with other staff members in group decision-making process.
• Other Duties as assigned.

Job Conditions

This position requires the employee to work in an environment where there may be exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other potentially infectious material. Other exposures could include cleaning supplies, chemicals involved in pest control, paint and other materials used in building maintenance. Working conditions may include interruptions, working alone, interactions with angry persons, and exposure to computer CRTs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, social services or related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for part of the educational requirement.
• One to two years' experience performing work related to housing and/or employment assistance.
• Must be able to attend weekly staff meeting.
• Understanding of problems homeless men and women often face, including alcohol and drug abuse, mental illness, trauma, domestic violence, and long-term homelessness.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in multi-cultural situations.
• Excellent office computer skills, written and oral communication.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a staff team.
• Must be a self-starter.
• Support and uphold the mission, beliefs and values of Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services.
• Willingness to learn and work within a diverse environment.
• Criminal history background checks are required prior to employment.
• Commitment to harm reduction program model.
• Applicant must successfully pass required background clearances prior to an offer of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of the local subsidized housing and low-rent private housing market.
• Experience with chronically homeless adults.
• Proficiency in a secondary language.
• CPR / First Aid training.

Note to Internal Candidates: HR reviews internal compensation and determines any increase based on their experience and also agency internal equity factors.

Catholic Community Services and Catholic Housing Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Please let us know if you need special accommodations to apply or interview for this position.