Outreach Case Manager

Overview: Family Promise of Essex County seeks a motivated, compassionate, and organized case management professional to fill the role of Outreach Case Manager for the Document Access and Support for Housing (DASH) Program. The Outreach Case Manager is responsible for conducting outreach to individuals who are referred to FPE by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) as DCA administered Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) lottery selectees. The Outreach Case Manager will assist HCV lottery selectees in obtaining required documentation and in completing the HCV application process. The Outreach Case Manager will report to the DASH Program Manager. This is a non-exempt position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conducting Outreach

· Engage with selected households who are currently homeless and may be found living in public places or in local shelters.

· Engage in outreach to connect with selected households who may be living on the streets or other public spaces, at local shelters, or soup kitchens. Connect with other service providers to identify and reach out to selected individuals that are ready to move from the pre-application to the application phase of the HCV process.

2. Case Management

· Help individuals identify and obtain any necessary documents that may include birth certificates, social security cards, etc.

- Conduct initial assessment using DCA HCV document checklist to identify documents needed for each individual.

- Develop an individualized plan for each client that outlines the steps needed to obtain necessary documentation.

- Provide support and guidance throughout the document acquisition process, including assistance with completing forms and making necessary appointments.

- Offer translations services or other accommodations for individuals who have limited English proficiency or other disabilities.

· Provide transportation and/or financial assistance service to help individuals travel to necessary appointments or agencies to obtain documents.

- Coordinate carpools or ride shares or partner with local transportation companies to facilitate rides.

- Offering bus passes or other transportation vouchers to help clients travel to appointments and agencies.

- Organize transportation vouchers or passes for individuals if other options are not available.

- Coordinate with services providers or government agencies to waive or reduce fees for documentation needed.

· Provide financial assistance to help individuals pay for necessary fees, such as those associated with obtaining a birth certificate or identification card.

- Provide small grants to help clients cover the cost of necessary fees.

- Coordinate with other service providers to offer reduced-cost or government agencies to waive or reduce feeds for clients, where the client is eligible for a fee waiver.

3. Coordination with DCA and Field Offices

· Assist selected households with completing applications and submitting them to DCA Field Office.

· Collaborate with DCA Field Office caseworkers assigned to clients for status updates.

· Weekly case collaboration with clients and the Office of Homeless Prevention (OHP).

4. General

· Ensure that case management notes and services are delivered in keeping with NASW Standards for Case Management and its Code of Ethics.

· Cultivate and develop relationships and partnerships that will assist families including networking with landlords and employer partners.

· Ensure that all required documentation is maintained in accordance with accepted standards and in compliance with government and foundation grants. This includes regularly updating case notes/files and statistical information necessary for reporting levels of service and outcomes.

· Attend and contribute to specific weekly updates to staff meetings.

· Attend appropriate government and community meetings.

Education, Experience and Skills

The successful candidate is enthusiastic and can display good judgment, take initiative, communicate clearly and professionally, demonstrate respect and collaboration, and work independently as well as with a team.

• Minimum Education Requirements: Bachelor Degree in Human Services preferred or a minimum of two year degree in Human related services and two years related experience.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation and writing skills.
• Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet demanding workload.
• Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
• Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rigs and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
• Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports to federal, state, and local government agencies and funding sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies and landlords.
• Fluency in English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is an added asset, but not required.
• Valid driver’s license and car.
• Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.
• The ability to work collaboratively with other personnel and/or service providers or professionals.
• The capacity to maintain a role to empower clients and to intervene appropriately to meet service goals.
• Knowledge and comfort with basic computer programs, including Microsoft Office.

Salary: $52,250

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

All applicants for employment shall be considered without regard to race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,250.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person