Case Manager

Description

The Rapid Rehousing Case Manager is responsible for providing home-based case management services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness who are rehoused in apartments throughout a 12-county service area. The primary goal is to assist households in addressing barriers to maintaining permanent housing using a strengths-based, Housing First approach. Functions performed include housing location, goal planning, connection to community resources, home visits, rental payment monitoring, landlord engagement, and problem solving. The principal duties are performed both in a general office environment and in the field and community where participants reside.

This Housing Case Manager position is funded in whole through HUD MACH Rapid Re-Housing Project.

One80 Place ends and prevents homelessness throughout South Carolina with offices located in Charleston and Columbia. This position will be based in Columbia.

STATUS: Full-time, Regular / Exempt

Requirements

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS:

1. Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
2. Bachelor’s degree in Human Service field of study (social work, counseling, psychology or related field) preferred. Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of education.
3. Three to five years’ experience working with indigent and/or at-risk populations.
4. Proficiency in a variety of counseling techniques and social work practices. 
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
6. Excellent computer skills including basic office programs and the ability to learn and utilize the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database.  
7. Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team.
8. Ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Re-housing Activities

1. Identify, target and engage clients to begin discussions about permanent housing. 
2. Facilitate the housing planning process, by completing the housing barrier assessment, housing preference worksheet, and supporting client choice. 
3. Assist clients in obtaining necessary documentation for both housing and employment.
4. Assist clients in locating and securing housing of their choice.
5. Identify participant strengths and barriers to stability and assist participants to reducing barriers and linking to resources and services.

Case Management

1. Assist clients in developing a strength-based/solution-focused individualized housing stability plan that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop an effective, timely referral network in order to ensure ongoing direction and support as needed.
2. Meet with clients as often as appropriate, to assess needs specifically related to housing, noting other issues that could impede housing stabilization.
3. Assist clients in developing and following a personal budget, provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing.
4. Refer clients to community resources to gain support for goals and follow up to ensure referrals were completed. A referral may include providing or setting up transportation for a client to access the resource effectively. It may also mean accompanying them and/or setting up an advocate to attend a meeting with the participant. Resources may be external to the organization or internal through other programs.
5. Track and document client progress through timely data-entry in HMIS.
6. Hold clients accountable for achieving goals and objectives as identified on their housing stability plan.
7. Ensure that home visits are conducted at least monthly or more often, as appropriate.
8. Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards stable housing, including support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of clients in the community.
9. Provide information and referral assistance regarding available support from appropriate social service agencies and/or community programs.

Property Management

1. Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing.
2. Serve as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants as well as between participants and neighbors.
3. Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

1. Work in collaboration with other One80 Place staff to facilitate a team environment.
2. Participate in team discussions regarding client progress or lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for success. 
3. Actively participate in monthly staff and clinical team meetings and commits to group decisions.
4. Attend scheduled training programs for professional development.
5. Role model effective team behavior.
6. Demonstrate effective communication skills in building relationships with all One80 Place employees, volunteers, vendors, Board of Director’s and clients.
7. Report to work on time, well-groomed, appropriately dresses and ready to serve as a positive role model to all clients.
8. Substitute for other case management staff when the need arises.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

1. Maintain files on each client and document plans and progress to obtain and maintain housing in HMIS. 
2. Provide routine documentation of coordination and follow-up of all services. 
3. Document all financial assistance needs, including rental and utility assistance.
4. Collect all required data necessary for funding and statistical reports.

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

1. Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis situation.  
2. Requires reliable transportation.
3. Requires the ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals.  
4. Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range; ability to move between service locations; ability to lift 25 lbs.  
5. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, vicarious trauma, and irregular hours.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: Program Manager, Case Management and Rapid Re-Housing

Salary : $46,350 - $0