Housing Case Manager

The Housing Case Manager will share time between PA Thrive offices located in Clarion and Erie. The new Housing Case Manager will have the discretion to locate their home office at either the PennWest Clarion campus or our office located in Erie, PA.As a Housing Case Manager, you will be responsible for providing comprehensive case management services to individuals and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness through our Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)/Tenant-based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program. Your primary goal will be to assist clients in securing and maintaining stable housing by coordinating supportive services, advocating on their behalf, and promoting self-sufficiency. This role requires a compassionate and dedicated individual who can navigate complex social service systems and build positive relationships with clients and community resources to include Public Housing, Section 8, other subsidized housing opportunities and landlords.Key Responsibilities:Liaison between client and clients’ Medical Case Managers.Receives all ongoing rental assistance referrals from Medical Case Manager.Completes the Housing Referral Process with Medical Case Managers and clients.Ensures clients have applied for Section 8 housing and/or Public Housing.Tracks status of client applications with the Housing Authority.Communicates with the Patient Care Department the outcome of the Housing Assessment.Conducts assessments of clients’ housing needs and financial capabilities.Develops individualized Housing Plans along with clients, focusing on short-term and long-term goals.Completes TBRA Applications for each client considered for TBRA.Secure all paperwork to include household income, household members information, releases of information, budgets, rent verifications and leases.Assists clients, prior to entering TBRA, with accessing appropriate housing resources or other forms of housing to include emergency shelters and transitional housing.Provides ongoing support and advocacy to clients throughout the housing search and application process.Completes training for housing inspections.Performs housing inspections.Communicates with landlords or property managers regarding any repairs needed to rental units.Coordinates with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities to secure safe and affordable housing options.Troubleshoots housing issues/concerns.Monitors clients’ progress and adjust housing stability plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.Communicates with landlords or property managers ongoing with any rental unit issues or client issues.Keeps track of lease expiration dates, dates for annual inspections, other paperwork expiration dates (Release of Information, Housing Plans, Budgets, Rent Conformed Consent Form, etc.)Meets with clients annually or when needed to go over TBRA Informed Consent.Follows-up with MCM every 3-6 months regarding clients enrolled in the RW Housing Program for consideration for the TBRA program.Assists clients in transiting into Section 8 or other subsidized housing.Maintains a list of landlords, subsidized/alternative housing throughout our region.Protects client confidentiality, in accordance with PA Act 148 at all times.Understands and demonstrates capability of working with a diverse segment of the population.Communicates changes in clients’ rent amount to payees the clients may be working with to assist in paying their bills.Maintains accurate and up-to-date client records, case notes, and documentation in compliance with agency policies and procedures.Completes initial and annual Grant packets for TBRA clients.Participates in regular staff meetings, HOPWA and HUD trainings, Regional Housing Advisory Board (RHAB) and Continuum of Care (COC) meetings, and professional development trainings.