Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager

Full TimeProfessional

Headquarters - Walter Reed, WASHINGTON, DC, US

HOUSING UP is one of the leading non-profit organizations in Washington DC providing the full spectrum of housing and supportive services to more than 600 homeless and at-risk families so that they can transform their own lives. Housing programs include permanent supportive, rapid rehousing, transitional, and affordable rental housing. Supportive services include case management, employment services, clinical services, housing counseling, resident services, life skills and youth programming.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager Supervisor, the Permanent Supportive Housing Case Manager is responsible for implementing a strong, intensive site-based case management component for chronically homeless families focused on moving people out of homelessness quickly as well as preventing homelessness recidivism. The primary goal is to assist families in achieving increased stability and self-sufficiency using a strengths-based, Housing First approach. Functions performed include assisting with housing clients, family goal planning, and connecting clients to community resources, home visits, rental payment monitoring, community buildings, and problem solving with other Case Managers. Work is accomplished by advising and motivating program participants to accomplish goals in their Family Goal Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

•    Provides intensive case management in strong coordination with Core Service Agencies and in alignment with the Housing First, voluntary services model
•    Develops and updates Family Goal Plans with program participants using a family case management approach, assisting them to set and prioritize short and long-range goals
•    Completes monthly home visits to support families in performing the tasks required to maintain housing stability, including on-time payment of rent and household maintenance
•    Conducts regular family assessments with a standardized tool used by HOUSING UP
•    Works with family to problem-solve issues around lease and/or program rules with in-house property management company
•    Provides referrals as needed to HOUSING UP supportive services (Clinical and Housing Services and works collaboratively as a team to advance the goals of the client
•    Maintains effective working relationships with other agencies to which (and from which) participants may be referred, regularly contributing to the resource directory/database
•    Attends trainings regularly as required by contract
•    Maintains current records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and paper case files, documenting interactions with families in standardized format used by HOUSING UP
•    Captures daily and monthly statistics and other required reports as directed
•    Participates in HOUSING UP special events, helping to share information about HOUSING UP and working, as needed, to ensure event success
•    Attends staff meetings and other meetings as required by supervisor
•    Other duties as required

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

•    Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

APPLICABLE EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND SKILLS

•    Two years of experience in the social/human services field is preferred
•    Experience working with families, homelessness, mental health, and/or substance abuse that reflects an understanding of the causes of homelessness is strongly preferred
•    Working knowledge of the strengths-based, client-centered approach
•    Demonstrated cultural competence
•    Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
•    Excellent listening and problem-solving
•    Strong oral and written communication skills
•    Knowledge of community resources available to families
•    Strong organizational skills
•    Ability to be flexible, adapt and adjust to rapid change within a fast paced and growth-oriented environment
•    High confidence level in working independently
•    Possess and maintain a positive, solution-oriented approach

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL EFFORT

•    Must be willing to travel to different locations throughout Washington DC and perform home visits in any neighborhood
•    Requires ability to sit up to 3-6 hours per day with intermittent occasional walking and standing
•    Housing Up office hours are 9am-5pm, but case managers are expected to adjust their schedules to accommodate family case management and perform visits on evenings and weekends as needed
•    Must be available to participate in after hours on-call rotation, as well as be on call during inclement weather

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

•    Knowledge of MS Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
•    Valid driver’s license and vehicle is required, as well as proof of auto insurance
•    May require some weekend and evening hours
•    Requires comfort level in providing programming in a site-based building where HOUSING UP is the landlord and residents hold individual leases

SALARY AND BENEFITS

$45,000-$50,000 annual salary depending on experience.
Housing Up offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, a retirement plan, paid vacation, sick leave, and commuter benefits.