Description

This Housing Case Manager is assigned to both Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) and Permanent Supportive Housing Programs (PSH) and will work closely with coordinated entry, community partners, shelter, and outreach staff in moving homeless individuals and families into permanent housing as well as provide case management support and rental assistance. The primary goal is to assist vulnerable households in addressing the barriers to maintaining permanent housing using a strengths-based, Housing First approach. Functions performed include housing location, housing stability 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 position is funded by One80 Place’s Permanent Supportive Housing and Rapid Re-Housing grants.

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

STATUS: Full-time, Regular/Exempt

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) required. 

3. 2-3 years of human services experience working with clients who have a physical or mental health disability.

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 HMIS database. 

7. Ability to work independently and as part of a fast-paced team.

8. Ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals.

9. Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload.

10. Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.

11. Valid driver’s license and use of reliable transportation for home inspections and visits.

12. Sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of population served.

13. A commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems.

14. The ability to establish and set appropriate limits.

15. Must be able to work a flexible schedule.

16. Willing to travel throughout the 7 county Lowcountry Continuum of Care service area.

Re-housing Activities

1. Identify, target, and engage clients begin discussions about permanent housing. 

2. Facilitate the housing planning process, by completing the housing barrier assessment, housing preference worksheet.

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. 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.

3. Meet with clients as often as appropriate, to assess needs specifically related to housing, noting other issues that could impede housing stabilization.

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 (SOAR, PATH, Legal).

5. Track and document client progress through timely date-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 and more often, as appropriate.

8. Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes 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 about their rights and responsibilities.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

1. Works in collaboration with shelter and housing program staff to facilitate a team environment.

2. Participates in team discussions regarding guest progress or lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for success. 

3. Actively participates in monthly staff and clinical team meetings and commits to group decisions.

4. Attends scheduled training programs for professional development.

5. Role models effective team behavior.

6. Substitutes for other case management staff when the need arises.

Recordkeeping and Reporting:

1. Maintain files on each guest and document their plans and progress to obtain and maintain housing in HMIS. 

2. Provide routine documentation of eligibility, coordination and follow-up of all services. 

3. Document all financial assistance needs, including rental and utility assistance.

4. Collects all required data necessary for funding and statistical reports.

5. Maintains Outlook calendar for the work week to reflect daily activities. 

PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND SENSORY DEMANDS:

1. Requires sound mental reasoning, sound judgment, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a crisis. 

2. Requires the ability to relate effectively to diverse individuals. 

3. Requires corrective vision and hearing to normal range; ability to move between service locations; ability to lift 25 lbs. 

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: PSH Program Manager