Housing Case Manager

Position Title: Housing Case Manager

Reports To: Case Management Coordinator

Position Classification: Hourly/Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $20.01 to $25.06 (FY25 - Tier 2, Wage Scale)

BENEFITS:

ABOUT GROUNDWORKS COLLABORATIVE

Established in 2015, following the merger of the Brattleboro Area Drop-In Center and Morningside Shelter, Groundworks is a dynamic organization committed to providing food, shelter and supportive services with dignity throughout the greater-Brattleboro area. Groundworks' mission is to work with individuals and systems to create solutions for ending hunger and homelessness for all people in our region. We envision a community in which all members have their basic needs met, including food security and a safe and dignified place to call home. We view poverty, housing and food insecurity to be byproducts of societal conditions, generational discrimination, and public policy, rather than the result of individual choices. Therefore, Groundworks fosters a culture of nonjudgement and compassion for the people we serve.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Permanent Supportive Housing Assistance (PSHA) Case Manager is responsible for delivering evidence-based pre-tenancy and tenancy sustaining services to help Vermonters with complex health and social needs successfully transition into and maintain residency in housing. Using Housing First principles, harm reduction, and trauma-informed approaches, the Case Manager provides comprehensive pre-tenancy support, tenancy sustaining services, and coordinates community transition services to ensure clients can successfully access and maintain stable housing.

PROGRAM & POSITION SPECIFIC SUMMARY

Job Title: PSHA Case Manager

Work Site: 60 South Main St & In Community/Home-based (Windham County, Primarily Brattleboro)

Average Caseload: 15 households

RESPONSIBILITIES

ENGAGE AND SUPPORT CLIENTS (75%)

ENGAGE CLIENTS

Build Client Rapport

• Utilize assertive engagement to build trusting client relationships and provide service from a client centered, harm reduction, and strengths-based approach in order to meet individualized client needs.
• Schedule and maintain a minimum of two contacts per month with clients and provide clients with compassionate, nonjudgmental, person-centered and responsive services.
• Maintain client confidentiality within Groundworks Collaborative’s guidelines.

DELIVER PRE-TENANCY SUPPORT SERVICES

• Conduct standardized housing assessments to identify client housing needs, preferences and barriers
• Develop individualized Housing Search Plans addressing barriers and needs
• Support clients in housing search activities, including completing applications and viewing units.
• Identify and secure available resources to assist with subsidizing rent
• Assist with documentation gathering and benefits advocacy
• Help secure resources for move-in costs and coordinate transition logistics
• Provide education on tenant rights and responsibilities

PROVIDE TENANCY SUSTAINING SERVICES

• Work with clients to develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords and property managers
• Provide ongoing support with lease compliance and household management
• Assist in establishing and maintaining connections with community resources that can address core issues that may impact the ability to remain housed
• Coach clients on independent living skills including budgeting, housekeeping, and tenant responsibilities
• Monitor for early signs of housing instability and implement prevention strategies
• Assist in resolving landlord/neighbor disputes to prevent eviction
• Support housing recertification processes
• Coordinate with service providers to address client needs

BUILD COLLABORATIVE RELATIONSHIPS AND RESOURCES (7%)

• Maintain robust knowledge of community resources and housing options
• Build effective working relationships with landlords and service providers
• Participate in the local Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry System
• Coordinate and work collaboratively and flexibly with the Conflict-Free Case Management team
• Share information and resources related to client needs with colleagues to enable optimal client support

MANAGE CASE FILES AND DATA (5%)

• Document all services and activities in required systems
• Maintain complete and current case files including assessments, plans and progress notes
• Enter required data into HMIS system
• Complete required program reporting
• Follow critical incident policies and procedures

PROMOTE TEAMWORK AND EXCELLENCE (13%)

• Practice curiosity and openness to diverse backgrounds and experiences
• Build skills in anti-racist and anti-oppression frameworks
• Demonstrate personal accountability and initiative in problem-solving
• Participate in required supervision and training
• Support team goals and collaborative problem-solving
• Contribute to agency-wide learning and coordination

COMPETENCIES

1. Mission Commitment and Housing First Expertise:

- Passion for ending homelessness through housing-based solutions

- Deep understanding of Housing First principles and permanent supportive housing models

- Knowledge of systemic barriers and housing resources

2. Client-Centered Care:

- Embraces harm reduction and trauma-informed approaches

- Exhibits empathy while maintaining appropriate boundaries

- Balances individual client needs with program requirements

3. Housing Stability Focus:

- Strong knowledge of landlord-tenant relationships and fair housing

- Skilled at housing search, placement and retention strategies

- Understanding of subsidized housing programs and processes

4. Service Coordination:

- Ability to effectively coordinate multiple services and resources

- Strong assessment and planning skills

- Experience working with vulnerable populations

5. Professional Practice:

- Excellent documentation and organizational abilities

- Strong written and verbal communication skills

- Ability to work independently and as part of a team

- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.01 - $25.06 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Brattleboro, VT 05301 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $25