Case Manager, Level 1 (Housing Search)

City Of Cambridge Massachusetts•Cambridge, MA

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Search Case Manager provides intake, assessment, service planning, and ongoing case management to individuals and families with complex needs. The role offers individualized housing-search and case-management support to people experiencing homelessness or housing instability, families with young children, elderly or disabled residents, immigrants and non-English-speaking community members, and individuals involved with the justice system. The Case Manager connects clients with appropriate resources, develops individualized service plans, and collaborates with community partners to promote client stability and well-being. The position reports to the Housing Services Center Director. Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment, with frequent interaction with clients, staff, community partners, shelter providers, landlords, and service agencies. The role may involve walk-ins, urgent client needs, case conferences, meetings, community appointments, home visits, and travel throughout Cambridge. The position may be required to respond to or support off-hour emergency situations. Regular use of computers, telephones, printers, case-management systems, and other office equipment is expected. Physical activities include frequent communication and close visual attention to records and documents, as well as occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying materials weighing at least 10 pounds. The position works under the general direction of the Housing Services Center Director and exercises independent judgment within established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed through regular supervision, case conferences, case record audits, quality of case-management services, and compliance with program requirements. There are no formal supervisory responsibilities, though the Case Manager may provide functional guidance and task direction to interns or volunteers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, public health, or a closely related human-services field.
Three years of experience in human services, case management, social services, direct service, or a closely related field.
Knowledge of human-services systems, community resources, and public-benefits programs relevant to the assigned population.
Knowledge of trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strength-based case-management principles and practices.
Knowledge of Cambridge and regional community resources, partner agencies, and service networks.
Skill in needs assessment, individualized service planning, and setting measurable client goals.
Skill in crisis intervention, de-escalation, and supporting clients in complex or challenging situations.
Skill in building trusting, respectful relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Skill in data entry, case-management documentation, and maintaining accurate records in program databases.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and willingness to learn program-specific case-management systems.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including explaining complex information clearly and adapting communication to diverse audiences.
Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize work, meet documentation and reporting deadlines, and maintain organizational systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary, fast-paced, multi-program environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and ethical practice in complex, sensitive, or urgent client situations.
Ability to interact effectively and sensitively across cultural, racial, age, language, socioeconomic, and other differences.
Ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, and backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience providing housing search and navigation.
Master’s degree in a relevant field.
Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations in a municipal, nonprofit, or community-based setting.
Experience serving individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in culturally and linguistically diverse communities and settings, with a demonstrated commitment to addressing social inequities.
Certifications in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, mental health first aid, or related areas.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Conduct intake, screening, and needs assessments; gather background information, assess concerns and eligibility, and enroll clients in appropriate programs and tracking systems.
Develop and implement individualized service plans with clients, including goals, strategies, timelines, and measurable outcomes tailored to client needs and program requirements.
Connect clients to community resources and services through referrals, warm handoffs, and coordination with partner agencies across social service, healthcare, legal, housing, employment, education, and financial assistance systems.
Assist clients with accessing and applying for public benefits, financial assistance, and other supports, such as SNAP, MassHealth, Social Security, rental and fuel assistance, utility programs, and housing vouchers.
Conduct outreach, including home and community-site visits and attendance at community events, partner meetings, and collaborative forums.
Provide ongoing case management and follow-up; monitor progress, address barriers, adjust service plans, and coordinate multi-agency support for clients with complex needs.
Maintain accurate and timely client records, case notes, service plans, and program documentation; collect, track, and report client and program data.
Work with community partners, service providers, and stakeholders on behalf of clients; participate in case conferences, multidisciplinary team meetings, advisory groups, and interagency collaborations.
Participate in team meetings, staff training, professional development, and special projects; contribute to continuous improvement of program services and practices.
Provide functional guidance or task-level support to interns, volunteers, or AmeriCorps members as assigned.
Perform related duties as required.