Case Manager Supportive Housing

CORNERSTONES INC•Reston, VA

2d•$52,000 - $56,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Supportive Housing Case Manager provides case management and housing stabilization services to individuals and families exiting emergency shelter into permanent housing owned by Cornerstones Housing Corporation (CHC). The Case Manager provides critical linkages to and coordination of services on behalf of people who require assistance to maintain permanent housing. Focusing on the 5 primary outcome areas: 1) transitioning to permanent housing after experiencing homelessness, 2) community connectedness and integrated care management, 3) increase in income and savings, 4) reduction in debt / improvement in credit score, 5) reducing recidivism and returns to homelessness, the case manager works collaboratively with the household to increase their self-sufficiency. Case management services include, but are not limited to: assessment of social, health, emotional, and economic needs of clients, development and monitoring of individualized plans to support maintaining housing, collaboration and coordination with community and partner organizations, referrals for service, assistance with searching for and obtaining employment, providing consultation and training, crisis intervention, group facilitation, home visits and tracking and documenting case information in case files and in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS.) The Case Manager works closely with CHC staff to ensure that rental payments are made on time and rental units are clean and safe. The Case Manager must possess a patient, trauma-informed approach to service delivery using an equity lens. The Case Manager ensures that supportive housing services are equitable and delivered with integrity in accordance with the Agency Mission, Vision, and Values. A candidate that is bilingual in English/Spanish is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable human services field or commensurate experience plus two years of professional social work/case management experience with supportive housing, homeless and/or at-risk populations.
Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” and “Rapid Re-Housing” philosophy and strategies.
Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families including people with mental health and/or substance abuse disabilities is required.
Extensive knowledge of current homelessness strategies and priorities [Trauma-Informed Care, Housing First, Equity] essential.
Knowledge of current social service, homeless, and housing issues and methods/approaches to address issues.
Knowledge and understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
Knowledge of the principals and practices of case management.
Knowledge of regulations and guidelines relating to the assigned area of social service provision.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to use HMIS to establish and maintain case records and to facilitate data collection.
Ability to schedule and manage workload sufficiently to meet deadlines.
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.
Candidate must be able to lift items weighing 10-20 pounds.
Candidate must possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and good driving record.
Candidate must be able to drive 15-passenger van.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred. MSW plus two years post-Master’s degree a plus.
Bi-lingual in English/Spanish preferred.
Bi-lingual in English/Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

Works with the program participants to prepare, implement and monitor individual plans and budgets that, at a minimum, address the core outcome areas to support maintaining housing. Plans must include goals and specific action steps needed to meet those goals.
Assesses participant eligibility and need for benefits and services and makes appropriate referrals, including requests for financial and / or housing assistance, and connection with county and mainstream benefits.
Maintains case and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) files that meet agency and contractual standards. Case and HMIS files must include information that is current up to the previous 31 days (intake information is required to be completed within 7 business days.)
Conducts comprehensive in-depth assessments utilizing uniform intake/assessment tools developed by the Fairfax County Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) as well as assessment and action planning tools developed for Cornerstones Integrated Care Management (ICM) services.
Creates and maintains consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors, and creditors).
Serves as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants as well as between participants and neighbors.
Recertifies eligibility for programs as indicated by specific program guidelines.
Conducts home visits and housing inspections.
Works closely with Cornerstones Housing Corporation staff and property managers to ensure that rental payments are made on time and rental units are clean and safe.
Works closely with the Child Services Specialist to ensure that the children’s service needs are being met.
Participates in multi-disciplinary meetings, case staffings, as well as community-wide trainings and meetings.
Provides intern / volunteer supervision (as appropriate.)
Advocates for and actively assists families and individuals in obtaining services (e.g. behavioral health, intellectual disability, financial assistance, employment and training, medical services, mentoring and socialization, home based services, housing referrals).
Uses automated technology including HMIS and hard copy files to maintain, update, and report on case data, goal attainment, and outcomes in a timely manner.
Addresses and if necessary, diffuses crisis situations with program participants.
Promotes safety in the home and assists program participants with accessing emergency services as needed (e.g., behavioral health services, child protective services, adult protective services, women’s shelter, homeless shelter).
Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.