Case Manager - Supportive Services for Veteran Families

Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri•Cape Girardeau, MO

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Community Partnership of Southeast Missouri (CPSEMO) is seeking compassionate, motivated, and housing-focused professionals to join our team as SSVF Case Managers. The SSVF Case Manager provides intensive, individualized case management to Veterans and their families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This position will support approximately Veterans annually across CPSEMO's 14-county rural service area, helping participants quickly identify solutions to housing instability and achieve safe, stable, and sustainable housing. The Case Manager is responsible for conducting participant intake and eligibility determination, implementing Rapid Resolution strategies when appropriate, developing individualized housing stabilization plans, conducting housing searches, engaging landlords, coordinating supportive services, and assisting participants with accessing financial, health care, employment, legal, and other community resources. The Case Manager will utilize Housing First, Rapid Resolution, and Progressive Engagement approaches to provide flexible, participant-centered services while maintaining compliance with 38 CFR Part 62, VA SSVF guidance, and applicable program requirements. Because CPSEMO serves a large rural geographic area, services will be provided through a combination of mobile case management, in-person outreach, office appointments, telephone communication, and coordinated engagement with community and VA systems.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, or other significant barriers to self-sufficiency.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to establish trusting and professional relationships with Veterans and their families.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely documentation.
Reliable transportation and ability to travel throughout CPSEMO's 14-county service area.
Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, human services, psychology, sociology, counseling, public administration, or a related field.
Experience working with Veterans or military-connected families.
Previous experience with VA SSVF or other VA-funded programs.
Experience in homeless services, case management, housing navigation, rapid rehousing, homelessness prevention, or supportive services.
Knowledge of Housing First, Rapid Resolution, and Progressive Engagement practices.
Experience with HMIS and Coordinated Entry.
Experience working with landlords and housing providers.
Knowledge of VA benefits and community resources.
Experience coordinating legal aid or other supportive services.

Responsibilities

Conduct initial participant intake and assessment.
Determine eligibility for SSVF services in accordance with applicable VA requirements and program policies.
Collect and maintain required eligibility and verification documentation.
Identify immediate housing needs, barriers, strengths, and available resources.
Determine whether Rapid Resolution or other problem-solving/diversion strategies may resolve the household's housing crisis prior to enrollment when appropriate.
Utilize the VA-approved Homeless Prevention Screening Tool for participants who may qualify under Category 1 prevention eligibility.
Support program enrollment practices consistent with applicable SSVF requirements, including maintaining the required proportion of Category 2 (literally homeless) households.
Utilize Rapid Resolution principles to identify immediate, practical solutions to housing crises.
Engage participants in identifying existing resources, relationships, and potential alternatives to homelessness.
Facilitate problem-solving conversations with family members, friends, landlords, and other appropriate parties when requested and appropriate.
Help participants identify options that may prevent shelter entry or reduce the length of homelessness.
Document Rapid Resolution activities and outcomes in accordance with program requirements.
Develop individualized Housing Stabilization Plans with each enrolled household.
Establish measurable goals and action steps related to housing placement and retention.
Regularly monitor participant progress and update housing plans as circumstances change.
Identify and address barriers to obtaining and maintaining housing.
Provide intensive support during the housing search and transition process.
Assist participants in developing skills and strategies necessary for long-term housing stability.
Conduct active housing searches with participants.
Identify affordable and appropriate housing opportunities throughout the service area.
Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property management companies.
Contact landlords on behalf of participants when appropriate.
Assist participants with rental applications, required documentation, and housing-related paperwork.
Help identify and address barriers related to rental history, credit, income, criminal history, or other factors that may interfere with obtaining housing.
Advocate for participants when appropriate while maintaining professional relationships with landlords and housing providers.
Assist with lease-up and housing transition activities.
Assess participant needs and determine when Temporary Financial Assistance may be appropriate.
Coordinate and document TFA in accordance with applicable VA requirements, CPSEMO policies, and Progressive Engagement principles.
Ensure financial assistance is connected to a clearly identified housing stabilization need.
Complete required documentation and obtain necessary approvals prior to providing assistance.
Coordinate with the SSVF Program Manager and Finance Department as necessary.
Monitor the participant's progress following the provision of assistance.
Seek alternative resources when appropriate to maximize program resources and promote long-term stability.
Assist participants with accessing and maintaining VA benefits and services.
Connect participants with mainstream public benefits and community resources, including: Medicaid and Medicare, SNAP and other food assistance, TANF and other applicable benefits, Social Security and disability benefits, Transportation assistance, Health care services, Behavioral health and substance use services, Employment and workforce development resources, Child care and family support services.
Assist participants with completing applications, gathering documentation, and navigating complex benefit systems.
Coordinate with the SSVF Health Care Navigator when health-related barriers affect housing stability.
Assess employment and income-related barriers to housing stability.
Connect participants with employment services, job training, workforce development programs, and other appropriate resources.
Assist participants in identifying opportunities to increase household income and financial stability.
Coordinate with community workforce partners as appropriate.
Identify legal issues that may create barriers to obtaining or maintaining housing.
Assist participants in accessing appropriate legal services and legal aid providers.
Make referrals for issues such as: Eviction and landlord-tenant disputes, Discharge upgrades, Outstanding fines or legal financial obligations, Child support matters, Benefits-related legal issues, Criminal record-related housing barriers, Other legal matters that may directly affect housing stability.
Coordinate with legal service providers as appropriate and consistent with participant consent and applicable confidentiality requirements.
Document legal referrals and outcomes in accordance with program requirements and applicable regulations, including 38 CFR 62.33(g).
Provide short-term follow-up services after housing placement.
Monitor housing stability and identify emerging concerns.
Assist participants in addressing issues that could result in eviction or loss of housing.
Coordinate with landlords, service providers, and community resources when appropriate and authorized.
Help participants transition successfully from intensive SSVF services to sustainable community-based supports.
Document housing retention outcomes and follow-up activities.
Maintain timely, accurate, and complete documentation of participant services.
Enter required information into HMIS within established program timelines.
Maintain accurate participant records, assessments, service plans, referrals, financial assistance documentation, and case notes.
Ensure documentation supports program eligibility, service delivery, and federal reporting requirements.
Protect the confidentiality and privacy of participant information.
Correct documentation and data-quality issues promptly when identified.
Participate in Coordinated Entry case conferencing and other community coordination activities.
Collaborate with local Continuums of Care, shelters, housing providers, VA personnel, and other community organizations.
Coordinate referrals and services to reduce duplication and improve participant outcomes.
Participate in case staffing and multidisciplinary service coordination.
Develop and maintain knowledge of housing and supportive service resources throughout CPSEMO's 14-county service area.
Provide services through mobile case management and community-based outreach.
Travel throughout CPSEMO's 14-county service area to meet with participants and community partners.
Meet participants in appropriate community locations when office-based services create barriers to access.
Assist participants who face transportation, geographic, technology, or provider-access barriers.
Maintain effective communication with participants between in-person appointments through telephone and other approved communication methods.