Case Manager - Rapid Rehousing

The Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless•Rockville, MD

About The Position

The Case Manager provides field-based activities and direct client services for a rapid re-housing program serving single individuals experiencing homelessness. The role orients eligible participants to the program and provides housing-search assistance and supportive services to promote self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanent housing. It also includes administrative work related to reviewing and maintaining a caseload. Duties take place in a general office environment and in the field and community where participants reside.

Requirements

Knowledge of and belief in the Housing First philosophy and strategies.
A bachelor’s degree in human services is preferred, or a two-year degree in a human-related services field and three years of related experience.
Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a demanding workload.
Attention to detail in maintaining files and meeting contract-compliance requirements.
Creative thinking and an adaptive personality.
Knowledge or understanding of tenants’ rights and responsibilities and strength-based case management.
Strong record-keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports for federal, state, and local government agencies and funding sources.
Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies, and ability to maintain good landlord relationships.
Fluency in English.
Experience with computers and knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Valid driver’s license, a car, and a good driving record.
Sensitivity to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
Commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems and belief in people’s capacity to grow and change.
Ability to set appropriate limits to help people served gain skills and confidence.
Ability to work collaboratively with personnel, service providers, and other professionals.
Ability to maintain an empowering role with clients and intervene appropriately to meet service goals.

Nice To Haves

Spanish-speaking ability is an added asset but is not required.

Responsibilities

Assess housing barriers and determine participants’ housing and service needs.
Conduct intake interviews to determine participants’ needs, goals, and eligibility, and develop housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plans.
Mediate and advocate with landlords on participants’ behalf to develop workable plans for obtaining or maintaining housing.
Help participants locate and secure housing of their choice.
Assist participants in securing and maintaining employment, coordinating with an outside contractor that provides dedicated employment services.
Maintain consistent verbal and written communication among participants, landlords, referral sources, collaborating agencies, debtors, and creditors.
Act as an ongoing liaison between property managers and participants, and between participants and neighbors.
Provide information and referrals to appropriate social service agencies and community programs.
Provide proactive housing and budget counseling; help participants develop and follow personal budgets, establish payment plans for bills and past debts, and obtain and maintain housing.
Help participants develop strength-based, solution-focused goals and action plans that promote permanent housing and self-sufficiency; develop a timely referral network to provide ongoing direction and support.
Identify participants’ strengths and barriers to stability, and help reduce barriers and connect participants with resources and services.
Conduct proactive follow-up home visits to support stability and progress toward self-sufficiency, including advocacy, problem-solving, reducing isolation, listening, and identifying resources for community reintegration.
Use knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate participants about their rights and responsibilities.
Maintain accurate daily logs, records, monthly outcome reports, and participant files.
Transport participants when necessary for housing and job searches and occasional visits to relevant social service agencies.
Collect and report program data, including data in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Complete appropriate monthly and annual report forms.
Maintain complete working files with activity documentation and copies of related paperwork in both paper and electronic formats.
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.