Case Manager (Shelter)

Interfaith Works • Rockville, MD

2d • $55,000 - $65,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Case Manager provides housing-focused case management and stabilization services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Using Housing First, trauma-informed, harm-reduction, motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approaches, the Case Manager works collaboratively with program participants to identify barriers, establish goals, access community resources, and obtain and maintain stable housing.

The position manages a caseload of approximately 25 participants, maintains consistent engagement and timely documentation, and coordinates actively with internal programs, community providers, and Montgomery County's Continuum of Care and Coordinated Entry System. It requires flexibility, sound judgment, strong professional boundaries, and effective responses to behavioral health challenges, housing instability, trauma, and other barriers to stabilization.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, human services, sociology, public health, or a related behavioral health or human-services field is preferred; relevant education, training, and directly related experience may be considered in place of the preferred degree.
• Ability to build rapport and maintain professional, respectful, and appropriate relationships with participants.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to develop proficiency in, Housing First, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, motivational interviewing, and person-centered service delivery.
• Knowledge of community resources and public systems related to homelessness, housing, behavioral health, health care, public benefits, employment, and crisis services.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to behavioral health crises, including potential suicidal or homicidal ideation, in accordance with organizational protocols and training.
• Strong assessment, problem-solving, organization, time-management, and case-planning skills.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, deadlines, participant needs, and documentation requirements effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write clear, objective, accurate, and timely case notes and reports.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and seek supervisory guidance when appropriate.
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with people from diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, religious, gender, and identity backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to meet the position's physical demands, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience providing case management, housing navigation, behavioral health, homeless services, crisis intervention, or community-based human services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, substance-use disorders, trauma, domestic violence, or other significant barriers to stability.
• Experience using HMIS or a comparable electronic case-management system.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language commonly spoken by program participants.

Responsibilities

• Establish respectful, collaborative relationships with participants using strengths-based, person-centered, trauma-informed, and Housing First approaches.
• Manage a caseload of approximately 25 participants and meet with each at least weekly, or more often when appropriate.
• Conduct comprehensive and ongoing assessments of housing needs, strengths, vulnerabilities, behavioral health needs, trauma history, income, benefits, and other barriers.
• Develop, implement, and regularly update individualized service plans and housing plans with participants.
• Help participants establish and prioritize realistic goals related to housing, income, health, employment, benefits, independent living, and overall stability.
• Monitor participant progress and adjust interventions and plans as needs and barriers change.
• Provide immediate intervention, support, and referrals for urgent or emergency needs while promoting participant choice and self-determination.
• Assist participants in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining safe and appropriate permanent housing, including navigating applications, eligibility, documentation, and landlord communication.
• Connect participants with community resources, including health care, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, employment, public benefits, legal services, transportation, life-skills education, and basic-needs assistance.
• Coordinate services with providers, landlords, government agencies, health care professionals, and participants' support networks as authorized.
• Support access to essential appointments and services, including coordinating transportation when appropriate.
• Advocate for participants while maintaining professional boundaries and supporting their ability to navigate systems independently.
• Participate in Montgomery County Continuum of Care Coordinated Entry System meetings, case-conferencing calls, trainings, and related activities.
• Complete Coordinated Entry assessments, referrals, documentation, and follow-up accurately and on time.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with Interfaith Works programs and departments to coordinate services and continuity of care.
• Attend monthly Case Management and Vocational Services meetings, staff meetings, trainings, supervision sessions, and other organizational activities.
• Meet regularly with the Case Management Supervisor for individual supervision and case consultation.
• Maintain accurate, complete, objective, and timely participant records in accordance with organizational policies, contract requirements, confidentiality standards, and applicable laws.
• Document contacts, services, referrals, assessments, progress, and significant incidents in HMIS within required timeframes; maintain files and complete required reports, plans, summaries, and incident documentation.
• Ensure HMIS data quality, correct identified concerns, and protect confidential participant information.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support and assess immediate safety concerns within the scope of training and responsibilities.
• Follow protocols for suicidal or homicidal thoughts, intent, or other imminent risks, and contact emergency or supervisory resources when warranted.
• Maintain awareness of the program environment and communicate safety, behavioral, or operational concerns to supervisory staff.
• Work at least one evening per week based on program needs and facilitate or co-facilitate a community meeting one evening every other week.
• Maintain reliable attendance and punctuality, follow organizational policies and professional standards, participate in required training and professional development, and perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 14 paid holidays.
• 21 days of paid time off.
• Subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage for eligible full-time employees working at least 30 hours per week and their eligible dependents.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance.
• Optional portable benefits, including short-term disability and critical-illness insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program at no cost to all employees, regardless of full- or part-time status.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level