Case Manager Rapid Rehousing

CORNERSTONES INC•Reston, VA

2d•$52,000 - $56,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Case Manager for Rapid Rehousing provides service coordination and critical linkages for individuals and families referred to Cornerstones’ Rapid Rehousing Program. Using a Housing First approach and a patient, trauma-informed approach grounded in equity, the Case Manager supports people experiencing homelessness in moving from emergency shelter or street outreach into permanent housing. The role is accountable for program outcomes and contractual obligations and works as part of the Embry Rucker Community Shelter and Cornerstones team. The position focuses on reducing the length of homelessness, increasing exits to permanent housing, improving income and financial stability, reducing returns to homelessness, and providing integrated care management. Services include assessing participants’ social, health, emotional, and economic needs; developing and monitoring individualized housing plans and budgets; coordinating with community partners; making referrals; supporting housing and employment searches; crisis intervention; group facilitation; home visits; and timely documentation in case files and HMIS. The Case Manager typically manages 20–25 households, including both households experiencing homelessness and households already housed through the program. The position is based at ERCS in Reston, Virginia, with no stated travel percentage. Work takes place in an emergency shelter and a traditional office. The schedule is a day shift but must be flexible and may include evenings and weekends. A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, a good driving record, and the ability to drive a 15-passenger van are required. The role also requires lifting items weighing 10–20 pounds.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable human services field or commensurate experience with homeless and/or at-risk populations.
Experience working with vulnerable individuals and families, including people with mental health and/or substance use disabilities.
Knowledge and belief in Housing First and Rapid Rehousing philosophy and strategies.
Extensive knowledge of current homelessness strategies and priorities, including trauma-informed care, Housing First, and equity.
Knowledge of social service, homelessness, and housing issues and approaches for addressing them.
Knowledge and understanding of tenant rights and responsibilities and strengths-based case management.
Knowledge of case management principles and practices and regulations and guidelines related to social service provision.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Ability to use HMIS to maintain case records and facilitate data collection.
Ability to schedule and manage workload to meet deadlines.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
Ability to lift items weighing 10–20 pounds.
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and good driving record.
Ability to drive a 15-passenger van.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
MSW plus two years of post-master’s experience is a plus.
Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, Arabic, or French is preferred.
Ability to use personal lived experience of housing instability to help assess system barriers is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage an average caseload of 20–25 households participating in Rapid Rehousing, including households experiencing homelessness and households housed through the program.
Conduct comprehensive assessments using Fairfax County OPEH intake and assessment tools and Cornerstones Integrated Care Management assessment and action-planning tools.
Develop, implement, and monitor individualized plans and budgets with goals and action steps that address housing barriers and program outcomes.
Work with emergency shelter and street outreach participants to support their progress toward housing.
Coordinate with the Housing Locator to educate participants about and assist them in obtaining affordable, appropriate housing.
Determine household appropriateness for Rapid Rehousing funds and recommend funding amounts.
Allocate and track Rapid Rehousing funds, including Emergency Solutions Grant and Virginia Housing Solutions Program funds.
Recertify program eligibility according to program guidelines.
Conduct home visits and housing inspections.
Liaise between participants, property managers, and neighbors.
Maintain participant contact according to service needs and minimum program requirements.
Advocate for and assist participants in obtaining services such as childcare, behavioral health, housing referrals, financial assistance, employment, training, medical services, mentoring, and socialization.
Coordinate with the Child Services Specialist to ensure children’s service needs are met.
Address and, when necessary, de-escalate participant crises; assess safety issues and help participants access emergency services.
Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, case staffings, community-wide trainings, and meetings.
Provide intern or volunteer supervision when appropriate.
Use HMIS and hard-copy files to maintain, update, and report case information, goal attainment, and outcomes in a timely manner.
Manage HMIS data, program outcomes, and case files to ensure performance measures and outcomes meet contractual obligations.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.