Case Manager - Code Blue
About The Position
The Case Manager works directly with residents of a single-adult emergency shelter to help them develop individualized goals and transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The role uses person-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and harm-reduction practices, with services delivered respectfully and in accordance with agency guidelines and professional standards in social work. The Case Manager completes assessments and service plans, provides crisis intervention and ongoing support, connects residents with housing and supportive services, and helps residents obtain documentation and benefits. The role also supports job readiness, facilitates life skills workshops and community activities, coordinates with landlords and partner agencies, transports residents to essential appointments when necessary, and maintains accurate case records and HMIS data. The position is seasonal and located at the Cherry St. Code Blue Shelter in Ithaca, New York. It reports to the Director of Ithaca Programs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human services or social work, or equivalent.
- Two years of case management experience with homeless individuals.
- Working knowledge of Department of Human Services (DHS) and Housing & Urban Development (HUD) guidelines.
- Must obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
- Proficiency with computers and Microsoft Office.
- Clean, valid New York State driver’s license.
Responsibilities
- Complete intake assessments and develop individualized service plans for each resident within 48 hours of shelter entry.
- Review intake applications, screenings, and program orientations to assess eligibility and appropriateness for the shelter.
- Provide crisis intervention and ongoing support to help residents stabilize and address barriers to housing.
- Create transition plans to help residents identify and secure safe, affordable, permanent housing.
- Refer residents to medical, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and other supportive services as appropriate.
- Assist residents in obtaining identification, public benefits, and documentation required to access housing and supportive programs.
- Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and inclusive shelter environment guided by trauma-informed and harm-reduction practices.
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with residents to monitor progress, adjust service plans, and provide emotional and practical support.
- Facilitate life skills workshops, community meetings, and group activities that promote independence, resilience, and stability.
- Provide job readiness assistance, including resume support, referrals to training programs, and employment search assistance when appropriate.
- Transport residents to essential appointments when necessary.
- Build and maintain working relationships with landlords, housing providers, and partner agencies to expand housing opportunities and resources.
- Maintain accurate case notes, records, and documentation in compliance with agency and funder requirements.
- Enter data into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) in a timely and accurate manner.
- Communicate resident progress, concerns, and outcomes to the Shelter Manager.
- Participate in weekly case conferences and interdisciplinary team meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
